Interested in becoming a midwive nurse...

[momofboygirltwins03]

I am taking my pre reqs for the nursing program at my local community college and will then go into the nursing program. I am interested in becoming a midwife, in your own opinion, what are the pros and cons!? Thanks.Laura~

[Smark35]

Momofboygirltwins03,

I am waiting to hear if I'm accepted into the midwifery school I applied to, but I work with several CNM's and I'll share what I've seen.

Pros-You will have more autonomy as an advanced practice nurse, you'll have prescriptive authority, you will usually have a higher base income than a RN-and each of the three I know have the potential in their contract for a productivity bonus (they get paid more above a certain number of deliveries). You'll have the privilege of being with a woman throughout her prenatal care, labor, birth, and postpartum care, thus establishing a closer relationship with her and her family. You will have the opportunity to make a difference and support choices in labor and birth. You'll be in a position to do wonderful teaching and help to empower women throughout the lifespan. To be present for the birth of a new human being and watch a baby open it's eyes and look at the world for the first time is such a honor and a joy.

Cons-Sometimes horrendous hours. I mean brutal. This to some extent depends on the practice you find yourself working in, but usually involves several night calls. (And babies LIKE to be born at night)

Sometimes you will still struggle for the smallest amount of physician respect. ( Again- this depends on the environment you practice in as well as the ignorance level of each individual physician.) When a patient you have established a great rapport with becomes too complicated for collaboration, you may have to hand her off to a physician. If you don't work in or near a facility with constant physician backup, you may find yourself sweating it out in the event you need an emergency cesarean and are waiting for the physician and anesthesia to arrive. I'm sure there are more to add to each list, these are just a few off the top of my head and may be largely influenced by my particular institution/area of the country. Good luck in your endeavors. Maybe shadowing a midwife would be a nice option for you. :) Shannon

[richelle362]

i am in frontier's midwifery program. i love it! click the banner below for more info:

http://portal.midwives.org/

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