[Midwifery Clinical Practice] Characteristics of students whom clinical midwives feel will grow

When I am in charge of clinical practice, there are students whom I feel will grow.

I feel that way about some students.🔍

However, those students are not necessarily the ones who are knowledgeable or skilled.

In fact, some students who are initially inefficient, clumsy, or unable to move as they would like due to nervousness grow rapidly in the latter half of their clinical practice.💡

I myself was quite inefficient as a new nurse... I once caused three incidents in a single day, and I was also bad at multitasking.🌀

That is why, during clinical practice, I try to look at things from the perspective of whether they can grow in the future, rather than whether they can do it right now.

Today, I would like to talk about the characteristics of students who grow, as seen from the perspective of a clinical instructor.🫶

1. They respond to what they are taught

I once reviewed a case of prolonged labor with a student.

During the review, we talked about relevant books, and I introduced a book that I use as a reference.

Then, a few days later, the student said to me, "I read the book you introduced."

They reached out to me.

And,

They even shared their own thoughts, saying, "This part was a learning experience for me,"
"It connected to the case I was in charge of during my clinical practice."

They even shared their own thoughts, saying, "This part was a learning experience for me," and "It connected to the case I was in charge of during my clinical practice."

Honestly, I was very happy.

It is not about being great because they read a book.

They respond to what they are taught.

In that, I can see their desire to learn.

I believe that students who are good at being taught will grow during clinical practice.

And this ability is also very important after becoming a new midwife.

People who respond to advice from seniors naturally improve their relationships with those around them.

I am not sure if the word 'well-liked' is appropriate, but I am certain that opportunities for people to think 'I want to help this student' will definitely increase.

(2) Being able to communicate what you are thinking is better than asking perfect questions

One of the concerns I often hear from students is,

'I don't know what I should ask.'

I think that is perfectly fine!!

Because during a practicum,

'I don't know what I don't know 🌀'

It is natural to be in that state. I was the same way when I was a student.

However, from the perspective of the instructor, there is something that makes it difficult.

That is a state where there is no communication at all.

The student is thinking very hard.

But I don't know what they are thinking.

I don't know if they are struggling or if they understand.

There are times when that situation occurs.

That is why I believe there is no need to ask perfect questions.

Rather than that,

'I have thought up to this point''I cannot organize this part'

I am happier when you share the progress of your thinking like that.A practicum is not a place for checking answers.

This is a place to cultivate the ability to think💪

That is precisely why I want you to value putting your own thoughts into words more than just giving the correct answer🫶

3. Can act while observing the other person's situation

In medical settings, emergency responses happen on a daily basis.

Sudden changes during the progression of labor.

Nurse calls from patients.

Unexpected situations.

We work amidst such things😱

Therefore, I feel that students who grow are not necessarily those who are "good at asking questions," but rather those who "can observe the other person's situation"💡

For example,

Checking with a single phrase like, "Do you have a moment now?"

Being able to wait a little when someone looks busy.

Understanding that responding to patients takes priority.

Those are the kinds of students.

I think of this not as "reading the room," but as the "ability to observe the other person."

Midwifery is a profession of interpersonal support.

The ability to observe the patient's condition and the situation is essential, but the ability to observe the situation of the staff you work with is also important.

I believe this perspective will lead not only to clinical practice but also to team medical care after you are employed💡

4. Has humility as a learner

Midwifery clinical practice is a precious opportunity to "be allowed to learn" at the site of childbirth, which is a major milestone in the lives of pregnant women and their families.

That is precisely why I want you to value a humble attitude as a learner during your practicum.

Midwifery is a profession dedicated to helping others. It requires not only knowledge and skills but also an attitude of respecting the other person and being close to their feelings. I believe the foundation of that attitude is gratitude and humility, the mindset of 'thank you for letting me learn.' How you interact with others is surprisingly well-observed.

For example,

Being very polite to your instructor, but using sloppy language with patients.

Becoming too friendly, as if you are peers, just because you are close in age to the patient.

Forgetting your role as a student and staff member just because you have a friend who is a senior staff member at the practicum site.

These behaviors are seen by those around you more than you might think.

Conversely,

Students who can treat patients, their families, and staff with consistent respect are trustworthy.🫶

Knowledge and skills can be learned later.

However, I believe that an attitude of valuing people is the foundation of being a midwife.💡

The student I most want to support

Finally, I would like to talk about the kind of student I want to support.

It is not the student who is skilled at techniques.

It is not the student who is efficient.

It is the student who gives their all.

It is okay if you are not efficient.

It is okay if you spin your wheels.

It is okay if your skills are still immature.

But, you must be thinking seriously about the patient.

How can I make them feel at ease?

How can I support their unique way of giving birth and raising their child?

When I see students who have such compassion, I think, 'They will surely become wonderful midwives.' 👩

I want to continue supporting such students!

Actually, the characteristics I discussed this time are common not only in clinical practice but also in job hunting. 🔍

Why are students who are highly evaluated in clinical practice also strong in job hunting? In the next article, I will thoroughly explain the following points from the perspective of a recruiter!

• The profile of a 'new midwife' that hospitals are truly looking for

• Tips for using clinical practice experience in your job application self-promotion

• Common traits of 'students who get chosen' that give them a head start in recruitment exams

To help you achieve your 'ideal job' beyond your clinical practice, please check this out as a lucky charm. 👇

For other articles related to midwifery clinical practice click here 👇

\ Where should you start with clinical practice preparation? /

I introduce specific, actionable preparation methods you can start right now to become the kind of 'student with potential' mentioned in this article!

• Understand the perspective of what instructors are looking for

• Tips to turn nervousness and anxiety during clinical practice into confidence

• 5 important points you can put into practice starting tomorrow

Please check this out as well as a lucky charm to help you get through your clinical practice 👇