We wanted to talk to a very special woman, Suzie Tate who completed the OCN Maternity Nurse Training, before joining the Babyem newborn placement scheme.
Suzie comes from an Elderly Care background and wanted to transition into the Baby Care.
Having just been signed up with an agency. We wanted to know how Suzie managed this transition (over challenges, including the feeling of self-doubt!) and how the placement scheme supported her to gain confidence and new skills!
Q. Tell us a little bit about you?
Hi I'm Suzie Tate being in my late 40's and not having the good fortune to have children of my own, but I have been blessed in other ways, I like to travel and have been able to see some amazing places, I also like to spend time with family and friends when I'm not working.
Q. What is your background? (professional)
I have been blessed with an amazing career, I have been in the care field for the past 28 years, I've worked with some really lovely clients from very different backgrounds, form people with Learning and Physical Disabilities, Mental Illness, Young Homeless in semi-supported Housing, Young Parents and their baby's ageing from 16 to 24 years, I was a floating Support Worker, I also helped people regain employment and just recently I've been working as a Live in Carer with the Elderly end of life care mostly.
So I thought it would be good to take all these skills and do what I've always wanted to do and work with babies and children. So what better place to start, by bringing new life into the world by helping their parents to the best of my ability.
Q. Are there any similarities between the roles i.e. Maternity Nursing and Elderly Care?
Well, to be honest, they are very similar roles, when someone nearing the end especially those with Dementia and there are many different types Dementia which often means the client can lose the ability to carry out daily tasks independently, such as personal care and feeding themselves and even going out.
So I guess smaller nappies but as for the feeding baby spoons are a must have and the daily routine between day and night can be messed up too. Meeting their needs and observations skills are the key because my elderly client can often lose their communication skills too so you are left wondering what they want as with a baby except for no tears
Q. What made you want to become a Maternity Nurse?
I have always wanted to work with babies and children, so when I was told about Babyem maternity nursing training I was so excited to know this was my chance to help new life come into the world.
I feel I have touched so many people's lives in various ways with all my experience this is my opportunity to give back again in a new way.
Q. How have you found the placement scheme has helped you?
Oh my goodness I was so nervous about how I would be with such delicate precious new little babies, and with the mum's, would I be able to help, but I have been so blessed with these gorgeous little babies and wonderful mum's that have helped my confidence to grow, I done know how but I have learnt so much being with the babies and I'm so grateful to the families for giving me this opportunity to learn from them because they too are learning.
Q. What tasks have you completed as part of the placement scheme?
I have learnt how to assist mum with the challenges relating to breastfeeding and going from breast to bottle, how to help a little baby with reflux feel more comfortable when feeding, I've helped with bathing and top and tailing, using sterilising equipment, observed and charted sleep and feeding routines but most of all built relationships with mum and baby which is the best gift of all.
Q. Was there anything you found challenging?
I think the biggest challenge was overcoming my anxiety about what I could do to help, also as I have challenges with dyslexia completing the coursework with all the reading has been slow because I just want to be right and have a good understanding of how I can do my job to the best of my ability, I am sure as with all new careers I will meet some challenging situations along the way but good foundations of knowledge are the key so I look forward to learning every day.
Q. What are your next steps?
Oh wow, I am so excited about getting started with working with the families and learning more in-depth areas relating to Maternity Nursing, Baby Massage, Breastfeeding Consultancy and Sleep Consultant. Once I've achieved all of that I want to bring these skills and do something within the Foster Care field. That said I'm sure there are so many options in the future. Really being the best Maternity Nurse I can be is my main goal and I'm so grateful to have met Babyem and to have this opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do, thank you!