As an RM does the age of students matter?

midwifemissy · #1 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:12

As a more mature student and the oldest in my cohort, I wondered if this is viewed as a help or a hinderence to RM's? Or do you feel that both can bring benefits to their learning and placement experiences?

TallPoppy · #2 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:18

MM,

What a great topic! We know from the sister student site that students worry alot about how they will be recieved by midwives and women due to their age.

I look forward to hearing the views

midwifemissy · #3 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:21

That is one reason I wanted to ask the question J™, I feel that if we as students can hear first hand how midwives feel about this, then it will help us no end as students.

I do of course have my own preconceived view on this, but am happy to have that changed if I am proved wrong.

LynnWife · #4 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:25

I often think that the final year students know more than me half the time

New students are all fingers and thumbs but I like taking them because they are very keen and eager. I especially like the ones who bring me chocolate penguins and like chatting about Johnny Dep (oooo... he's hot)

midwifemary · #5 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:27

I do not think it matters as everyone will bring new and different aspects to midwifery. In my experience it is who the person is that makes the most difference, if you are willing to learn, take pride in your work, attend when you should like getting out of bed for 3am homebirths then your dedication and ethusiasm is infectious.

I spent many years after my general training acting as a preceptor for new nurses and the ones that went that extra mile are the ones I remember as the best, not how old they were. As a preceptor of midwives later, the theme was the same.

The best advice I can give you is to be honest about what you can and cant do, build trust with your preceptor and make time to read up on anything you are not sure about. That will all stand you in good stead.

midwifemissy · #6 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:32

Chocolate does seem to be preferred by most mentors I have worked with lol, I will definately remember that.

Originally Posted by LynnWife

I often think that the final year students know more than me half the time
New students are all fingers and thumbs but I like taking them because they are very keen and eager. I especially like the ones who bring me chocolate penguins and like chatting about Johnny Dep (oooo... he's hot)

Dory · #7 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:33

Hi,

I don't think that age is a barrier - as midwives we look after women of all ages and backgrounds, so midwives and students should reflect this. It's about the person, and how they relate to the women, and to you as a midwife. In terms of student mentor relationships, I have seen young students who have problems dealing with young mentors as they want to be best mates and have trouble accepting guidance, and older students who have problems working with younger mentors, but these are definitely a tiny minority.

I just want a student who is keen to learn, eager to contribute, but has a bit of nouse about what appropriate times are to ask questions and discuss things - in front of the woman is not the time to discuss her warts or smelly feet!

Chocolate is good as well.....

midwifemissy · #8 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:34

Thank you very much for sharing that Mary, I do try to be keen and eager to learn, but I also feel at times I hold myslef back as I don't want to appear as a 'know it all' or 'too pushy', it is finding that balance that I find hard at first. I hope that will improve the more experienced I become.

midwifemissy · #9 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:37

I can understand that wouldn't be the most appropriate time for a discussion in front of the woman Dory lol. I like to keep my discussions or questions out of earshot of the woman as this is what I would expect, so feel it is only right to be courteous enough to do the same for others.

Originally Posted by Dory

Hi,

I don't think that age is a barrier - as midwives we look after women of all ages and backgrounds, so midwives and students should reflect this. It's about the person, and how they relate to the women, and to you as a midwife. In terms of student mentor relationships, I have seen young students who have problems dealing with young mentors as they want to be best mates and have trouble accepting guidance, and older students who have problems working with younger mentors, but these are definitely a tiny minority.

I just want a student who is keen to learn, eager to contribute, but has a bit of nouse about what appropriate times are to ask questions and discuss things - in front of the woman is not the time to discuss her warts or smelly feet!

Chocolate is good as well.....

TallPoppy · #10 (**permalink**) 31-May-2008, 13:39

Originally Posted by midwifemissy

That is one reason I wanted to ask the question J™, I feel that if we as students can hear first hand how midwives feel about this, then it will help us no end as students.

I do of course have my own preconceived view on this, but am happy to have that changed if I am proved wrong.

Thats what I love about these sites, they can work together to break down any barriers between students and RMs and open comunication. So often with mentors we are the juniors and I never feel equal despite having a professional job before and being old and grey! I like the fact that we can spend time on here understanding one anothers perspectives

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As an RM does the age of students matter?

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