Toria Watts

Employer: Surrey and Sussex NHS
Qualifications: HE midwifery, University of Surrey

My first position as a qualified midwife was at the hospital I trained in so I didn’t find my first week too daunting. It was reassuring to know the people and the place; I had already settled in so, when in doubt, I knew who to ask for help.

I felt my time at university prepared me well for working life. The gradual increase in practical work and the application of classroom theory in hospitals had helped a lot. By the third year of my diploma I was mostly doing practical work so the progression into full-time work felt quite natural.

When I first started, I did four months’ rotation so I got experience on the wards and in postnatal and antenatal departments. It was a thorough and welcoming introduction to working at the hospital. All the midwives who had helped me train were excited to see me as a newly qualified midwife.

From student to midwife

At first I worried that I wouldn’t be able to answer people’s questions. As a student there is always somebody watching over you to help or to pick up problems, but as a fully qualified midwife it is all your responsibility. My first day wasn’t as bad as I thought though and my confidence grew so much in that first week.

As newly qualified midwives we all had new uniforms, which everyone remarked upon and it made you feel special – like a right of passage. The support I received from the staff was amazing. I can honestly say that all the midwives were welcoming and friendly, giving me all the support I needed.

As I had already trained at the hospital, I got to choose a midwife I got on well with as my preceptor who now acts as my mentor and I can go to her with any problems. I was also given a handbook covering things like holiday time and sickness pay – crucial questions!

Finding your feet

One of the main things you feel as a newly qualified midwife is that the safety net of being a student is removed. When you are a student and there is an emergency, other staff take the reins and let you observe, but as a newly qualified midwife you have to take charge.

At first it can be quite daunting to stand up to a doctor or other members of staff when you have a different opinion. However, as a spokesperson for women, you feel responsible. With practice, you’ll learn to trust your own views and say what you think.

Top tips for new midwives

• I would really recommend working in the hospital that you trained in especially for the first six months, as it helps you ease into working life.
• Make an effort to get to know the other midwives and don’t be afraid to ask them for help.
• Be approachable. The women don’t often come to you with problems but a quick chat can reveal worries they were scared to bring up.