General Questions

Question 1

Why do you want to be a midwife and why NHS Tayside?

Answer 1

I was inspired by the midwives who cared for my friend during a teen pregnancy despite the judgement she received by society. Therefore, I want to advocate for women and provide individualised family and women centred care to promote positive benefits to all aspects of holistic health. I want to work within NHS Tayside as I have had amazing placements throughout of all of NHS Tayside and I thoroughly enjoyed working with amazing members of the MDT team. As well as the values of compassion, respect, collaboration and communication to out women first are key bales and attribute I utilise when caring for women to promote positive outcomes.

Question 2

What would you do if you were moved to a different ward for a shift?

Answer 2

I understand why being moved to a different ward can often be daunting and anxiety inducing. However, after having placement within NHS Lothian labour ward, I realised I thrives on change and diverse environments and I enjoy all aspects of midwifery care. I have also done continuity of carer for three years and I am often between different times weds when following continuity women. Therefore, I am use to different environments in a moments notice

Question 3

What are the benefits and challenges of Best Start?

Answer 3

• best start promotes family centred care where partner and family are supported and promotes compassionate and safe care
• best start promotes continuity which is shown to benefit mothers through higher access to services, better outcomes and better experiences
• best start promotes MDT working to delivery high quality care
• although with best start in particular to continuity, it can be hard to implement due to organisational structures and culture.

Question 4

Give me an example of how you use evidence based practice?

Answer 4

At either the 34 or 36 week appointment, women and midwives collaborate to make birth plans. Where it is the midwife’s role in discussing evidence behind birth place and birth practices, such as delayed cord clamping. When in practice I have used the acronym brain (brain, risks, alternatives, intuition and nothing) while using evidence based practice to support women with their choices

Question 5

Talk me through how you would assess and develop a plan of care for a women

Answer 5

When developing a plan of care for women, one of the most important things is to consider her wishes, values and preferences. Therefore, having an open conversation with her to discuss these things will ensure her care is personalised and meets her holistic needs. In doing so I would also provide her with evidence based practice regarding the topic, and discuss the guidelines within NHS Tayside to ensure she is aware of recommendations and evidence which will support her in collaborating with professionals to make a plan. It is equally important to involve MDT when discussing plan of care to ensure safe and effective care is provided

Question 6

What does the maternity pathway outline?

Answer 6

• outlines summary of care throughout the perinatal period
• outlines recommendations for north and referrals
• discusses GIRFEC
• promotes continuity
• promoted honest, open culture and MDT Working
• holistic care including birth partners and family
• individualised care and trauma informed care

Question 7

How did you benefit from having a mentor and how do you see yourself mentoring students?

Answer 7

I have been very lucky with the supervisors i have had. They have inspired me to want to be a midwife who is knowledge, approachable and encouraging to students who would promote learning and Corrientes and be a supervisor student midwives can rely on, enjoy working with and feel as though they can learn