Fundamentals of Midwifery: A Textbook for Students by Louise Lewis Read Free Book Online Page B

between the two parties must be established in order to maximize the benefit; therefore the option of changing should always be available. Changing mentors clinically, or personal supervisors in the university, is not a failure, but merely recognition of different learning styles and personality traits.Student support services are also a feature of Higher Education Institutions, but these vary. The student union is an example. Student midwives/nurses may find it more challenging to participate in student unions and campus life for various reasons (see Figure 1.1). They are still eligible to receive student union support and to participate in any student ballots. It is important to also access various study support services available to all students, including library services, study skills advice and information and communication technologies (ICT). These are all essen- tial to learning and continuing education post-registration. Additionally, most universities will have confidential counselling services, which can be accessed by students; at times these may help to cope with the conflicting demands and stresses which may accompany student life. Health screening Health screening has consistently been a feature of all healthcare programmes, with all studentmidwives requiring health clearance prior to the course commencement and to declare annu- ally their good health and good character (NMC 2009), whilst on the programme and prior toCampus life 15Academic study Clubs and societies Social lifeStudent/campus politicsConflicting commitmentsOlder age profile than non-vocational studentsFamily commitments Accommodation off campusPlacement working hours/ shift work Figure 1.1 Conflicting commitments faced by midwifery students.their admittance to the NMC professional registers. Students with long-term health issues must be passed as fit to undertake the programme from the occupational health department. Stu- dents whilst on clinical placement can also access the Trust occupational health department should the need arise. Students and midwives must take responsibility for their own health, and are required to have all vaccinations recommended by the Department of Health to protect themselves and the people in their care. These include rubella, measles and seasonal influenza. All midwifery students prior to commencing the programme are tested for blood-borne viruses due to the risk of exposure prone procedures. Criminal record All students and midwives upon appointment have to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service(DBS) investigation. Should this return with a positive record, a meeting would be convened between the applicant, an admissions representative and a Trust representative to discuss this in more depth. This meeting would be to determine the gravity of the record, and to determine whether this would preclude the applicant from being successful with this application. Gener- ally, decisions are dependent upon the nature of the offence, circumstances surrounding the offence and the time elapsed since it was committed. All applicants are routinely asked at inter- view if they have anything to declare; therefore the opportunity is afforded to discuss this frankly and honestly. Should any offence, subsequently disclosed on the DBS not be declared at this point, it is generally viewed unfavourably. It is worthy of note that all offences will be disclosed with an enhanced DBS enquiry, even speeding offences and offences committed as a juvenile. Any subsequent offence, warning, reprimand or caution received whilst on the pro- gramme, or as a midwife must be notified to the university (if applicable) or the NMC and may initiate a Fitness to Practise investigation (NMC 2011a). Life as a midwife‌‌ 16 Upon successful course completion, the LME has to be satisfied of the student’s good healthand character, and that they have completed all the required statutory elements. The LME then notifies the NMC of the student’s successful