When I’m swamped, I usually don’t have time to post anything here, which is a shame, because it doesn’t allow the faithful reader a full blow-by-blow account of the ins and outs of being a student. So, here’s a five minute post just to render the reality of studenthood a little more clearly for those who’re interested: aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!
Each semester the students are given modules to complete with the core competencies written down for every class. The modules are long. Here’s a small sample, from our antepartum module:
8.3 Discuss the components, timing, purpose, indications, contraindications, risks v. benefits, normal and abnormal results and appropriate followup for deviation from normal for the following tests:
Right…and that’s just section 8.3 of the 13 sections which makes up the first competency of our antepartum class (there are three competencies in antepartum). And then there’s a module for Well-woman gynecology, and a module for OB Pharmacology, and a mini-module for Professional Issues, and a module for Research. And, in a glorious climax of stress and work, we’re getting to the end of the semester, where all of the final exams occur, and the papers are due, and the modules are supposed to be completed. So, we’re working our butts off to get everything done in time, and then, once the modules are completed, we can actually hunker down and begin to study. So, yes, the life of a student…
(And this is not in any way trying to scare or deter any of you future student midwives out there who are reading this and starting to freak out…I’d like to say that it’s all worth it, and you make it in the end, except that I’m not quite there yet, and at the moment, I can’t see the forest for the trees…and I spend at least a few minutes every day saying to myself “why in the world am I putting myself through this??”…however, I guess if you’ve been called the way most midwivery students are called, you don’t have much of a choice in the matter).
If I’m not posting much in the coming week or so, it’s because I’m working on my never-ending modules. However, Lobby Day is this coming Tuesday, so I’m sure I’ll have a few things to say about that. (Lobby Day is a day organized by NYSALM for the very specific purpose of gathering as many midwives as possible in Albany, and talking/lobbying with our congress[wo]men for the bills which the midwives of New York State are supporting, and generally promoting the profession of midwifery etc. etc. I went two years ago and it was a lot of fun—I’m sure this year will be just as satisfying.)
But first, another AAAAAHHHH!!!! And then…back to work on the modules.
