Bad Habits Picked up from being an L&D RN?

DreamerMW · Apr 17, 2016

I have no specific examples, but I've personally spoken to a highly experienced and respected CNM who basically told me to NOT try to get L&D experience.

Motheringheart16 · Apr 19, 2016

I am a labor and delivery nurse and starting CNM school in two weeks. My experience in L&D has been invaluable and I have learned SO much. I would not be afraid of it but just remember that birth looks different with a midwife. Also try to work at a hospitals with CNMs that deliver there.

strawberrycupcakes · Apr 19, 2016

Good to know! I've definitely heard both sides, I would have thought that the experience is worth it. Hope you enjoy CNM school!

Katie71275 · Apr 21, 2016

I will be starting CNM school in August and have (almost) 3 years experience as a labor nurse. Personally, I think it's a great experience to have. You know how to read strips and know what interventions work in situations and know that some situations that first appear to be an emergency are not actually an emergency. Also, many potential employers of CNMs want you to have L&D experience.

pro-student · Jul 22, 2016

The bad habits from L&D largely stem from the fact that most of the patients you'd likely care for will be managed in a very medical way (e.g. - continuous EFM, NPO during labor, encouraged to lie down, and many unnecessary CS). These practices are so engrained that many nurses themselves are anti-midwifery or at least feel very uncomfortable without the full cadre of medical interventions.

These are by no means universal. It's possible to be conscious of not picking up these bad practices but especially as an newbie it can be extremely difficult to navigate. In most developed nations, midwives are not required to be nurses at all. It's very do-able to become an excellent midwife without a day of L&D experience.

klone, MSN, RN · Jul 23, 2016

Not a CNM, but I work with them daily and see a lot of midwifery students come through for their training. Without exception, the CNMs I work with believe that OB/L&D experience is VERY helpful. The students who do not have any women's health experience have a much steeper learning curve.