Blog Series: What's It Like Being in the MEP? Fourth Year - Julia

Seeing a c-section for the first time is really exciting!

All years of the MEP are hard but fourth year brings new anxieties and excitement as you prepare for your first year as a newly registered midwife. Read Julia's thoughts on how her year is going and what's she's looking forward to.

MSMC: How are you feeling about your new registrant year?
Julia: I am very excited for it. Being able to have your own clients and your own approach to care management is something I'm looking forward to. The great thing is that you get to cherry pick all the best clinical care and management skills you've been exposed to and start putting them into practice. But I still have two months of clerkship left - a great amount of time to work on areas that need improvement!

MSMC: What is the best thing about being a student midwife in your fourth year placement?
Julia: Having amazing friends in the MEP program is invaluable especially in fourth year (and of course in general!!!). I'm quite far away from my close friends this year which has been hard. But we keep in contact almost every day via text message group. With iphones and androids it's not difficult to get immediate feedback on a clinical question, or if someone wants to tell you they're thinking of you after you've had a difficult birth, or if you need to help your friend through a tough day. Its so easy to set up and it's been a life saver. Another great thing about being a fourth year student is that you finally get to take the reins!!! You're gradually starting to call the shots and make the care management decisions. Slowly but surely all those IV attempts are successful, your ICDs flow like poetry and you can more or less answer all the questions your clients throw at you.

MSMC: Thinking back over the past four years, what advice do you have for other MEP students?
Julia: Be kind to yourself. I really mean it. A lot of times in this program I've been hard on myself instead of congratulating myself on a job well done. It's so easy to focus on the negative in fourth year and the things you have to work on. But getting up, showing up, and having a good attitude goes a long way. Who knows, maybe this is the low energy level of a fourth year talking...but remind yourself once in a while that just being in this program means you've worked darn hard. Learn the importance of life and work balance NOW because the fourth year schedule will kick you in the butt. And lastly, my friend told me about her "yes" rule the other day. She said any opportunity she was given to work on a clinical skill (and I mean ANY) she absolutely took it. From suturing to blood draws to vaginal exams - anything that can help improve your skill that is offered to you you've got to take it. Even if you're embarrassed or unsure or tired. Take it. Fourth year is flying by and I wish I took advantage of these opportunities in 2nd and 3rd year.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading all about the McMaster student midwifery experience! If you have any questions for the MSMC contact us here and we would be happy to answer any inquiries based on our experience. Stay tuned for more blog posts and events held by the MSMC!