Are there jobs?

[MidwifeHopeful]

Hello everyone! I am applying to Master's entry programs in nurse midwifery this fall to hopfully start school in the spring of next year. I have been reading a lot of posts about the job market for NP's in general, and it seems that the market is flooded in some areas. How is it in midwifery? Ideally, I would like to work with underserved populations (Spanish speaking or rural) and would like to be involved in a group practice. But now I am worried about going through all that school (and expense!) then not being able to find a job or individual clients. Does anyone have any insight or advice? I am in the San Francisco area now but I want to move to western or central NY state after graduating. Thanks!

[webbiedebbie]

With healthcare costs rising and many OB physicians dropping delivery care from their practice, I am sure there will be positions available. Especially for the clientele you are seeking. Rural areas might have the greatest need. Check with the school you will going to about possible placement.

Good Luck!

[CRZ]

We have had a CNM practice in the small rural hospital where I work for quite some time. At first it was hard to find CNM's but recently numbers of applicants have increased. They were very successful and very well received by the patient population. Unfortunately we have new CEO and managers and they have completely eliminated the program because of reimbursement issues. The birthing center had no imput whatso ever in the decision and when we nurses found out, we were furious. We demanded the CEO and his VP come to our staff meeting and they were really blasted by our staff. They just don't get it at all. They kept saying it was a necessary financial decision because they don't get as much reimbursement for CNM deliveries and the CNM's don't see as many patients ina day as the OB's, etc. This is happening in other places as well. We tried to get them to see that we will lose patients because of their decision but they just don't get it. They can't understand why the moms wouldn't want to go to our "wonderful" OB's. Ya, right. Anyway, there is a change in the political climate right now so far as CNM's are concerned and I'd really check it out before investing time and money into a career that may be drastically changing. It is so sad. Our midwives were great.