I'm a student nurse (I know it's not the same, but still have to work closely with patients and families) and some of the things I've found important in my training so far are:
-Never be afraid to ask questions, ask lots!! Even if you ask the same question 5 times it doesn't matter. Also, it can be very helpful to ask the patient questions within reason, like how they feel about the treatment they are receiving, what it feels like.. Just to gage an idea as to how the patient is feeling rather than just going off theory.
-Make the most of your off duty- use your time off to rest! It's so tiring so it's important to take time out to relax as you do see some challenging and saddening situations, so need to switch off
-If you feel that you are being asked to do something you are unsure of or feel out of your depth then tell someone, don't do it just because you've been told to- tell your mentor, manager, another MW, anyone. Some things you may feel nervous about doing first time which is fair enough and you should be guided through procedures but if you feel it is too much then say! I was asked to do a catheter on my first placement, with no teaching about the theory or anything!! I said no straight off!
-When you go home or have some spare time, jot some notes down about things you are unsure of such as abbreviations, drugs used, procedures, questions you want to ask etc. Then you can look these things up. I have found it helpful to look up what the drugs are that I have seen used on wards etc, so that I learn as I go. Realistically you will never know what every drug does, but if you have a basic knowledge and understanding of the most common ones then it will help alot. Maybe invest in a BNF?
-If a patient doesn't want you present in the room or for the procedure (which I think is probably more common in midwifery), don't take offence. Some people just don't like having more people than neccessary in the room or just don't want to be a 'guinea pig'.
-Time management and organisation is everything!! Because working shifts doesn't always give you alot of spare time, make sure you get on top of assignments and updates as soon as you can. It also gives you time to get your tutors or peers to proof read your work or give you advice. Time management is a big thing on the wards, with set times for drugs, ward rounds, observations, protected meal times etc etc.
-Don't let staff/patients/family push you about because you are a student. They will know you are on estraight away due to different uniform, but it's no excuse. I find sometimes that if the Nurse/doctor has told them one thing, they may try tell you otherwise or say when you have to do what the staff has said is for the best and the patient disagrees (which can happen, due to anxiety or not understanding the treatment properly) don't give in and do what they tell you too. Go and ask someone for advice or to talk to the patient and clarify why they are having done what they are iykiwm?
I can't think of anything else atm, but feel free to ask
As for what I want in a MW, the same I'd expect of and health professional. A person who cares about and for their patients, who is interested and willing to work with patients in all aspects of their care when possible and knows their limitations x
