Appying to school, questions

bebeleche · Oct 9, 2008

That is an important question and one with 2 camps. Depending on who you ask, some say- Yes, it's totally necesary. Others say not at all, and it could even be a detriment. There are many threads in this forum that discuss the question in more detail. I think it probably comes out in the wash in the end.

HealthyRN · Oct 10, 2008

Hi VitKev13: I'm in the same boat as you. I have experience in the ED, med-surg, and home health, but no L&D experience. I've been interested in midwifery since high school, but I haven't pursued it for many reasons. I'm now reconsidering my career goals and I'm going to apply to a CNM program for entry next year. From talking to the director of the program and practicing CNMs, I really don't believe that L&D experience is absolutely necessary. I'm sure that it's a bonus if you do have it, but the CNM role is very different from the L&D RN role. Your ICU experience will be very useful in helping you to deal with emergencies that may arise on the occasion that birth deviates from the normal. Good luck!

nsjbm2 · Oct 12, 2008

I started in the labor room approx 2 months ago, love it. Have found it useful for evaluating options for my midwife practice. I'd recommend it, highly. I've found it useful to actually see the midwives in action as well as the ob/gyns. I would strongly recommed doing some l&d, although many go straight into midwife programs. I would never buy a car without a test drive...

Goozgog · Oct 15, 2008

I should have read this thread prior to posting a new thread. I have been a RN for a little over year and worked in tele. I will start midwifery school in December and thought I should get L&D experience. Now four weeks into my orientation I am finding myself unhappy there. Read the thread "aspiring CNM in L&D."

Now I am wondering if I should go back to tele and work the horrible night shifts again, or look for a job in home health/hospice.

Hopefully my hubby will make enough money soon that I can quit working while in school.

The RN's in L&D gossip about my preceptor who works in the only birthing center around here. They don't like her becuase she "gets in the way of nursing care," like, taking off the O2 when the RN just put it on.

My guess is that this particular CNM is trying to maintain the power of the birthing woman while in a powerless environment.

zahryia, LPN · Oct 15, 2008

Depending on the type of midwifery practice one is envisioning themselves in, this may not be the right analogy. It's almost like test driving a German car hoping to get Japanese features.

In the end, it's all acquiring as much knowledge as possible and getting the right kind of experience for yourself. It's different for everyone.

primate1983 · Oct 23, 2008

I live in California and am interested in switching fields. I have been considering Nursing for quite some time and have been looking into my options for schools. I currently hols a BA in Psychology and am trying to find a school where I can validate this somehow. I have been finding accelerated BSN programs that I can complete in as little as i year, whereas all the RN programs I find take 2 years; so it makes since to do the accelerated BSN programs as opposed to RN programs.

My question is the validity of these programs? and once you have your BSN are you licensed in all states? I live in California but am considering the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing Program, I can take the course work online while I doing the clinicals in Glendale. Becase it is Oklahoma will I be licsened in the State of California? Has anyone heard of this school and knows about their reputation? Please let me know.