Future CNMs

[ayndim]

Just thought it would be kind of nice to get a little chat going. I know there are a couple of us who are CNM wannabes buthave worries too. My biggest concern is malpractice insurance. Hopefully something will be done soon. I don't mind the schedule.

For me it is a calling. Everything about OB/gyn is fascinating to me. I am also really supportive of the midwifery model of care and its affect on both mother and baby. Countries who use the mw model of care have lower infant mortality rates. Even in the US, where we ranked around 40 last year-- not good, when adjusted for the fact drs had higher risk pts, mw's had lower infant mortality rates in the first year. I don't like the MD care for low risk pgs.

Does anyone know if cnm's every work for the hospital and do shift work?

So what are your worries, hopes and why do you want to be (or are you) a CNM.

[midwife2b]

And so it goes on...

I have planned to attend East Carolina University for my MSN/CNM. I looked at the Emory FNP/CNM program but decided against it, since I am really only interested in women's health. I know Emory has a CNM program also but I have other stuff pushing me toward ECU.

I just wanted to say that overall I received an EXCELLENT education from East Carolina University. Yes, it is a tough program and I had to make quite a few sacrifices. But tuition was the CHEAPEST (I got instate rates, about $120 a credit hour and none of those fees I had to pay for my daughter who also went there). Faculty is great to work with. I did have my own problems (switched clinical sites because the only thing I was doing was preterm labor and VERY high risk pregnancies, which I can do at my own job as a labor nurse). And because the courses were internet, I could still work full time until the last semester of school (had to do integration which is pretty much full time hours).

I love the midwifery model of care! Patients are informed and make their own choices; epidurals are OK with me! I hope to start working as a CNM in December with a great group of docs, some of them have known me since I was wet behind the ears!

Midwifery care is NOT always "natural"... my philosophy is "non intervention in the absence of complications". The goal is a satisfying birth experience for the family, a healthy mom and baby, and a family who feels that they called the shots.

[alohanursejenn]

I am completing my CNM degree at the University of Utah this fall. The Univ of Utah offers a dual degree of NMW/WHNP, but also has an FNP program, and acute care NP, Neonatal NP, nurse educator, ect. They will tailor your degrees to what you want.

I had applied to OHSU 2 yrs ago and did not even get a reply letter from them after filling out their whole application and references, ect. I felt it quite rude.

I will complete my WHNP hours after finishing the CNM as a post masters student. So this school will work with you if you need to finish one to begin working again.

[rtoi123]

I am currently finishing my BSN and will graduate in May. I have been a L&D nurse for 5years and worked as a nurse tech for 2 years in the nursery, but my dream has always been to be a CNM. I have looked into several schools and the Frontier school sounds good, but the CNM's that I have asked to precept me are a little apprehensive about the time and requirements. Has anyone gone through that program or know of anyone who has? I would like to talk to someone before I really push my CNM's to precept me. I have to make a decision soon because the other school I am leaning towards is Emory and I think I have to have my application in by January 15th. Plus it cost over $13,000 a semester to go to Emory and that is before you buy the first book. Frontier is only like $5190. Look forward to hearing from you!

[studentnurserachel]

Midwife2b:

I am very interested in attending ECU's program. I have not yet graduated from my ADN program (will grad in May), but will be starting the RN to BSN right away next fall and hopefully after that (and some experience in L&D) will start the part-time MSN CNM program. I elected not to do the RN to MSN program because I want to make sure I have an out if I change my mind at some point down the road. It is nice to see another CNM hopeful who isn't completely opposed to interventions. I have encountered a lot of people who seem to think all midwives are all about home and water births (which I have no problem with), but that isn't really where I see myself. I gave birth to my son in a hospital with a CNM attending and had an epidural (which she neither encouraged or discouraged me to get), with a lot of the other aspects of CNM care in place, she was there through every stage of pushing (which wasn't long in my case, only 14 minutes) and performed perineal massage and in general, made me feel great about the delivery process. My only real concerns about this career choice have been the issue of where I might find a job because I don't see myself ever setting up shop in a birthing center (unless it is one within a hospital).

[SmilingBluEyes]

I wish all the aspiring midwives the best of luck in your pursuits. It is, to me, the noblest of professions. Best wishes to each of you.

[future_nursemidwife]

i am so happy to find other women that are just excited as i am about becoming mw. as you can see by my name i aspire to be a future midwife. i've known that it was my calling and my destiny since i did a project on the process of childbirth in 8th grade! i have just applied to nursing school and all i want for christmas is an acceptance letter! i am 21 now and on my way to fill the shoes that i was placed here for. good luck to all of you past, present, and future mw's.

[future_nursemidwife]

am so happy to find other women that are just excited as i am about becoming mw. as you can see by my name i aspire to be a future midwife. i've known that it was my calling and my destiny since i did a project on the process of childbirth in 8th grade! i have just applied to nursing school and all i want for christmas is an acceptance letter! i am 21 now and on my way to fill the shoes that i was placed here for. god bless to all of you past, present, and future mw's.

[mrenne01]

I know EXACTLY what you mean! i haven't had babies yet... but i'm really worried that i'm going to be a complete wimp when the time comes! yikes!!!!!

[SiennaGreen]

Glad this was resurrected. I wonder where everyone is in their journey now?

I am finishing up an RN program, intending to pursue CNM in 2-4 years, and hoping to find a job in LD that won't make me want to cry when I graduate.

Is anyone here practicing in or near Cincinnati?