Summer is a busy time of year in the academic calendar, with student midwives coming towards the end of clinical placements while preparing for oral and written assessments. Standard 15 of the Standards for Pre-registration Midwifery Education states that:
‘Clinical practice must be graded and be counted as part of the academic award […] This is designed to confirm that the student has the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and attitude to achieve the standards required for entry to the midwives' part of the register.’
Students must pass all assessments to progress to the next year of their programme of study, or to be admitted to the register if they are finalists.
Previous articles have discussed ways to cope with the various stages of midwifery training, including the importance of resilience (Power, 2016); ‘Survival Guides’ to help navigate the early stages of the course (Power, 2015a) and first labour ward placements (Power, 2015b); and university support systems for student midwives with additional needs (Power and Murray, 2017).
The aim of this article is to offer students suggestions of how to cope with the additional stressors of upcoming assessments. It is also hoped that, by developing coping strategies as a student, individuals will further develop such strategies beyond registration to manage the complexities and uncertainties of the clinical environment. This article will complement existing literature by suggesting self-help techniques such as relaxation, exercise and making use of existing support networks, and will signpost to useful online resources for students to access during particularly stressful times of their training.
Make use of support networks
It is important to keep friends and family informed of progress, problems and feelings. Sharing and talking through issues with a trusted friend or family member can be helpful.
In addition, students should identify their personal academic tutor early on in the course and arrange to meet or speak to them regularly, particularly when on clinical placements when students are more likely to feel isolated. If required, the university's student support services could include counselling and support from a mental health advisor.
Fellow student midwives can also provide informal support. Sharing experiences of placement or difficulties with academic work can help to put things in perspective and foster a sense of community.
There are also many resources on the Internet, such as the Mind Tools website (www.mindtools.com), which can advise on managing stress, and the Stressbusting website (www.stressbusting.co.uk/treatments), which provides management techniques. A GP can also provide advice.
Give yourself a break
Set aside clear times for study and leisure in order to relax and recharge. To do this effectively, be clear with family about study and leisure times and develop a shared routine where possible. During leisure time, reflect, set clear goals and reward achievements and progress. This could be a summer holiday or new gadget, and can aid motivation. Try to accept problems or mistakes and avoid adding extra pressure by being overly self-critical.
Instead of struggling with an assignment, take a break, go outside or visit a friend, which can help avoid feelings of isolation. Setting a time to return to work will avoid feelings of guilt, and establishing clear routines between work and play may also help to set a good sleep routine. As the charity, Mind advises:
‘Being well-rested can increase your ability to deal with difficult situations.’
Be aware of controllable factors that can add to feelings of stress, such as listening to or watching the news several times a day. One solution to resolve this, while still staying informed, could be to watch or listen to a weekly review show.
Stress may also stem from conflicts with others, who may be making unrealistic or unreasonable demands. Mind recommends that, although conflict can be difficult,
‘Speaking to a manager, colleague or family member about problems in your relationship with them can help you find ways to move forward.’
Techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises can also help aid relaxation.
Stay physically healthy
Whether walking, running, cycling or swimming, being more physically active is always beneficial, and universities will have a range of different sports teams.
Many events, such as ParkRun, are free and open to all ages and abilities.
Universities also have hundreds of different societies to help students meet like-minded people who share their hobbies and interests. Making time for an activity can be a good way to reduce pressure and meet new people.
As well as exercising, be sure to eat healthily. When stressed, it can be easy to rely on junk food or to eat too little in general. Websites such as NHS Choices (2015) offer a range of healthy recipies that are easy to prepare.
Conclusion
The midwifery preregistration programme is both physically and emotionally demanding. Students are required to be clinically competent and are expected to meet high academic expectations, such as being critical thinkers and reflective practitioners, in line with the requirements of the NMC Code (NMC, 2015). Students should be supported to develop resilience, particularly during assessment periods. It is hoped that this will be a useful resource in their self-help toolkit.