The Hands–on Guide to Midwifery Placements

Luisa Cescutti-Butler is Senior Lecturer in Midwifery at Bournemouth University. Margaret Fisher is Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) of Midwifery at the University of Plymouth.

Contributors ix Foreword xi Preface xiii About the Editors xv Acknowledgements xvii List of Abbreviations xix 1 Introduction to midwifery and the profession 1 Susan Way Introduction 1 Philosophy of care 1 What is the practice of midwifery? 1 Introduction to philosophy 1 Two opposing philosophies 2 Women s views of maternity care 6 Top ten tips for what women want from their midwives/student midwives 7 Watch your language 8 What is a midwife? 11 The nursing and midwifery council (NMC) 11 The NMC and midwifery education 15 The NMC and practice requirements 18 The NMC and assessment of practice 19 Raising concerns 21 Guidance on using social media and social networking as a student 22 Conclusion 26 References 29 Further resources 31 2 Preparation for practice 32 Henrietta Otley Introduction 32 The theory practice gap 32 Work life balance 33 Shift work 34 Night shifts 35 Time management 37 Working with mentors 38 Multiprofessional/interprofessional working 39 Jargon and abbreviations 40 Practicalities 41 Support for you in placement 42 Having a specific learning difference and how this may impact you in the workplace 42 Other disabilities 44 Other sources of support 45 Conclusion 45 References 49 Further resources 49 3 Assessment of practice 50 Margaret Fisher Introduction 50 Purpose 51 Process 53 Practice placements 53 Sign-off mentor 54 Ongoing achievement record (OAR) 58 Assessment document 59 Grading of practice 61 Practice progress review meetings (tripartites/triads) 64 Positives 67 Pitfalls 68 Preparation 69 Fitness to practise 71 Conclusion 74 References 75 Further resources 76 4 Low-risk midwifery placements 77 Jo Coggins Introduction 77 People you may meet 77 Developing skills 80 Before birth 81 Pre-conception clinics 81 Booking Clinics 82 Antenatal clinics 83 Advising women over the telephone 85 Antenatal classes 85 During birth 86 Birthing centres 86 Homebirth 91 Care of women who are at low risk in high-risk areas 93 After birth 93 Dos and don ts for community working 95 Uniforms 96 Being with families in their homes 96 Conclusion 101 References 102 Useful reading 102 Further resources 102 5 High-risk midwifery placements 103 Margaret Fisher Introduction 103 Learning opportunities available 104 Learning through observation and feedback 105 Learning from the interprofessional team 106 Learning about evidencebased practice 108 Learning about technology and interventions 110 Learning about more complex interpersonal and communication skills 112 Learning about decisionmaking and leadership 113 Types of high-risk placements 114 Antenatal clinic 115 Antenatal ward 116 Day assessment unit 117 Labour ward or central delivery suite 117 Postnatal ward 122 How to prepare 123 When you have a planned placement 124 When the unexpected happens 124 Dealing with the fallout 125 Conclusion 126 References 130 Further resources 131 6 Caseloading 132 Stella Rawnson Introduction 132 Back to the beginning 132 What is student midwife caseloading practice? 133 Organisation of learning experience 133 Advantages of caseloading practice 134 Students views and experiences 135 A sense of feeling valued 136 Working more independently 136 Belief in self as practitioner 136 Organisational and leadership skills 136 Reflecting on personal priorities for care 137 Practicalities of planning and providing care (living the reality) 141 Building a personal caseload 141 Communication pathways 143 Role and responsibilities 145 Maintaining professional relationships 145 Safe and effective practitioner 146 Record keeping 146 Women s views and experiences 147 Wanting to contribute to student learning 147 Valuing continuity of carer 148 Enhanced care 148 Conclusion 148 References 150 7 Wider experiences 151 Margaret Fisher Introduction 151 Learning opportunities 153 Interprofessional teamworking 153 Communication and interpersonal skills 154 Clinical skills 154 Learning about conditions 157 Specific learning 158 Other useful experiences 165 Mental health 165 Other departments 166 How to prepare 167 Conclusion 169 References 172 Further resources 173 8 Student electives 174 Luisa Cescutti-Butler Introduction 174 What is an elective placement? 174 How long are elective placements? 175 Reasons for undertaking an elective 175 What could you do in this period? 176 Staycation remain in your clinical location 176 Staycation with a twist remain within the Trusts where your University places midwifery students 178 UK based but outside the locality of your University placements 180 Overseas elective 181 Planning your expenses 187 Where can I get funding for an elective placement? 187 What sort of questions might you see on an application for funding form? 188 Budget planner 189 Erasmus Programme 189 Other ideas/opportunities during your elective 192 What next following your elective? 193 Conclusion 194 References 196 Further resources 196 9 What next? 197 Faye Doris Introduction 197 Preparing for interviews 197 Are you staying in the same unit? 198 Are you moving away? 198 Curriculum vitae 199 Format of CV 200 Pitfalls with CVs 200 Presentation of your CV 200 Personal statement 202 Covering letter 202 The actual interview 202 Things to do 202 Presentations 203 Tests as part of the selection process 203 Post-interview 204 Being professional 204 The Royal College of Midwives and UNISON 205 Supervisors of midwives 206 The Midwives in Teaching Project: what did this tell us? 206 Career opportunities 208 Clinical 209 Education 209 Research 209 Management 209 Rabbits in headlights 210 References 213 Further resources 213 Index 215