Nurse Midwife Programs - Good job outlook?

[Mindylane]

Hi everyone,

I just graduated with my BSN and am taking the NCLEX next month, but am thinking about where to go next. My school has an online Master's in midwifery, and I was wondering if I could get some thoughts about this track. Are there jobs, especially for new grads (I mean, this is three-five years down the line) but it is the thing I'd be most passionate about should I further my nursing education. Also, I'm assuming having bedside experience before getting the master's is important?

Thanks so much!

[scarykarrey]

Babies are going to keep being born, right?

[Mindylane]

I was actually under the assumption that in five years, we'd be making babies in labs.

I meant, as a new grad, are there opportunities, or are most places looking for people with experience, or is it possible to get a job without experience?

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Many opportunities for CNMs need to be created. Many new CNMs started the first midwifery practice in their community hospitals. Yes, there are some jobs for CNMs, but you may have to re-locate for a position. It really depends - I think midwives have to carve out spaces for themselves sometimes. And when they can't work as midwives, they usually can fall back on L&D nursing to earn an income. But that usually drives midwives nuts.

If it's your passion, go for it!

I would not recommend going into this profession if you're looking for good hours, good pay, lots of staff job openings. I don't think that's the reality of midwifery .