CNM programs that allow you to practice if you're already a CPM

Specialties CNM

Published

I'm a cpm and have been for the last 10 years. I've also just graduated from nursing school with my bsn. I know Frontier has explicit language prohibiting one from working as a midwife (cpm) while in their program. Does anyone know of the other distance programs whether it's a hard no to practice as a cpm while in the program? I've been steadily attending births and don't want to stop entirely. Any insight is so appreciated!

Specializes in OB.

I'm not sure how you'd manage it even if you did it without the school knowing. What would you do when you're expected at class or a clinical rotation and you're at a birth?

homesteader

53 Posts

I work in a partnership and have systems in place when I'm in clinical, I did this through nursing school. I would never do it under the radar. I wondered if there's a program that allows it.

Specializes in OB.
I work in a partnership and have systems in place when I'm in clinical, I did this through nursing school. I would never do it under the radar. I wondered if there's a program that allows it.

Gotcha. Sorry I don't have more verifiable insight, only my suspicions that it would be hard to find a program that would allow that. But you never know!

klone, MSN, RN

14,786 Posts

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

It was my understanding that once you receive your RN degree, you must give up your CPM, because you would be essentially working as a midwife with only an RN, which is against RN scope of practice.

Specializes in OB.
It was my understanding that once you receive your RN degree, you must give up your CPM, because you would be essentially working as a midwife with only an RN, which is against RN scope of practice.

I think in states where CPMs are licensed, it might be OK. I know a CPM here in NJ who is working towards becoming a CNM. She recently became an RN and still works as a CPM. Since the two are separate licensed professions, I guess it's allowed. Or she's breaking the law, who knows!

pro-student

359 Posts

I don't know of any specific programs that would allow this but even if they don't have a specific prohibition against it, I would think it would be heavily discouraged. It would be a very odd situation to essentially practice they same thing you are being (re-)trained to do. Personally, I would take a break to focus on school and maybe continue some aspect of midwifery like childbirth education, breastfeed support, or doula work. I know it's not ideal but it's also temporary and once you begin clinical work it will be preferable.

Home Health Columnist / Guide

NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN

10 Articles; 18,280 Posts

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

This program is CPM friendly Philadelphia University | Midwifery Program with distance learning for non-clinical classes.

MEAC-educated certified professional midwives may qualify for advanced placement in this program.
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