I need help deciding between midwife or FNP!!

[caitiecait]

I graduated with my BSN May of 2008, I have since worked in an ICU/Neuro ICU. Its great and all but it is not my niche. I have done alot of soul searching and have realized that OR, PACU, L&D, and Postpartum are what interest me. I have always thought that I would go the FNP route. But the thought of being a hospitalist type FNP, or ER NP, or Critical Care NP do not interest me. I realize there are other areas of practice I for one would prefer a Family Practice but I am open to other ideas. But L&D has always fascinated me and the thought of delivering babies sounds absolutly amazing! I love the idea of meeting with patients all throughout their pregnancy. Another aspect that would be like a dream job would be to speacialize in infertility and possibly IVF. Which route would be best for that? Also just a couple of questions about midwifery:

1. Is it possible to have a normal life. I wanna have kids and be active in their lives. Is that possible? Is it possible to enjoy your weekends and possibly have holidays off? Or is having a career in midwifery a very hectic schedual?

2. What is the salary like. I know $$ isn't everything but it does mean a lil something to me and this crappy economy. How is it in virginia beach/north carolina/ and indiana.

3. how is the liability and malpractice insurance?

4.what is a typical day like and a typical on call day like?

5.the school that is my first choice is the frontier school of midwifery and family nursing. it is my first choice regardless of my choice (FNP, or Midwife) but I get the feeling midwifery is their main focus and specialty esp. since it was the first midwife school. But is it a good school for FNP and midwife?

6. I hear Frontier is pretty rigorous. is it possible to work 24 hours a week and go full time and still have some time for yourself. And how many papers do your write and how many pages?

Ok sorry I am rambeling but any information would be appreciated!!! :typing

[MaineMan88]

I have been through the same decision-making process that you are going through now, and I know, it's very tough. I am in Vandy's dual CNM/FNP track--my decision was whether to stick with the "dual" specialty or solely pursue FNP.

In my experience, what it comes down to is that you have to go with what you feel in your heart. You can get advice from everyone and their mother, but when it comes down it, you have to dig deep down to realize 1) how your skills and characteristics can best serve a population, and 2) what will make you happy.

If midwifery keeps tugging at your heart, just know that there are ways to deal with the different hours, the insurance/MD issues, the complications when having a family, etc. All of those things can be managed--but what can't be fixed is living your life knowing that you turned your back on your passion.

Don't forget that Vanderbilt offers the best of both worlds through the "dual" program that makes you a FNP and CNM in less than 2 years.

Best,

Nate

[danceluver]

Hi MaineMan88

I have some questions for you....i'll PM you with my questions---thanks in advance!

[MaineMan88]

Hey, I tried answering your PM but the messaging system kept messing up. I think it ate my first message and I wrote it all out again but the same thing happened. Let me know if you actually received it!

[mandajeanice]

If you can't decide & want to do both, Vanderbilt has a dual degree CNM/FNP program.

[danceluver]

Just responded to your message with follow up questions MaineMan88---let me know if it works! Thanks for the help!