Vanderbilt question

Specialties CNM

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I'm very attracted to the Vanderbilt programs, their midwifery program is especially appealing. I'm even planning a summer trip down to check out the school.

For those who have attended or looked into Vanderbilt, do you have an opinion about the dual CNM/FNP option? I can see a huge benefit to also having the FNP credential if you are in your own practice, or when job hunting. On the other hand, I would expect that you would work "for" someone as either a CNM or a FNP - not both. (?)

I can also see a huge benefit to obtaining the credential at the time- I mean it's only an additional semester, which *to me, makes more sense then returning to school later...on the other hand, post-masters certs are plentiful.

One concern I have, is that when looking at the two curriculum side by side, the dual option has VERY FEW midwifery-specific courses. Maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but it looks more like the FNP curriculum. I worry that under that program, I wouldn't have nearly enough "midwifery" training.

I'd like to be a midwife who offers NP services, not a NP who offers midwifery services.

Any thoughts?

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I don't have specific experience with Vanderbilt's program, but I do know that the ACNM (American College of Nurse-Midwives), which is the accrediting body for CNM programs is very strict regarding academic standards for their programs. So, Vanderbilt would have to follow the rules set forth by the ACNM. I'm sure that anyone who graduates from their nurse-midwifery program would be well-qualified.

Are you wanting to provide primary care to the whole family, or just women? A CNM is qualified to provide primary care to her patients throughout their lifespan, so if you are only planning to see female patients in that type of setting, you don't need to have the FNP certification (if you don't want to get it right away).

Good luck!

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I am in Vanderbilt's dual Nurse-Midwifery/FNP program currently. The specialty year consists basically of 4 semesters of midwifery training (with a several FNP courses thrown in) and a full semester of only FNP courses and clinical preceptorship at the end. You basically finish your midwifery training and then complete the FNP portion in one semester... So you get all the necessary coursework and clinical hours for both specialties. I came into with just midwifery and added on FNP because it will allow me to treat the entire families of my birth clients, and I would like to have my own practice someday treating the entire family. I have heard other CNM's say that they often do "treat" the husbands and other children of their birth patients, but they can't bill for it... with FNP you can. So, in a sense, you are using both degrees even though CNM is your main one. There may also be places you can use both in more equal combination, it just might take some explaining of your dual degrees to future employers. Good luck!

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I am in Vanderbilt's dual Nurse-Midwifery/FNP program currently. The specialty year consists basically of 4 semesters of midwifery training (with a several FNP courses thrown in) and a full semester of only FNP courses and clinical preceptorship at the end. You basically finish your midwifery training and then complete the FNP portion in one semester... So you get all the necessary coursework and clinical hours for both specialties. I came into Vandy with just midwifery and added on FNP because it will allow me to treat the entire families of my birth clients, and I would like to have my own practice someday treating the entire family. I have heard other CNM's say that they often do "treat" the husbands and other children of their birth patients, but they can't bill for it... with FNP you can. So, in a sense, you are using both degrees even though CNM is your main one. There may also be places you can use both in more equal combination, it just might take some explaining of your dual degrees to future employers. Good luck!

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Thank you for answering!! When I looked at the two curriculum side by side, it seemed like the dual track had a lot less midwifery classes (not clinical). Has this been your experience that you are in different classes - or are you in the classes together with straight CNM students?

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I am not sure what you are looking at, but if you download the student handbook, print out the curriculum plans for both, you will see that ALL of the midwifery courses are in the dual program. There are a few FNP courses that are not in the dual program, but that's because they would be duplicating the same content from the Midwifery courses. So, like I said, the dual program is the Midwifery program in its entirety, plus the necessary FNP courses to be certified in that as well. All the midwifery students are in the same courses together for the year, then dual people have the FNP courses together in the last semester of their program, after the Midwifery people are done. There are only about 20 or so Midwifery/dual students in each year.

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I am not sure what you are looking at, but if you download the student handbook, print out the curriculum plans for both, you will see that ALL of the midwifery courses are in the dual program. There are a few FNP courses that are not in the dual program, but that's because they would be duplicating the same content from the Midwifery courses. So, like I said, the dual program is the Midwifery program in its entirety, plus the necessary FNP courses to be certified in that as well. All the midwifery students are in the same courses together for the year, then dual people have the FNP courses together in the last semester of their program, after the Midwifery people are done. There are only about 20 or so Midwifery/dual students in each year.

That's great to know!! I'm very attracted to this school, and what I have is from the website (links below). When I compare them side by side, these are the classes on the NMW list that are NOT on the NMW/FNP list. I'm just wondering if this is wrong or something. It also says this is a "sample" plan, so that might account for the differences? I typed these out because the link doesn't include them side by side, meaning unless you go line by line you wouldn't notice which classes were not included. Your thoughts would be really helpful.

Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology (dual lists Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of Child)

Women's Health for Advanced Practice Nursing 1 (dual lists The Context of Primary Care)

Nurse Midwifery Practicum 1 (dual lists Family & Relationship Issues in Primay Care)

Antepartal Care for Nurse Midwifery (dual lists Advanced Practice Nursing in PRimary Care of Adolescent)

Evolution of Midwifery in America (dual lists Advanced Practice Nursin in Primary Care of Elderly)

Skills for Nurse Midwifery (dual lists Special Topics in Nursing: Emergency Nursing)

Practicum in Intrapartum/postparum nurse midwifery care

Ibtraoartyn/postpartum care for nurse midwifery

nurse midwifery role synthesis

practicum in neonatal nurse midwifery

neonatal nurse midwifery care

advanced clinical integration experience for nurse midwifery

http://www.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/msn/nmwfnp_plan.html (dual list)

http://www.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/msn/nmw_plan.html (midwifery only)

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For a complete list, look at the MSN Student Handbook, print them out, and compare. http://www.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/current/handbook.pdf[/url]

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Hey guys,

I am really interested in the dual degree at as well. I have a Bachelors in a degree other than nursing. Does anyone know how long it takes to complete the degree starting with getting your RN first? Also for those of you that are in the program in your opinions what are the disadvantages and advantages to the program? My first two choices are Vanderbilt and San Francisco. Thanks for any and all of your help and ideas!

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I see that the MSN Nurse-Midwife/FNP specialty is limited to about 8-10 students each year, but does anybody know how many students apply each year? Or the acceptance rate for the specialty? I've closely combed over the website without any luck, but perhaps my eyes are just going fuzzy on me.

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