Klaudia Balcerek is a third year midwifery student at the Karol Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznan, Poland. She is also one of the recipients of the Employee Foundation’s grants for education. Balancing her studies and hospital work in a fast-paced environment taught her how to stay courageous and motivated through challenging times.
What made you choose this career path?
My secondary education was focused on emergency medical services. After getting my high school diploma in biology and chemistry, I became interested in helping others and saving lives, so I looked into the possibility of getting a higher education in the medical field. I landed on midwifery because I wanted to provide care for both the newborn and the woman through every stage of the birth and post-birth process.
During my period of study, I’ve had the opportunity to work in multiple departments, and see different medical cases. Being in the neonatal intensive care unit made me realize that miracles happen there.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the job is seeing prematurely-born babies get better and healthier. Thanks to the medical staff, they have the opportunity to mature and get stronger. There is a great feeling of satisfaction knowing you’re able to deliver and care for a new-born and see those first minutes together with their parents.
The biggest challenge, however, has been working with children born with very severe conditions. When the child’s entire body requires immediate medical help, every minute is crucial and it can get quite stressful.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of the profession?
What helps you cope with the stress that comes with being a midwife?
As in any profession, there are stressful situations. However, I’ve found ways to cope with such times and learned how to wind down after a long day.
I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to talk about difficult situations with my family and friends. Playing sports, going to the gym and spending time outdoors all help me stay clear-headed and focused, so I try to live a very active lifestyle, eat healthy and travel and discover new places whenever I can.
The first year of my studies was not ideal – classes were online and we didn’t have access to practical courses in the hospital, so I couldn’t meet my fellow classmates or get any hands-on knowledge during that time. Even after the restrictions were eased, there were numerous precautions and obstacles when it came to the on-site hospital work. We practiced social distancing and did rigorous testing.
There was also the fear of working with other people during that time. Participation in medical procedures and surgeries were allowed only to a limited number of students at a time, but sometimes we weren’t allowed to join at all.
What was your work and study life like during the pandemic?
What was the most memorable case you’ve witnessed?
While interning at the hospital, I was able to experience some of the most beautiful moments as well as the most stressful ones that come with being a midwife, and those experiences contributed greatly to my personal and professional development. I saw the path that women go through in the process of childbirth, how much sacrifice it requires, and how much empathy and support is needed from midwives during this difficult, yet beautiful process.
We once had a very stressful situation when one of the new-borns didn’t show signs of being fully functional and we had to fight hard to save him. Even though such situations are scary, they teach you a lot and prepare you for difficult situations.
Thanks to the Employee Foundation I’ve had the opportunity to fulfil myself in a profession I like. The grant enabled me to purchase all the relevant textbooks which provided me with a wide range of knowledge, as well as modern equipment to ease my studies and a proper work attire that is comfortable, looks good and is suitable for hospital work.
How did the Employee Foundation help you with your studies?
How has this journey impacted your personal growth?
It taught me how valuable one’s health is, and it provided me with a lot of general medical knowledge which will be helpful in my personal life - especially knowing about anomalies that can occur with women’s health. Nonetheless, I find that the opportunity to help and support women during childbirth is a beautiful experience.
On a more personal note, this profession is very life-affirming. My studies have prepared me for the reality of life, and taught me how precious and fleeting it is. They helped me open up to people and become more courageous and confident in my decision-making.
I am constantly learning a lot and asking a lot of questions. I work under the supervision of teachers and staff, and it allows for so many opportunities for learning and growth.
The Employee Foundation was established in 1991 to support employees and their families worldwide. Since then, it has made more than 9,100 grants and more than 6,500 employees have received support. At the same time, approx. 2,500 projects in the vicinity of VKR Group companies have benefited from grants from the Employee Foundation.
Grants
Employees that have recieved support
Projects in the vicinity of VKR Group companies
The foundation’s major purposes
To support employees and their immediate families in times of distress and in connection with death, accident or illness with serious consequences or children’s final education. The majority of funds goes to this purpose.
To support non-profit projects within a close radius of the VKR Group’s locations.
Beyond this, the Employee Foundation confers the annual Villum Kann Rasmussen Award to a selection of employees who exemplify the Model Company Objective. The foundation is also responsible for special programs promoting health and well-being for all employees, e.g. Healthy Habits campaigns and the voluntary work programme, Live a Dream. Read more about The Employee Foundation