Alright, let’s cut to the chase.
If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about nursing or midwifery or maybe you’re already knee-deep in it, wondering what’s next.
Either way, you’re in the right place.
I just wrapped up my graduate year as a nurse and midwife, and let me tell you… it was a ride.
The kind that flips you upside down, shakes you around, and then drops you straight into the real world with no seatbelt.
Some days, I felt like a superhero. Other days, I barely made it through my shift without questioning everything.
I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve second-guessed myself a hundred times. But through it all, I’ve learned what it really means to be a nurse and midwife. Not the picture-perfect version you see on social media but the raw, unfiltered, this-is-harder-than-it-looks reality.
And that’s exactly what I’m here to share with you.
So, if you’re ready for the inside scoop the struggles, the lessons, the moments that make it all worth it keep reading.
Because I promise, this journey is one you won’t want to miss.
The Start of My Graduate Journey
I still remember walking through those hospital doors on my very first day as a graduate nurse and midwife heart pounding, hands slightly sweaty, a mix of excitement and sheer nerves bubbling inside me. I had spent years preparing for this moment, yet nothing could have fully prepared me for what was ahead.
But here’s the thing no one does this alone.
From day one, I was met with an incredible team, people who got it, who had been in my shoes, and who were ready to support and guide me. That sense of camaraderie?
It became my lifeline. In a field where every second matters, knowing you have a team that has your back makes all the difference.
My grad year was broken into three rotations—six months in the birth unit, three months in the maternity ward, and another three in the surgical ward. Each one came with its own challenges, its own lessons, and its own unforgettable moments. But if I had to pick the one that left the deepest mark on my heart?
The birth unit.
There’s something about witnessing new life enter the world that changes you. The raw emotions, the intensity, the sheer magic of it—it’s an experience that stays with you forever.
And trust me, this was just the beginning.
Inside the Birth Unit: The Moments That Took My Breath Away
Some moments in life hit different. They stay with you. Change you. Become part of who you are.
For me, those moments happened in the birth unit.
Twelve babies. Twelve tiny miracles. Twelve stories I’ll never forget.
I kept a journal, writing down each name, each birth because how could I not?
Every single one was a moment of magic.
The kind of experience that makes your heart swell and your eyes well up at the same time.
But being in the birth unit wasn’t just about delivering babies. It was about being there for the mothers offering comfort, encouragement, and reassurance when they needed it most.
A simple You’re doing great or a steady hand to hold made all the difference.
I saw how much it meant for a mother to feel supported during labor. To know she wasn’t alone.
To have someone listen to her, respect her, and remind her of her own strength.
And when it was all over when the exhaustion turned into relief and joy I felt it too. The smiles, the whispered thank yous, the tears of happiness… those were the moments that made every long shift worth it.
I stepped into the birth unit as a graduate nurse and midwife. I walked out with a deeper understanding of what this job truly means.
The Power of a Supportive Team: Why Nurses Can’t Do It Alone
If there’s one thing I learned during my grad year, it’s this you can’t do it alone.
Nursing and midwifery aren’t solo jobs. They’re built on trust, support, and the people standing beside you when things get tough. And trust me, things do get tough.
I was lucky. I had a team that had my back colleagues who weren’t just coworkers but mentors, friends, and sometimes, the only reason I made it through a shift in one piece.
They answered my endless questions, guided me through the tough moments, and reminded me that no one is expected to know everything on day one.
It made all the difference.
Because in this job, you need people who look out for you. Who step in when you’re overwhelmed. Who remind you that you’re not alone, even on the hardest days.
Looking back, I know I wouldn’t be the nurse and midwife I am today without them. And moving forward, I’ll always seek out that kind of environment—because in this profession, the team you stand with is just as important as the work you do.
What’s Next After My Graduate Year?
So, what’s next?
Now that my grad year is officially behind me, I’ve decided to stay right where I am—continuing my work in the maternity ward and birthing unit. Why? Because I’m not done learning. Because every shift still teaches me something new. Because I love being part of these life-changing moments.
If you’re approaching the end of your graduate year, take a breath. Reflect. Ask yourself the real questions:
- Which rotations made you excited to go to work?
- Where did you grow the most—both as a professional and as a person?
- What kind of team culture did you thrive in?
- What feedback did your colleagues give you?
- Where did you feel valued and supported?
- Do you want to stay, or is it time to explore new opportunities?
Your next step doesn’t have to be a forever decision, but it should be one that excites you. If you’re looking for new roles, start researching job openings in your area of interest. If you want to stay where you are, have that conversation with your Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) or Midwifery Unit Manager (MUM). Your clinical educator is also a great resource if you need guidance.
This career is full of possibilities—you just have to take the next step.
Why Midwifery Changed Me Forever (And How It Can Change You Too)
There are moments in midwifery that stay with you forever. Moments that remind you exactly why you chose this path.
Like when a mother, exhausted yet glowing, looks at you with tears in her eyes and says, I couldn’t have done this without you.
But here’s the truth she could have.
She did.
You were just there to guide, to support, to remind her of the strength she already had. And that? That’s the beauty of midwifery.
It’s not just about delivering babies. It’s about being a steady hand, a calm voice, a presence that makes one of the most intense experiences of a woman’s life feel just a little bit safer. It’s about respect, about empowerment, about making sure every mother feels heard.
And yes, it’s rewarding. But it’s also heavy.
Caring for others at this level takes everything your energy, your emotions, your heart. That’s why looking after yourself isn’t optional it’s essential. Find what fills your cup. Lean on your team. Surround yourself with people who get it.
Because while midwifery changes the lives of the women you care for it changes you too.
Future Plans and Aspirations
If there’s one thing I know for sure—it’s that my journey is just getting started.
Some of you may already know that I recently got married to the love of my life. He lives in the USA, and right now, we’re navigating the ups and downs of a long-distance relationship while figuring out our next steps. It’s not easy, but it’s exciting. The thought of visiting the USA, exploring new opportunities, and seeing where this path leads fills me with hope.
But my dreams don’t stop there.
One of my biggest goals?
Becoming a maternal child health nurse someone who supports families through those critical early years of a child’s life.
The transition into motherhood is beautiful but also overwhelming, and I want to be there for women who need guidance, reassurance, and care.
And then, there’s the dream that sits closest to my heart.
One day, I want to return to my home country and open a free clinic for pregnant women a place where no woman has to choose between getting medical care and putting food on the table.
This isn’t just a goal. It’s a promise I’ve made to myself. It might take years, but I will make it happen.
Beyond that, I’m also thinking about furthering my education maybe a master’s, maybe a PhD.
Because in this field, learning never stops. The more I grow, the better I can serve the families I work with.
And then there’s something else. Something that started as a small side project but has turned into a passion blogging.
Sharing my journey, my lessons, my struggles… It’s been powerful. If my experiences can help even one aspiring nurse or midwife feel less alone, then it’s worth it.
I want to grow my platform, reach more people, and create a space where we can learn and support each other.
And on a deeply personal level?
I’ve always dreamed of becoming a mother. Growing up without a maternal figure shaped me in ways I can’t explain…
it made me even more determined to create a home filled with love, care, and security. I want to experience motherhood, not just as a midwife, but as a mom.
I feel ready for it.
The future is full of unknowns. But one thing is certain I’m chasing my dreams, and I won’t stop until they’re real.
My Grad Year Reflection
Some journeys change you forever. This was one of them.
Looking back, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the experiences, the lessons, and the people who shaped this chapter of my life.
It was where I met some of the most inspiring educators, people who fueled my passion for this profession and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
And then, there were the friendships. The late-night study sessions, the shared stress before exams, the moments when we laughed so hard it made everything feel lighter. These friendships?
They’re for life.
And I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
As I step into this next chapter, there’s a mix of excitement and curiosity about what’s ahead. But one thing I know for sure I didn’t get here alone.
To my mentors, my friends, my family thank you. Thank you for your support, for believing in me, for pushing me forward when I needed it most.
Because at the end of the day, being a nurse and midwife isn’t just about the skills we learn. It’s about the lives we touch. And the people who touch ours in return.
Calling Future Nurses & Midwives
If you’ve made it this far thank you. Truly.
Sharing my journey as a nurse and midwife has been a deeply personal experience, and knowing that you’re here, reading this, means everything.
This is just the beginning. I have so much more to learn, to experience, and to share. As I continue to grow in my career, I want to bring you along for the ride through the highs, the challenges, and the moments that make this profession so special.
If you’re a fellow graduate, a student, or someone thinking about stepping into this field, let’s connect. Share your journey with me. Let’s learn from each other, lift each other up, and celebrate the incredible work we do.
As I move forward, I do so with hope, passion, and a whole lot of excitement for what’s to come. I pray for guidance, for strength, and for the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of others.
So, if you’re ready to walk this path with me follow along! Let’s navigate this journey together. I can’t wait to share more with you!
