Are midwives using statistics?

[moonredlife]

OK everyone, so here is my question. I am actually a bsn student who plans on getting my grad degree for midwifery. When I take my statistics class next semester, should I plan to rent the book or keep it? I am trying to imagine weather I will need to refer to this book in my career as a midwife. Will I ever be required to develop statistics or anything like that which can make it useful for me to keep this book or will it just be a waste of money and space?

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

IMO, books are never wasted. Start a library.

But, the need for instant recall (in the clinical area) for stats? I cannot imagine why you'd need the book.........?? Besides, stats change so often that the ones you learn would probably be out-dated fairly soon (as they apply to a specific clinical area such as midwifery).

But, I'd keep the book just to have in my library. I have lots I've acquired over the years.

[CNM2B]

You will definitely need to refer back to statistics while in grad school. You'll take a research course and a theory course at the minimum, and I've used my stats in a few other graduate level courses as well. Basic statistics like p-values and t-tests don't change, so a statistics book is a great reference to have on the shelf for a quick review!

I also use my statistics book to assist in paper-writing and research critiques. Sadly (or not, if you like stats!), it will be a big part of your graduate nurse-midwifery program.

Also, depending on where you do your graduate program, there is a very good chance you'll be required to take another (graduate level) statistics class.

Good luck--statistics has a bad reputation, but it really isn't as bad as people like to claim!