Running Head: APPRENTICESHIP IDEALS PAPER 1

Apprenticeship Ideals Paper

Isila Soto Abreu

Midwifes Assistant Orientation

Instructor: Delphine Silvermoon

February 8, 2017
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Apprenticeship Ideals Paper

Being a competent apprentice is a main goal in our career as students. Our commitment and

determination at this stage can dictate our quality as professionals in the future. It is about

maturing, be open to learn and being humble and self-reflective through the way, staying aware

of the values expected from us as future midwives, that is, compassion, humility, inspiration

among others. The life of other people will be trusted to us, as is the tailored care that each

woman seeks for her and her baby, expecting for a safe outcome. As students, we need to have

full dedication and energy, as apprenticeship means hard work. It is a kind of wisdom that can

only be obtained by the means of apprenticeship, where the experiences and knowledge of

another more prepared and mature midwife can be passed to her students.

As I enter in the apprenticeship path, I know that there will be expectations from me to fulfill.

I may say that being genuine and thankful for having the opportunity will be the best motivation

to give the greatest dedication. Showing respect by listening, never questioning in front of

clients., being present whenever needed, and being as helpful as possible at the assigned

prenatals,births and postpartums, logically supporting the continuity of care, seems as a good

start, and at the same time, is still being responsible to study on my time.

Among the personal stories of many midwives who have worked as apprentice, preceptor or

both outlined in the book Training Midwives, a Guide for Preceptors, I could find some

excellent advice that I must take with appreciation. They have been of openness to me and my

ideals as a student, since I find valuable the experiences of other people so I can consider and

apply what seems best to my life. Is a long list, but so important have always present in my

learning path:
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Keeping the midwife from burnout.

Help her provide better quality of care.
Fulfill her guidelines and expectations.
Having a good interaction and energy with the clients. (Singingtree, D., 2004)
Prove being capable of going to the next level.
Have patience, since the slowness of the learning process can be a challenge.
Being aware of the emotional level of each event. (Kimmons, E., as cited in

Singingtree, D., 2004)

Acquiring confidence through a background of knowledge before beginning hands-on

work.
Building structure at specific duties as charting, checking vitals, heart tones, providing

labor support, getting the necessary equipment, with an eventual progression of the

responsibilities.
Having a relationship of mutual feedback. (Drews, M., as cited in Singingtree, D.,

2004)
Fulfill a technical training with heart level understanding. (Sawyer, P., as cited in

Singingtree, D., 2004)

Strong sense of teamwork. (Rudiger, V., as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)
Being supportive and nurturing with the women we care.
Always communicate.
Center around mutual respect and equal dialogue, avoiding the possible power,

paternalistic relationship. (Hoffar, A., as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)

Dealing with different practice orientations (medically oriented or less intrusive).

(Erickson, D., as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)

Sharing the moments, experiences, emotion, energy, that is the teacher-student intimacy.
Learn to deal with sleep deprivation and exhaustion.
Know that womens births has little to do with us.
Openness to learn; not need to teach or demonstrate what we know, is more productive.
Knowing that no observed birth is comparable to the one where the entire well being of

the mother and baby are our responsibility. Not being overconfident or pretentious.
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Dont overestimate how difficult is to shut up and watch. It is vital to master being

unimportant and mostly quiet.

Practice humility, quietness and diligent observation, honing your sensitivity. (serving

variety of people who are sharing an intimate experience). Loss of self central.
Learn to speak the truth honestly and diplomatically. (Cheney, M., as cited in

Singingtree, D., 2004)

Deal with the financial burden.
We are not having control over our time. (Viles, C., as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)
Develop my own midwife personality. (Clark, G., as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)
Keeping things confidential.
Misrepresenting knowledge or experience.
Being available, labor sit, stay afterwards, keep busy, not run away from work, ask

questions, jump in. (Hamilton, O., as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)

Self knowledge, being in control of reactions and behaviors. (Huntley, A., as cited in

Singingtree, D., 2004)

Being responsible of academics.
Set own limits. (Wels, E., as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)
Know that the preceptor can be generous and supportive.
Believe in our calling and abilities.
Have a good attitude, sound in spirit and balance mind.
Being aware that we are guardians of the event.
Make decisions based on knowledge and intuition, but over all, by love. (Gautschi, C.,

as cited in Singingtree, D., 2004)

As relevant and beautiful are the wisdom of all these women, I hope these thoughts serve

always as I guide to me. Although it is humanly natural for pride to dominate, putting these

advices in priority seems wise. In reciprocity of our gratitude for sharing their experience, our

knowledge and all the valuable we can contribute to this special relationship of apprentice and

preceptor, will be surely appreciated and respected too.

I may say that the biggest deal for me will be managing time. I am always busy ,I like to

invent and create things, to work in my business, to take classes, and it will be time that I have to
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begin to detach myself to give way to take care of the clinics. I think it will be the hardest part,

but the desire to see this goal will be stronger.

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References
Singingtree, D. (2004). Training Midwives: a guide for preceptors, 2nd. Ed. Eugene, Oregon:
Eagletree Press.