I'm extremely lucky. Every mentor I have worked with over my two years studying as a midwife has shaped my practice, taught me things in a new way and helped me develop into the midwife I'd like to qualify as.
I know sometimes it isn't that easy. Personalities clash, students feel intimidated by their mentors or asked too much of them. Mentors do not spend enough time with their student or use the age old line of 'I can't give you an A grade because you're only first year'.
I am very much an advocate for asking questions, in appropriate circumstances. There are no silly questions when you're learning. If your unsure how to word it ask them to 'clarify' a certain decision or event.
Take notes. I cannot advise this enough and I even know newly qualified midwives who still do this.
Write out how documentation should be laid out e.g. vaginal examination findings.
Note down the stages of labour, normal range limits for blood results, blood pressures and temperatures etc.
By knowing the basics and having them to hand you can use the 'normal' to help you identify the abnormal - and be able to read these off to your mentor should they question this.
Outline if something makes you uncomfortable. This week was the first time I helped during newborn resuscitation. I needed to let my mentor know how I felt during this so that next time she was aware of my strengths/challenges surrounding the task.
Mentors can make or break your training.
It is important that their goals line up with yours. Ask them how they usually treat first/second/third year students in relation to aspects of care.
If you are having issues with a mentor bring it to the attention of your charge midwife and university. Most issues are usually misunderstandings.
And remember they were students once too!
When developing a professional relationship with your mentor - remember you're both #InItTogether
Ruth x
twitter: @ruth_stmw
