How many of you became a CNM without L&D?

Specialties CNM

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

I am just curious.

I currently work in the NICU and part-time assisting in well-baby and postpartum. I am considering applying to a CNM program.

While I am not dismissing the fact that it is best to have labor and delivery experience, with my age, I just don't have the luxury of switching nursing specialties, again, percepting to a new position and then try to apply to a program.

I would only like to hear from anyone who have actually done it...not opinions from those that think it is best...as I am conceding that it is best to have L&D experience..but I just would like to hear from the other side.

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Specializes in ER.

I'm in a CNM program...do not have L&D experience...4 years ER....All the midwives I have shadowed say they do not think it is necessary, and some of the best midwives they have met were critical care nurses.

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Specializes in DD/MR, long term care, homecare.

Thanks for asking this, I was wondering the same thing myself. Has anyone ever met a midwife who never worked as an RN in the hospital? I am wondering about transitioning from a family practice or OB clinic nurse to a midwife program. Could that be possible?

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Well, I haven't "done it" myself -- so forgive and ignore me if I'm out of line posting here -- but I attended (as a traditional, experienced-RN student) a graduate program that included a direct-entry MSN program for non-nurses (once the direct-entry students had finished their first, "basic nursing" year, we all took classes together). The CNM track was one of the largest tracks in the school, and the vast majority of the CNM students were direct-entry students -- they not only hadn't worked in L&D, or worked in a hospital, they weren't RNs at all. Graduates of the school are v. successful and well-respected.

There are quite a few of these programs around the country -- so, obviously, TPTB in nursing have decided that L&D experience, or even general nursing experience, period, is not necessary (or even important) to becoming a CNM.

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Specializes in ER.

Very good point!

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Specializes in L&D.

I would imagine that not having any nursing experience at all would create quite a steep learning curve when working as a midwife. The same would apply for L&D experience - HOWEVER, having ANY nursing experience would certainly help.

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Specializes in DD/MR, long term care, homecare.

I suppose most OBGYNs don't work as L&D nurses before finishing their education...then again they also go to school longer.

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Specializes in LDRP.
I suppose most OBGYNs don't work as L&D nurses before finishing their education...then again they also go to school longer.

No, but they do have four years of residency before they are on their own, which direct entry CNM grads do not have

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Well, I haven't "done it" myself -- so forgive and ignore me if I'm out of line posting here -- but I attended (as a traditional, experienced-RN student) a graduate program that included a direct-entry MSN program for non-nurses (once the direct-entry students had finished their first, "basic nursing" year, we all took classes together). The CNM track was one of the largest tracks in the school, and the vast majority of the CNM students were direct-entry students -- they not only hadn't worked in L&D, or worked in a hospital, they weren't RNs at all. Graduates of the school are v. successful and well-respected.

There are quite a few of these programs around the country -- so, obviously, TPTB in nursing have decided that L&D experience, or even general nursing experience, period, is not necessary (or even important) to becoming a CNM.

Hi! What graduate program did you attend that had a direct entry program for non-nurses? I am interested. Thank you!!

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Hi! What graduate program did you attend that had a direct entry program for non-nurses? I am interested. Thank you!!

There are a whole bunch of these programs around the country now. Here is a link to one list (that may not include all programs, but would get someone started investigating, at least) --

Direct Entry MSN (Masters in Nursing) Programs

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Thank you so much!

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I am enrolled in a midwifery program that has a direct entry program. Half of the students are not RN's and don't have any womens health, nursing, or L&D background. Many have Bachelors degrees in music and art. When they pass the boards they will be licensed as a Certified Midwife. Those who have an RN license will be licensed as a Certified Nurse Midwife. Labor and Delivery is not necessary and does not prove you to be a better midwife. Doctors don't have any nursing, L&D, or womens health experience before they go to medical school so why should midwives. Yes they have a residency and the training is longer but midwives do have a practicum as well as a preceptorship after graduation. Midwives are also known to have more positive outcomes than physicians. I only had med surg experience and I was accepted into a respected diverse midwifery program and we all had different backgrounds. The experience will come after you graduate. Good luck with everything.

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