Cynthia Ruiz
"All my clinical placements were very insightful: you get a true understanding of how maternity services work and how they connect to other departments."
Course
Midwifery (Registered Midwife) BSc (Hons)Choosing Surrey
Having looked at the resources available and the trusts that were linked to the University, I was drawn to the idea of working with women at Bronzefield Prison – helping those in much more complicated care systems and care models than most of us experience.
The simulation facilities at Surrey were also another selling point as they bridge the gap of theory learning and practice, with actors coming in as patients to help you prepare for placement.
My course
The Clinical Simulation Centre is an excellent facility to train in, allowing for several students at a time to do practical skills with the equipment (including moving and breathing dolls), from learning to work with injectables to doing basic life support and newborn life support.
You also have the option to practise with the equipment before exams, which helps to enhance your knowledge and makes you feel more prepared.
"The Clinical Simulation Centre is an excellent facility to train in, allowing for several students at a time to do practical skills with the equipment."
My clinical placements
I've completed clinical placements across all maternity services, as well as a few nursing insight placements with a critical care unit, neonatal intensive care unit and substance abuse team. They were all very insightful: it gives you a true understanding of how maternity services work and how they connect to other departments. I also got a lot of insight into how pregnant people and their families are supported regardless of where they are in their journey of parenthood.
There’s nothing better than having a lightbulb moment quietly to yourself when in practice, when you’ve heard your lecturers say something repeatedly that you can’t fully get your head around, then one day at the hospital, it just clicks. It’s so empowering.
"I don't live on campus as I'm a mature student with a family at home, but one of the best things about Surrey has been meeting people on my course. I’ve made firm friends I know I will cherish after I graduate."
The best things about Surrey
The staff are fantastic. They’re very enthusiastic and relate what they’re teaching to current events which gives you a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. They want the best for you and want you to succeed. The level of support offered at the University is overwhelming.
I don’t live on campus as I’m a mature student with a family at home, but one of the best things about Surrey has been meeting people on my course. I’ve made firm friends I know I will cherish after I graduate.
Looking forward
Midwifery is demanding and human beings are fragile. Enduring tough shifts and dealing with difficult cases can make it difficult to remember the core reason you chose to be a midwife - but in the end, you know it’s all worth it.
I’d like to get some clinical experience under my belt before specialising, and maybe one day, qualify to teach midwifery.
Find out more about our Midwifery BSc.
