MSW with aspirations to become a CNM

Specialties CNM

Published

I am currently working as a per-diem Clinical Social Worker in L&D, Postpartum, NICU, and Pediatrics. I have my BSW, MSW and am working towards my LCSW (but that will take a few more years). I have always had a passion for maternal health. After volunteering in the L&D unit during high school, I decided that becoming an OB/GYN was just not for me. I ended up heading down the social work route because I was drawn towards being able to provide holistic care to patients and addressing some of their deeper social issues. However, my passion for maternal health still remains. I have gone back and forth with whether or not to become a CNM for years now, and I have decided that I would regret not doing it. My long term goal is to work overseas in a clinic that provides holistic care to impoverished women (maternal & infant health care, social services, microfinance loans, etc.)

My question is what route would be the best for me at this point in my life. I do not plan to apply for nursing school for 3-4 years. That will give me a lot of time to finish my prerequisites. By that time I will have my LCSW (I know that I will never go back and get hours to complete this license, so I might as well "finish" this while I can.) We are also planning to have another kiddo, so we would have 2 by the time I start nursing school. We will also be able to save up some money...hoping to get to CNM with little to no debt.

* Would an Accelerated BSN -> work for a couple of years -> CNM program be the best route?

* Has anyone finished an accelerated program with young kids?...I'm nervous about this idea! I have a supportive husband and definitely won't be working while in school. But I am hoping to hear some encouragement that this is do-able.

* I have not worked with CNM's before. Do you recommend gaining some experience working with CNMs? What would be the best way to do this?

*Are there any other MSWs who became CNMs?

*Does anyone know what salary I can expect with an LCSW, RN and LCSW, CNM?

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

*Does anyone know what salary I can expect with an LCSW, RN and LCSW, CNM?

The LCSW is likely not going to change your RN or CNM salary. You will be working as an RN or CNM, not a social worker. While it might give you a hiring boost, it won't change your income in those other roles.

Specializes in OB.
I am currently working as a per-diem Clinical Social Worker in L&D, Postpartum, NICU, and Pediatrics. I have my BSW, MSW and am working towards my LCSW (but that will take a few more years). I have always had a passion for maternal health. After volunteering in the L&D unit during high school, I decided that becoming an OB/GYN was just not for me. I ended up heading down the social work route because I was drawn towards being able to provide holistic care to patients and addressing some of their deeper social issues. However, my passion for maternal health still remains. I have gone back and forth with whether or not to become a CNM for years now, and I have decided that I would regret not doing it. My long term goal is to work overseas in a clinic that provides holistic care to impoverished women (maternal & infant health care, social services, microfinance loans, etc.)

My question is what route would be the best for me at this point in my life. I do not plan to apply for nursing school for 3-4 years. That will give me a lot of time to finish my prerequisites. By that time I will have my LCSW (I know that I will never go back and get hours to complete this license, so I might as well "finish" this while I can.) We are also planning to have another kiddo, so we would have 2 by the time I start nursing school. We will also be able to save up some money...hoping to get to CNM with little to no debt.

* Would an Accelerated BSN -> work for a couple of years -> CNM program be the best route?

That sounds like a very reasonable route to becoming a CNM. You have a few other options, but I think this is a good one if you're ok with the amount of time it will take.

* Has anyone finished an accelerated program with young kids?...I'm nervous about this idea! I have a supportive husband and definitely won't be working while in school. But I am hoping to hear some encouragement that this is do-able.

Many, many people have finished accelerated BSN programs with young kids. If you don't have to work while you're in school, you will be fine.

* I have not worked with CNM's before. Do you recommend gaining some experience working with CNMs? What would be the best way to do this?

Have you thought of getting doula training? It will complement your midwifery education and practice, and it may help open doors for you in terms of getting to know midwives in your area, if you take clients who deliver with midwives in your area.

*Are there any other MSWs who became CNMs?

I'm sure there are, midwifery is an extremely diverse field, and many, many midwives entering the field are doing so after prior careers.

*Does anyone know what salary I can expect with an LCSW, RN and LCSW, CNM?

As klone stated, your prior experience will have no effect on your salary as a CNM.

Answers in bold.

thank you for your responses :)

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