MIDIRS Essence > March 2010 > Student/Tutor feature

The benefits of returning to study - one midwife's experience

Originally posted on Mar 2010

In April 2006 I registered for the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Midwifery Studies provided by the Academic Division of Midwifery at the University of Nottingham.

I initially enrolled to increase my confidence in midwifery practice. I had previously worked full-time for 11 years, but taking a career break to raise a family and then returning part-time left me feeling the world had moved on and my knowledge and experience needed updating.

Rather than only accepting the ‘how’ in practice, the emphasis on ‘why’ and ‘why not’ had become essential to an increasingly evidence-based profession. The greater expectation to discuss issues with women and families also demanded a firm knowledge base. I had initially qualified as a midwife when only four ‘O’ levels were needed to enter the profession, which now seems extraordinary in view of the development of diploma and degree level education!

The BSc (Hons) in Midwifery Studies is based on completion of four modules at Level 3 to acquire 120 credits for the award. Two of the modules are compulsory (Research and Ethics in Midwifery and Developing Midwifery Practice through Work-based Learning) and two are chosen from a range of midwifery and related options including: perineal care; high dependency care of the childbearing woman; contraception and sexual health; infant nutrition; and counselling.

I first undertook the optional module Normal Childbirth: Empowering Women and Midwives in order to support the essence of what I was trying to achieve. Having made some progress into methods of study, I then undertook the Antenatal Screening module simply because my knowledge in this area was alarmingly scanty! This led to my developing a research proposal related to neonatal screening as part of the Research and Ethics in Midwifery module, and later into developing the local Trust clinical guidelines for antenatal and neonatal haemoglobinopathy screening as part of the Developing Midwifery Practice through Work-based Learning module. I particularly enjoyed the workplace based project for this last module as it married my professional learning needs with those of the Trust.

The study groups tended to be small and supportive and I soon realised that I was not alone in lacking confidence in my academic pursuits! Initially, searching for information/articles from electronic sources was daunting (and slow work…) but as the modules progressed this activity was practised repeatedly and became an achievement in itself (and almost fun…)! I had not previously realised how patient and helpful library staff are in providing literature-searching tutorials, and in seeking required information with dogged determination. Students were coached according to their experience of study skills and therefore progressed at different rates. The tutorials were also of a very high standard and the course leader and midwifery teachers cheerfully persuaded us that we could achieve anything!

The time frame of the course is five years, which allowed me flexibility to choose the rate of study and to continue my work and home life. I actually submitted my last assignment after two and a half years and graduated in July 2009. Sometimes the modules overlapped slightly, but at other times I had a few months breathing space. It has to be said, however, that although my course fees were initially paid by the Trust and latterly by the East Midlands Healthcare Workforce Deanery contract, I attended all the study days in my own time and there was a significant amount of personal study required to complete the assignments. Quiet time to study was possible at home during weekdays or in the library at weekends. Working part-time gave me the flexibility to complete the modules, but obviously at the cost of less income.

Overall I found the experience stimulating and my energy for midwifery was regenerated. Prior to starting the course there were so many articles which I intended to read but never quite got around to. Once an assignment deadline looms, however, it focuses the mind and shakes up that dormant brain! I would definitely recommend going back to the classroom, however long it’s been. It’s another thing to fit into a busy life but well worth it! Maybe the Master of Science in Midwifery will be next…

Claire Wood | University of Nottingham | Photo Credit: Claire Wood

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