Well, that has been a bit of a break hasn't it!

I was reminded about my blog by a student midwife the other day and I had (honestly) completely forgotten the last time I updated it. And as you know, LOTS of things have happened since 2019.

I thought I might post a little update and this might spur me onto blog again. I enjoyed it a lot when I was a student midwife and newly qualified and it helped me to talk about topics that interested me and a little release for projects I was passionate about. I've never seen myself as a 'blogger' or 'influencer' and the majority of my social media now is on Instagram (@ruth.midwife) as I like the one shot and caption kind of sharing. 

So to no ones surprise - I am still a midwife!

I'm currently in my rotational post and the third rotation of my career - Triage and Induction Ward. I've been here for a little over 15 months and really feel like I've found a good fit with the team I work with and the care I provide. It may seen odd that our Triage ward also manages Inductions of Labour but that's because we aim to provide as many outpatient inductions as possible, and often women we Triage are admitted for induction.

Triage has challenged my decision making skills, team working and ability to assess patients as quickly as possible, especially in more emergency situations. I work with a fantastic multidisciplinary team which helps a lot! The communication between medical staff and midwifery staff in Triage is key and something I believe my hospital is lucky enough to be good at!

I've also dipped my toe (or been thrown head first) into Quality Improvement. In September 2020 I started a project focusing on altered fetal movements and reducing perinatal adverse outcomes e.g. stillbirth for my health board.  Alongside this I completed the Scottish Coaching and Leading for Improvement Programme, a course designed to support healthcare providers completing quality improvement. 

I think I'll write a separate blog on QI and the midwifes role as it has been a big eye opener for me. I always thought I'd like to complete a Masters degree but doing QI alongside my clinical role fulfils that academic/improvement focused part of me!

And then there is… COVID19.

Working during the last year and bit in the NHS has had its challenges. There have been days I've cried during shift and felt like giving up - the constant change in policies and procedures, lockdown, not seeing friends or family, having to treat COVID19 positive patients, the constant swabbing and trying to be a 33 year old single woman all at the same time has been difficult.

But I wouldn't have got through it without the support of my amazing colleagues, undertaking (personal) therapy, mental health support, running and my family. Oh! and getting vaccinated!

So there - a brief snap shot in of my last 2 years.

Is there anything I've missed? If so comment below or tweet me at my new twitter handle @ruth_midwife.

Best,

Ruth x

Instagram: @ruth.midwife