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How frustrating - shortening classes at hospital
In the mail yesterday I got the information for my upcoming meeting for the hospital like I always do prior to staff getting together. In my packet was a bunch of information about the changes that are going to take place for our childbirth education classes starting the first of the year. Now I knew that we were going down to four week classes that lasted for 2 1/2 hours, but what I didn't realize is what was all being cut.
I know, I should have been smarter and figured out that lots would need to be cut since we were removing 2 1/2 hours of class, but WOW what an eye opener. Honestly, looking at the class outlines it broke my heart on what they were removing and how little we were going to be teaching certain areas. It made me feel almost like we are setting these women up for epidurals!!!! For example, each time the class meets there is only time for 15 minutes of labor support. That means one hour in the whole series is dedicated to labor support and that includes everything - positioning, massage, discussing hot/cold therapy, breathing, relaxation - all comfort measures!!!! Before we were dedicating 1/2 hour to this area each class and the nurses were only doing 15 minutes. What will the couples in the other classes get now? Nothing??? 5 minutes? I am so sad by this!!!!
I know that I have a little more leeway since I am now going to be the sole teacher at the hospital that I will be at, but what about the other places??? I also know that I have a great boss and she will allow me to add whatever I want as long as I can fit it within the time frame, and you bet your bottom dollar I will be incorporating those things that I feel are necessary!!!!
Since I know someone will ask me why I don't quit I will answer that right off, and the reason I won't quit is because I feel I have a lot to offer the couples that come to my class, and I know that I can make their experience better than if I didn't teach them. I took over classes at this hospital from another doula instructor and she did an awesome job preparing couples, and I know I can make it work. If I quit they would most likely get another nurse in and truthfully then I am afraid that the couples will benefit even less than what they would if I worked with them (sorry, I know it sounds like I am tooting my own horn, and that isn't what I am trying to do - I just know that as a doula instructor I can offer them insight that the nursing staff won't).
Oh yes, and the reason the classes are shorter is because of budget cuts and the such. I should also say that the hospital also does offer two day classes and a one day class, and I think I am okay with this only because when people sign up for those classes they know they are signing up for the condensed version. With the four week class they think they are getting an all inclusive class because it is the longest version.
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