Midwife Clinicals

Snow_cone · Jul 17, 2017

I'm in the same situation. I just applied for a CNM program and we are due to possibly move next yr. My plan is to look at the MTF we are reassigned to when we move and see if there are any OB services and if not look into the community to network. I've cold called a few places around where we are now and spoke with a few CNM about what they do and their daily job activities. I'll start calling to ask to volunteer and possibly ask about clinical opertunities if I'm accepted into the program. (I work women's health now and have L&D experience). But remember your military treatment facilities. I volunteered as a L&D RN through the Red Cross at one base. They are always hurting for providers and nurses and usually willing to train,in my experience.

**LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM** · Jul 17, 2017

Choose a midwifery program that doesn't require you to find your own clinical placements

rac1, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2017

Choose a midwifery program that doesn't require you to find your own clinical placements

This is sometimes a difficult decision for us military wives. We sometimes need to move quickly. And while some of us could send kids ahead with our husbands for a few months to finish up whatever we need to do - sometimes that is not an option.

I am a military spouse also, about to graduate with my BSN. I am looking forward to becoming a midwife, and all of the above questions have me pondering how to do it all as a military spouse. When you choose a school where you can choose your own placement, it makes it easier to move (not that that choice is an easy one). And we can usually stay in one place for two years - but still - it is something we must consider while choosing a school.

rac1, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2017

I'm looking at starting a CNM program in the next couple of years, but my husband is active duty army so we will be moving every 2-3 years. I'm nervous that it will be hard to find places willing to allow me to do clinical hours, since I will come in and have no relationship with anyone there or knowledge of the facilities. Anyone have any similar situations?

I am still finishing up my BSN, and I am not yet ready to apply for my midwifery education - but I have thought a lot about the "what ifs" of when I am there. However, I never thought it would be any more difficult for me than for anyone else. The truth is - everyone is always moving in the military. You know how we get those letters sometimes every 6 months that we were assigned a new doctor because our doctor had a PCS??? (ha) Well, the hospitals in the areas and the MTFs are all used to new people coming and going. I don't think this is the hardest problem you'll have to deal with or worry about, to be honest.

What is your experience right now? I am hoping my life experiences will serve me well in interviewing/speaking with potential clinical preceptors.

**LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM** · Jul 31, 2017

This is sometimes a difficult decision for us military wives. We sometimes need to move quickly. And while some of us could send kids ahead with our husbands for a few months to finish up whatever we need to do - sometimes that is not an option.
I am a military spouse also, about to graduate with my BSN. I am looking forward to becoming a midwife, and all of the above questions have me pondering how to do it all as a military spouse. When you choose a school where you can choose your own placement, it makes it easier to move (not that that choice is an easy one). And we can usually stay in one place for two years - but still - it is something we must consider while choosing a school.

Oh I see, it didn't occur to me that the OP meant she might have to complete her program in more than one location. My clinical portion only took me 4 semesters, but I understand you are technically always "on call" for the next post as a military wife and could be asked to move in the middle of your program. My only advice then would be to immediately connect with the local chapter of ACNM (your state or city affiliate) wherever you go, to try to network and find preceptors.