Aspiring CNMs who work L&D

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Specializes in Family Practice, Women's Health.

When interviewing for a position on an L&D unit, do you feel it's a good idea to let those hiring know of future plans to pursue midwifery? I wonder if they would either think you'd take off soon after all the energy placed to train you, or perhaps big hospitals have some negative biases toward midwifery. On the other hand, it may reveal your passion for the field. Any thoughts or experiences?

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Specializes in LDRP.

Bebeleche,

I wanted to be a nurse midwife when I started in L&D, and I disclosed this in my interview. I don't think it painted me in a bad light. Now, if you say your future plans include assuming the position of the nurse manager interviewing you, that might make you seem less desirable!:chuckle Good luck with your interview.:)

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Specializes in Rural Health.

I was very upfront with my manager on my desires and she was OK with it. It was very hard to not be during the interview.

I've also been very upfront with my DON at my facility and she has been an awesome resource, always bringing me articles and giving me encouragement about pursing my dreams. My email is full of stuff she has found on the internet for me.

My facility does not use CNM's either and probably never will in my career lifetime, so they are very supportive knowing full good and well that when I reach this point and I finish school I will have to move away.

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.

It should be ok to reveal this, but I would play by ear. I think at the end of the day, they want to know that you won't bounce after a year and a half.

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I would be a little careful about it- I work L & D and am working on my CNM. I did mention it in my interview and I still got hired. Since then I have learned that the nursing staff on my unit hates midwives with the exception of possibly one or two people. None of them would even consider having a midwife and they think I am crazy for going to school. Obviously this unit is not a good fit for me:) but I do not think that this is too unusual- many nurses seem to harbor ill will towards APNs in general so it's something watch out for. Good luck.

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I will begin orientation in L&D the week of the 20th. I did not mention that I was going to midwifery school out of fear that they would not want to hire me if they knew.

I think I should be quiet about pursuing an advanced degree in midwifery. I don't know. I haven't started yet. I don't have any real experience in L&D and don't want anyone thinking that I should know something because I am in school (will be this December).

My goal is to be teachable while I'm there, and just learn the ropes. I want to get my experience, just so that in the future, once I have my CNM I will know that I've had L&D experience. Ultimately, I would like to do home-births but they are not legal in my state for CNM's. Therefore, since my preceptor works in a birthing center, I hope to work there with her.

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.
I will begin orientation in L&D the week of the 20th. I did not mention that I was going to midwifery school out of fear that they would not want to hire me if they knew.

I think I should be quiet about pursuing an advanced degree in midwifery. I don't know. I haven't started yet. I don't have any real experience in L&D and don't want anyone thinking that I should know something because I am in school (will be this December).

My goal is to be teachable while I'm there, and just learn the ropes. I want to get my experience, just so that in the future, once I have my CNM I will know that I've had L&D experience. Ultimately, I would like to do home-births but they are not legal in my state for CNM's. Therefore, since my preceptor works in a birthing center, I hope to work there with her.

I felt the same way, although I did reveal that I wanted to become a midwife in my interview. The only reason I revealed it was because they asked the 5 year question and they have midwives on staff, so I knew it was a midwifery friendly environment.

But the staff doesn't know my plans and I don't want them to know until I feel at ease with my competency as an L and D nurse. Even then, they don't need to know.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
Ultimately, I would like to do home-births but they are not legal in my state for CNM's. Therefore, since my preceptor works in a birthing center, I hope to work there with her.

Really? I thought CNMs could legally attend homebirths in any state! Wow, I never knew this. Where can I find info on this? I would like to look it up and see what states make it illegal. (Hopefully none border my state!)

Thanks,

Kate

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