I don’t want to be an ‘angel’ to anyone.
I am a nurse.
I want to change lives.
I just want to do my job.
For the last six years, I have been working as a midwife.
When I joined the RNs’ midwiveship, I knew that I wanted to be a midwife.
I had no idea that I would be one of the first RNs to be nominated for a Doctor of Nursing (Nursing) Order.
I was proud of my career and I wanted my life to be better.
As a midwiveship graduate, I am hoping that by sharing my story, I can change the perception of what a midwoman is and help others understand that they have the same passion for this profession as I do.
For me, being a mid, being in a family with three children and caring for them all at home, was a life-changing experience.
I have had to be brave and be open about my own struggles and struggle with depression and anxiety.
When a family member asks me if I’m a midwaiter, I know that they are going to assume that I am and that I cannot possibly be a good midwife, I would never have guessed.
The nurse midwives have to work very, very hard to earn their keep.
They have to be good, honest, caring and dedicated to their profession.
I also want to show them that they can make a difference, that they deserve the respect and recognition they are getting.
I hope that by revealing my story and showing the community that I have overcome depression and bipolar disorder, they will understand that I did not get through my illness alone.
I know the support I received and the support my family and friends have given me will help me get through this, and I am confident that my story will help change perceptions about the profession and help to change the attitudes of people towards nurses and midwives.
It is not just about the midwife being a nurse; it is about the RN working alongside a mid.
The RNship is not about becoming a mid; it’s about becoming an RN and working alongside someone who understands and supports the mid.
There is no such thing as an RN midwife and there is no place for midwives in a modern profession.
The midwife’s role is to care for the sick and to ensure that the health and wellbeing of the patient are not compromised.
This role is often associated with women, but it is also the role of women in the workforce.
I would like to encourage other women to consider becoming midwives, so that they may realise that it is a career that they truly love.
I feel like I have a responsibility to show others that there are people in this profession who are capable of doing the job well, that you can work with people with mental health issues, and that you should be proud of your career and not feel ashamed of your life choices.
If I am able to be recognised for my midwisheship, then I want people to know that I deserve the recognition that I receive.
I believe that people have the right to a dignified and fulfilling life and I will not be intimidated by a career where I feel a lot of pressure.
I will be able to make a positive difference and do my best for the people I work with.
If you or anyone you know needs help, the NHS can be contacted on 0808 802 4222 or 0800 683 6555.
