Is this do able?

honeypop

The only thing I can think of is something a student midwife said to me while I was having my baby, she explained that while working on the placements, she did early, late and night shifts and she was glad she had her family to be able to look after her children for her while working these hours, as nursery hours were not enough. Do you have someone who will be able to look after your children while you do the placements which are outside of nursery hours?

RazWaz

My mother did a similar course when I was about 3 years old, she did any placements on night shifts, slept while I was at nursery and did any coursework after I went to bed, I never even noticed. There was still lots of time for days out.

bylromarha

I think this is a question only you can answer

How will you do night shifts?
How will you feel with kids in Nursery?
How will you afford to live?
How will you find time to study?

There are lots more questions I'm sure, but they're top of the head ones that you need to consider and be satisfied with the answers. All the best.

littlenicki

Im currently a student nurse and have plenty of contact with midwifery students too (shared modules etc). I would just like to echo what the others have said about shifts etc. How will you cover the time before and after nurseries are open when you are on placement? IE - shifts start at 730am (have to be there at 715) and finish at 730pm (IF you are lucky), who will look after the children before and after the nurseries open and close? You also have NO say in the days that you are on placement. You have to do a certain number of shifts with your mentor in order to comply with regulations & be able to qualify. So when she's (/he's) in, so are you.

Night shifts - in nursing we dont have to do them in the first year but after that they become mandatory (even for those with small children) im not 100% sure its the same with midwifery, but i would imagine that it is.

Im not saying it isnt possible, i really REALLY hope it is. BUT you must have some support structures in place for those times when its going to be bl**dy difficult.

Im only 20 and have no responsibilities but I have found juggling assignments, placement and uni very difficult at times and i cannot imagine having to do that with 2 small children in tow.

Good luck though, I really hope you find a way to make it work for you

littlenicki

ps - the funding and financial support we receive is pittance. Please please check how much you would be entitled too before applying. Without the financial support of my mum I wouldnt be able to do this course (i receive £300 bursary a month, my rent is £378 a month, and that doesnt include, living costs or bills)

helphelphelphelp

Hi Single Mum of 1

Tax credits will help with child care so that is pretty much taken care of. If you get in uni for 2011 and go for the the diploma rather than the degree option, the bursary isnt means tested and you will probaby get (I think it was quoted) about £500 - 600 a month. You may get more means tested depending on your circumstances so could be worth more to you doing it that way.

My eldest sees her dad but only every other weekend, and my youngests dad isnt much help so cant rely on him. There are placements throughout the course but although these are pretty regular, only 2-3 over the year could be weekend or night shifts so I am willing to take the risk and find childcare for those few days (am thinking surely it is worth finding someone to look after the kids for 2 weeks over night during a year as the benefits will be so great). Also, because I want to do child nursing, a lot of the placements are in the community (schools, health visitors, etc, which means the placements are 9-5) so that would may be worth considering. x

Fruit_Gum

Hi

I recently qualified as a midwife and the three year degree was really hard work balancing study/essays/exams/placements/children/family. My children were 2 and 8 when I started.

I'm lucky in that I had my husband and mum to help out with childcare as it is shiftwork. I pretty sure I couldn't have managed without their support to be honest. Have you got family or friends nearby that would be willing to help.

Sorry to sound negative, it really is the best thing I have ever done and Im glad I did it, but IT IS bloody hard work!

Good luck with your application, if you need to chat or ask any questions please feel free to pm me.

Oh and it really is the best job in the world:D