Looking for a new apprentice
pamela on Jul 05 2008 at 3:56 pm | Filed under: midwife practice
I am currently looking for an apprentice. I have a few requirements, however, before taking on someone new:
- They MUST be willing to move to Salem, Oregon or the immediate vicinity
- They MUST have considerable book education - I have a preference for people who self-study or have an education that fosters independent and critical thinking, but do not require that they are part of a formal curriculum
- They must be able to fit in with the diverse population of clients that I serve. Anyone that is unwilling to put aside extremely conservative, rigid belief systems is not going to fit into my practice. This includes political, religious (overtly pagan symbols, etc) and judgemental beliefs about other people’s lives. I serve fundamentalist Christians, lesbian couples, single women, teen moms, Rastafarians, middle-class families and professionals. Blending in with all of these types of families is extremely important to me.
- I have a typically hands-off practice. Obtaining clinical skills could take awhile though I’m known for having apprentices jump in immediately for any and all skill opportunities.
- I appreciate apprentices who challenge my ideas and thoughts and are willing to learn and make mistakes right along with me. I don’t claim to have all the answers and appreciate the current thoughts and research that many student midwives bring to my practice.
- I want someone who is confident, outspoken when appropriate and committed to unhindered, gentle birth.
- I would like to have someone who supports unassisted and unattended birth.
- I prefer someone who is deeply involved in birth culture: has read numerous books that challenge current midwifery and obstetrical thought, etc.
Realizing that these are pretty specific requirements, I’m willing to interview and talk with many different types of students. While I’m hoping to find someone that fits in well with my practice, I’m willing to wait for the right person.
Please pass this on to anyone that you know that might be interested.
Did you post this on MDC?
How exciting. How do you feel when you get a new apprentice? In January I have my first apprentice starting. She will be a qualified midwife but wants to work with a homebirth midwife for 6months. I am really looking forward to it. She was a freebirth doula so she is pretty experiened. I think I’ll be learning from her. I am pretty flattered she wants to work with me!!
i wish i could be your apprentice.
Wow!! IF I could somehow move all the way across the country with my two small children and my husband (roflol) it sounds like we’d make a great team. Maybe someday….
Ooh, I’d love to be able to do this…maybe some day!
Sounds like a great opportunity, too bad I’m so far away.
I go back in September for second year of my midwifery program, I wish *they* were so forthright in their expectations, especially regarding being accepting of diversity.
I sure wish I could move to Oregon.
Hi I am a UK trained nurse - midwife who has worked in at out of hospitals- I have finially managed to get onto a nurse midifery program in the USA sohopefully Iwill be attending births again some time - would love to spend some time with you and your clients-may be some day.
I am very tempted, but I live in Beaverton. And I doubt you consider that the surrounding area. I think this would be great if you did, though I’ve only just started my book learning and going to the midwifery study groups in my area. Planning on doing the Heart and Hands, but have already done my doula work. Sooo tempting, but no way I could convince my husband to move again soooo soon even though I want to serve the salem area eventually.
What a great list of requirements.
Add me to the list of “if only I weren’t xyz logistical impossibilities”.
Hiya.
How can I contact you personally about this?
I have some very serious info to pass on regarding midwives, home birth, & the scary midwifery/homebirth bill in the house. I am outraged & I’m sure you will be too!! I hope you pass it on as well! You can access it through my blog post today:
http://ridethewavesoflife.blogspot.com/
Oooohhh that would be so cool!!! Maybe some day…… If I could choose who to apprentice under I would love to work with you!
Hum.
Me? x
Keep up the good work.