Needlework

So far I have been totally embracing the whole vibe of being back in student life. Have really been loving the way we are totally thrown in the deep end and the learning is completely hands on. There are no smelly lecture halls to sit in or hours waiting in the canteen between classes. We have a constant stream of assignments and exams with informal classes. And then because we live in the clinic the practical experience is fantastic. It's great that we are able to apply everything that we learn in practise as we are learning it.

After today, I have a bit of a different opinion on how great hands-on learning is. Today was the day that I have been dreading since I got here, the IV class where we practice putting each other on drips. I even considered developing a non-existent fear of needles so I wouldn't have to be poked but it was made pretty clear that there was no getting out of this one.

Myself and one of my fellow midwives, Novie, hatched a plan the night before that we would partner up and we would drink gallons of water so our veins would be perfect. So the class started out innocent enough with a slideshow on the dos and don'ts. And then we got some practice on straws taped to plastic cups before moving on to the real thing.

So decided to bite the bullet and let Novie go first on me. It took a few goes and a fair bit of rooting around before Novie found the vein, and it hurt, alot! Luckily I had two other midwives Joy and Marivic for support and to hold my hand, was a right little baby about the whole thing! But no tears were shed!

Have to say our teacher Heather was very patient with us, must have been frustrating to watch us mess it up so bad!

Needed 2 people holding my hand so I wouldn't leg it!

Novie delighted after 4 goes got the vein, me just happy it finished!

 So then it was my go, tried first on Novie, five tries and no luck. So then I had a go on Georgia, who just happens to be the founder and Director of the clinic. Got a vein alright but with my excitement I blew right through it! After a little break, some cake and a bit of a pep-talk my classmate Deborah very bravely offered her veins for me to puncture and bingo! Got it first try! Well just goes to show, practice makes perfect. Now it is time to unleash us on the patients :)

Honestly hadn't a clue what I was doing

Novie gets put out of her misery after my many failed attempts

Georgia's turn, who better to practice on than the boss!

Jackie and Melody were pros and got it straight away

Very brave Deborah letting me try again on her after seeing the amount of pain I inflicted on the others!

Finally got it!

So there you have it, I do pity the first patient I will have to put on an IV but fingers crossed she will have great veins and I'll have a brilliant poker face, and being in childbirth will be a bit of a distraction from me poking around in her hand, hopefully!

Until next time, I'm off to lick my wounds! 

x