Midwifery in TCD

TERRIC

Hi all. Anyone doing Midwifery or applied this year? I've applied as a mature student. Fingers crossed I make it? Any advice????

mumtoe&e

Hi Terric
I am starting Midwifery this year, in UCD, as a mat student also... I deferred my place last year!!
have no advise, just wanted to wish u good luck in the apt. test

illiop

I did it this year but dropped out(don't let that put you off). The thing I liked least was that it's not as rewarding as it seems but I'd still say it's a good course (just not for me obviously). It's all quite interesting but some of the lectures are deathly boring. It's quite a hard slog and attendance is complusary for almost everything. About the mature student thing you'll be fine about 10 of forty were mature and even most that weren't had done something else last year.
It's a nice course though

Cantab.

illiop wrote: »

I did it this year but dropped out(don't let that put you off). The thing I liked least was that it's not as rewarding as it seems but I'd still say it's a good course (just not for me obviously). It's all quite interesting but some of the lectures are deathly boring. It's quite a hard slog and attendance is complusary for almost everything. About the mature student thing you'll be fine about 10 of forty were mature and even most that weren't had done something else last year.
It's a nice course though

What? They make you clock in to lectures???

mumtoe&e

Cantab. wrote: »

What? They make you clock in to lectures???

i doubt they make u "clock in" but i do know that most of the course is compulsory, I hear they are very strict on attendance, which to be honest, is only fair - think of the profession you are studying for? It would be wrong to be missing out on many important lectures!
I hear its a very very complex course, and has to be taken 100% seriously

Lilliop, do u mind me asking if you were a school leaver or a Mat Student when you started the course?

illiop

I was a school leaver; only three or four of us were direct school leavers.
And they make you sign in attendence and after a while they brought in a rule that if missed the first ten minutes It counted that you had missed the whole class. you're allowed to miss something like 5 days a year or something

Unregistered.

Cantab. wrote: »

What? They make you clock in to lectures???

They do in DCU for General and Children's Nursing! So it may well be the same for other courses/colleges.

mumtoe&e

ah I see!

I must admit, I dont think i would have been able for Midwifery in college straight after school at 17 either.. its not a course to be taken lightly. i cant speak in detail about it, as I have yet to start - I am starting this year..
I think its reasonable to be expected to attend all lectures, and punctual!!

I would imagine its going to be very difficult juggling, college, study, children, house etc.. but I am really looking forward to it.. I enjoy a challenge

TERRIC

My brain, like the global economy, has gone into meltdown!! Doing the test on Saturday and can't bear to look at another verbal/numerical reasoning question/example... Is this normal? When, if any of you ever did this, did you just stop/turn off and turn up for the test. Just don't think anything can help any further at this stage. Anyone??

Mark200

Just remember it's pronounced mid-wif-ery and not mid-wife-ery

mumtoe&e

Mark200 wrote: »

Just remember it's pronounced mid-wif-ery and not mid-wife-ery

NICE - but saturday is the aptitude test so she wont have to be worrying about pronouncing "Midwifery" just yet

Terric, if i were u i would throw in the towel now regarding the studying, u have obviously done lots, if u are going into meltdown.. now is your time to have a bath, and relax as much as you can, is there anymore u can do that u havent already done? i doubt it at this stage
My advise - have a very early night tomorrow night and a nice brekkie with a strong cup of coffee on sat morning

Please let us know how u get on
Good Luck x x

TERRIC

Didn't sleep much....!! But have switched off from it all now. Not holding my breath!! Skills - good, Verbal - goodish, Maths - v.good. Computer will be the final judge, I guess!! Take Care and thanks for good wishes. xx

TERRIC

Passed the test and did my interview. Not sure how it went really. Felt fine leaving but who knows what they feel once you're out the door!!

Anyone else?

TERRIC

Patience not one of my strong points. Won't hear re. interview pass/fail until 22 June and then 4th July for offers. A time machine would be nice...!!! Anyone any idea what points might be for mature midwifery this year? Think I know the answer really, just hate the wait and uncertainty...!!! Anyone else on here applied?

TERRIC

results arrived early. passed interview and got my score. anyone else? feel like i'm the only one here...!!! Is there anybody out there??!!

SandraD77

Terric, how did you get on? I'm hoping for Childrens & General! Got 179pts and though it was 168 lsat year, is bound to go up a good bit this year with places been cut from the programme! Gutted if i don't get it Still fingers crossed for you that you make your Midwifery!

TERRIC

Hi SandraD77

I scored 186. Really pleased but nervous about points shooting up. How many places are there for Children's & Gen.? You should have a good chance. Best of Luck. xx

SandraD77

Hey Terric,

Not sure there where 5 last year and that'll be cut to about 3 this year, so that could easily put me outta the running! But I have general as a backup! (I say that like that's a shoe in *lol*) WHY OH WHY was it the year I decided to do it that they cut the places! Any other year i'd have been ok! Ah well best we can do is fingers crossed! But with 186 points you should have no problems? Where did you apply? I'm TCD!

SanD

SandraD77

Hey Terric,

Not sure there where 5 last year and that'll be cut to about 3 this year, so that could easily put me outta the running! But I have general as a backup! (I say that like that's a shoe in *lol*) WHY OH WHY was it the year I decided to do it that they cut the places! Any other year i'd have been ok! Ah well best we can do is fingers crossed! But with 186 points you should have no problems? Where did you apply? I'm TCD!

SanD

Laydee

Hi,

I don't mean to hijack this thread but I cannot find the answer to my enquiry anywhere.
I want to apply to TCD as a mature student to study Midwifery.
How much does the degree course cost per year?
Also, you work in a maternity hospital/ unit while doing the course, is this right?

SandraD77

Hi Laydee

Yes you do placements in a maternity hospital (I'm not planning on doing midwifery, but as far as i know it's the Coombe and/or Rotunda!)

As for cost, not sure, check out http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education

Check out http://www.tcd.ie/Nursing_Midwifery/assets/docs/Research/women_maternity/Midwifery%20FAQs.pdf and http://www.tcd.ie/courses/undergraduate/az/course.php?id=189 for details on Midwifery in TCD!

Hope that helps

Laydee

Thanks SandraD77, those links were very helpful.

One part confused me a bit though...

You are not required to pay tuition fees if you meet certain criteria.
I do meet the requirements, does that mean I am entitled to not pay tuition fees or do they select certain students to offer this to?

Is there any other cost other than tuition fees?

SandraD77

Hiya Laydee,

I'm no expert at student finance or course fees, but if you're still unsure contact TCD to check your eligibility for free fees! As far as I know (and I may be wrong), but nursing is considered part of the civil service and therefore has always been exempt from "tuition" fees (other than the standard college registration fee - usually about $800+ pa) You can also check out http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp9386/undergraduate-courses-of-not-less-than-two-years-duration-in-colleges-in-list-1/index.html for some more info! But honestly if you're concerned contact the college and they'll let you know!

Another link to TCD treasurers office outline fees for EU and non EU students is http://www.tcd.ie/Treasurers_Office/fees/fees_ugdegreefees.php but i'm not sure that applies to Irish students!

Hope that helps!
SanD

SandraD77

Laydee,

Also check out http://www.tcd.ie/Treasurers_Office/fees/fees_freefees.php

S

Laydee

Thank you Sandra, you are a star

TERRIC

SandraD77

Looks like its just you and me on this thread. Just wanted to wish you (and all those lurking!!) the best of luck for tomorrow. Everything crossed we all get what we're looking for... Let us know how you go... xx

TERRIC

Got TCD - My first choice. Thrilled to bits!! xx

estreet girl

Me too,first choice Midwifery in Trinity!!!!

misschatty

well done to those who got a place, i didnt but will keep fingers crossed for 31st see if it turns anything up. If not will keep tryin wont put me off, i want this too much for that!

Laydee

Congratulations on getting your 1st choice.
I hope to be in your place this time next year.

tfak85

i see there have been no posts on here in a while but hey... i'm midwifery in TCD this year too...mature student also!

how many of you mat students are already working in hospitals?

mumtoe&e

I am starting Midwifery as a Mat student in UCD in a few weeks, nervous wreck I am but so excited too!

JC 2K3

Cantab. wrote: »

What? They make you clock in to lectures???

Computer Science do this too. I'm sure many other smaller courses do too.

How compulsory the lectures are is a bit of a grey area. They make you sign in for stats on how well a student performs in a exam vs. how many lectures they attend more than anything, though they will give you an NS if you attend close to nothing (in first year anyway).

reelynicenurse

They make you sign in to each lecture because it is a requirement on An Bord Altranais that students have 90-95% attendance (not sure of the official total off the top of my head, but its a lot!) They will make allowances for genuine reasons and absences supported with a doctors cert are usually ok. On placement, at least in nursing, there is 100% attendance demanded, and any time missed is made-up during the summer holidays, after the exams.

At the moment, the sign-in process is a sheet of paper which is passed around the lecture hall and everyone has to sign in. There are severe threats made against anyone who signs in for someone else. There are plans to introduce a swipe-in system for lectures, not entirely sure how that's gonna work...

TERRIC

Hi everyone. I've deferred my midwifery place in TCD until next year. In the meantime, can anyone whose started let us know how you're doing in terms of workload, lectures, study, essays, assignments etc. And if you're a mature student with kids, how you are managing it all? Dying to know what to expect - warts and all....

mumtoe&e

TERRIC wrote: »

Hi everyone. I've deferred my midwifery place in TCD until next year. In the meantime, can anyone whose started let us know how you're doing in terms of workload, lectures, study, essays, assignments etc. And if you're a mature student with kids, how you are managing it all? Dying to know what to expect - warts and all....

Hey There
I am a first year Student Midwife in UCD - We are heading into week 5 next week - the weeks really are flying by!

I have two children, age (almost 9 and 3) wont lie to you - its tough going, trying to juggle college, family life, study, it is by far easy, but you have to think of the bigger picture - it will all be worth it in the end

The course is pretty intense! they say you must treat is as if its a 9-5 job! our hours vary, the odd day we could be off at 1 - but a lot of study is required on these days - other days are 10-4 - we have our first exam on wed, and there is a lot of self study that needs to be done at home

You will need to be very organised, and have as much help as you possibly can!
I think the au pair route is the best way to go (i dont have one) but may need to look into getting one next year!!
From january we will be on placement in the hospital, doing 7.30am - 8.30pm shifts!!

Its all great though - very very interesting, the weeks fly by, the workload is a lot, but you just have to keep on top of it as best as u can

I hear Trinity is totally different than UCD, so maybe a student from TCD can tell you all about what its like there - but you will love it!

estreet girl

Hi Terric.I satrted in Trinity a few weeks ago.It is great.The school on nursing and midwifery is on D'olier st which is very handy.I am placed in the Rotunda and couldn't be happier.If your preference is for the Rotunda,make sure and get it in as early as possible.The college will advise you of this anyway.Big demand for the Rotunda over the Coombe.We have psychology and biology lectures on mondays at the minute.Tuesdays ihas been in St James for the past couple of weeks on midwifery skills etc.Wednesday mornings in the Rotunda for my group.At present we are off(study day)thursdays.We have cpr this friday and manual handling next friday.
Absolutely everybody is very nice and makes you feel welcome!!
We were fitted for our uniforms on the first week.Our 1st placement is in November for 4 weeks and we will have two more 4 week placements after Christmas.We will do one set each of ante-natal post-natal and the delivery suite.We got to practice our communication skills in the Rotunda yesterday and to see the babies and happy mums was lovely.
This course is going to be tough,I am under no illusion whatsoever!!
But if it's all you ever wanted then hang in there girl!!
Hope to chat to you again.:)

TERRIC

Thanks for that estreetgirl. Sounds like its going really smoothly for you. It would be great if you could keep me posted on how it goes as the year goes on. Do you have kids or a long commute?

estreet girl

I live in Dublin but there are girls with long commutes in my class.As for kids,I don't have any small ones:D!!
However I will probably need to work which is a bummer unfortunately:)
Seriously though,so far so good.I think the thing to do is keep your head down from the start and try and attend every day.We have to sign in for each lecture or tutorial.
I am finding it hard to get my head around all the science subjects but I plan on trying to figure it all out this weekend.
Famous last words eh:P
Keep you place,they are like gold dust and see you next year;):)

daveyboy99

:)i started my cao form and have put down midwifery because ive a big interest int he bio of growth of babies i find it facinating i am just wondering or asking all the people in collage doing midwifery a question is there many lads on the course as ia m a lad i would love to do it but woud find it odd going into a room full of women please write bak cheers:D

aisling.laura

hey, i'm in first year TCD and there are no guys in our group. Not sure if there are any in the years above or not. I have heard of a few men in various places around the country doing it, none in TCD though! Hope that helps

daveyboy99

is it an enjoyable job?? and whats the course like how many times are u in the hospital?? if any ..

estreet girl

Yup,no guys in Tcd but I can bet they would love to see more guys doing the course.They seemed dissapointed in the Rotunda on day 1 when there were no lads.I would deffo go for it if you think it is something you would love to do. There are a few guys doing General nursing but most guys seem to do Psych.It promises to be a lovely but very demanding course.
There is an awful lot more to Midwifery than delivering babies,so a lot of scope for career advancement.

daveyboy99

oh well they will be happy to see one their next year ... ehm whats the hospital time like is there much actuall expierience of the hospital like hands on work

daveyboy99

is midwifery i know is delivery of babies do you get to do the scans aswell or is it mostly delivery and after birth??

tfak85

the midwife looks after women from the time of conception right through until 6weeks post delivery of her baby so yes, you can be involved in scans, delivery, ante natal care and post natal care, there are plenty of other specialist areas to think about such as community midwifery or lactation consultancy or even neonatology...
as my classmates said we have no boys in our class but there are male midwives out there, i know one in the coombe and i think 2 in rotunda..
you get to spend 12 weeks a year in hospital on placement, more in fourth year.. we also get out into practise much earlier than all the nursing courses, they have to wait till after christmas!

daveyboy99

yeah it sounds brilliant are u enjoying the course urself ???oh thanks to everyone for answering my questions

tfak85

personally i really enjoy the course, i have some experience in hospitals and from the clinical end i knew what i was getting in for but the assignments and college work is scaring me a little!

best of luck with your application, might see you there next year!

daveyboy99

well it will be hard to miss the only lad in midwifery in 2010 in tcd thatll be me hopefully i get my points filled in the cao so im happy with my choice any one else got any more opinons on midwifery maybe the bad things???? have gt loads of positive feedback

aisling.laura

daveyboy99 wrote: »

well it will be hard to miss the only lad in midwifery in 2010 in tcd thatll be me hopefully i get my points filled in the cao so im happy with my choice any one else got any more opinons on midwifery maybe the bad things???? have gt loads of positive feedback

well rag week is during our second placement so thats a bit annoying but it depends what kinda person ya are if ya find that a bad thing or not!

its a lot of hard work, and its intense enough. but it seems that it will be worth all the work involved so its not much of a downside really!

the 100% attendance is a bit annoying though and if you want the typical college experience with constant partying and all that, you won't get it with this course!

i personally love it though, the postives completely out-weigh the negatives!

TERRIC

Can anyone out there who've started their midwifery placement explain their reasons for choosing one hospital over the other and describe their experience of working in either the Rotunda or the Coombe. I may get the choice come sept. and torn between the two as regards the commute, parking, start times etc. etc.

If anyone could share what hours their placements consisted of, that'd be great too.

Thanks a million.