Certified nurse midwife or nurse practitioner?

[raecudzy1, BSN]

Hello all!

Well, when I graduate I have a lot more schooling ahead of me. I will graduate as an RN with an associate's degree, but I will want to get my bachelor's and master's degree as well.

I know I have about 2 more years to think on this, but I want to ask everyone's opinion. I am choosing between getting a master's degree in midwifery or as a nurse practioner and specializing in oncology or something with kids/maternal medicine.

I am very passionate about midwifery, but I don't know how the outlook is for them. I do want to have a job when I am all done with school, ya know? I looked online at the outlook and it says it's great, but at the same time it's a 50/50 chance a woman will choose a midwife over a doctor. Any opinions?

I also am passionate about being a nurse practitioner and specializing in oncology or peds/maternal health. I am very curious and passionate about cancer because I believe in the fight for cancer and helping patients battle it, and believe I can really make a difference in their lives. I also would like the option to specialize in peds/maternal health like a midwife. Any opinions?

Like I said I still have time to think about it, but the sooner I know what I want to do the sooner I can pick schools and get my future started! Thank you all!!!

Rae

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I think it's fabulous that you're so passionate about many things, and that you're planning your future. One school that always comes to mind for these types of specialties is Frontier: http://frontierschool.edu/

With that being said ... don't lock yourself into anything at this point, in your mind. Once you finish school and become an RN, you'll get to experience the wondrous and wide world of nursing, and you might be inspired to head in a direction you never expected once you get some nursing experience. Good luck!!

[Cortisol]

I would try to shadow NPs, Midwives, and even other APNs during this time. Don't be afraid to ask them as many questions as possible about their career, schooling, and current position. Volunteering, shadowing, or even working in different areas may help you better define your career goals and help you decide which specialty is right for you.

It is also important to consider the lifestyle you want and what your other career goals may be. Midwives have much crazier schedules than an FNP that works at an outpatient clinic, for example. Some people would prefer the excitment of midwifery as opposed to the everyday routine of being in the clinic. Both can be very rewarding areas of nursing!

Also, I just wanted to add that I was very surprised when I shadowed an ANP who specialized in advanced cardiac procedures. Her master's program was very focused in this area, and she was an integral part of the cardiac team at a university hospital. She was the go-to person when floor nurses had questions/updates about patients. I'm pretty sure that there are MSN programs that would be highly focused on oncology as well. Just thought I'd throw that out there since you mentioned an interest in oncology. :)