The book is easy to follow and its layout makes it possible to dip in and out of chapters as necessary, depending on academic need or point of study. It is honest throughout, highlighting the responsibilities of being a caring and accountable practitioner...(and) it is purposeful in enabling the reader to evaluate their own learning and practice, making the reader an active participant, rather than a passenger. A particular strength is how the authors emphasise that the readers are human, and will be affected by what they witness in clinical practice. The book gives advice on managing emotions and the support networks available, such as mentors and trade unions, but also suggests methods of self-support. These tools are imperative to survive the intense situations midwives and students face, and are transferable to balance work/life/study stress.
Ellie Baggott - Newly qualified midwife This is exactly the kind of book I wish I had been given (I'm a student midwife-I'm penniless, after all) before I started my course. Even the contents page felt like an organised list of the last 3 years of my life, down to the smallest, SMARTest target.
Alex Bush, Student Midwife 'Written in conversational accessible language... proving popular with readers'
Judith Tonner, Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 'This is an enjoyable and refreshing writing style which engages the reader effectively. This text will be beneficial for both students of nursing and midwifery commencing their respective programmes and would also be recommended for potential candidates and career teachers within secondary education.'
Gail Anderson `I wish I had this book when I was at university - I would have used it as my bible to help and guide when things weren't going to plan.'
Sharon Patterson, former Student Nurse `These chapters are superbly realistic and have added excellent insight as to how the life of being a student nurse or midwife will be - hard BUT rewarding. I found the chapters very easy to read and could not really fault them, they are `chatty' and `real' which makes it a more conversational read and not a boring lecture feel.....'
Melissa Cohen, UG Midwifery student `This is a very useful book, just being aware of the different support systems available would have made a massive difference to stressful situations I have been in when studying. It gives a good overview of all the areas essential to studying midwifery and I would use it as a study guide and to help with writing assignments. Definitely the chapter on procrastination will be useful as this is a big problem for me when writing assignments. I have heard other students say that this is a problem for them also and I have not seen any other books address this.'
Stephanie Atwood, PG Midwifery student `I think this book will be interesting and useful. In my case, I would use it to help me with the reflective case analysis and the rest of my essays.'
Elena Rosas Ramos, UG Midwifery student `An easy to follow, step-by-step guide, which will help you through important parts of your learning on a midwifery/nursing degree.'
Sasha Taylor, UG Midwifery student