childbirth educator position

Good questions you ask.

First of all, yes, it (going away from the bedside to do almost ANY other job) tends to involve quite a pay cut. So, you have to consider what your finances will allow and check into exactly what you would make as a CBE soley, versus as a bedside nurse.

You can do what I am looking into doing. Going perdiem as a bedside nurse (never lose your skills that way) and also working as a CBE as well----it may just be the ticket for you.

That way, you can still work around your dh's schedule and do both things at once! It's my plan----and some day, when my body is too tired and old to lift and move heavy patients,(which is a real concern for all of us at some point), I hope to be experienced and "entrenched" enough in childbirth education that I can make a go of it w/o having to do bedside nursing any longer.

SO, check into what you would make as a CBE, versus doing bedside nursing and consider, you COULD do both----be perdiem as a staff nurse, AND be a CBE prn, as well!

Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy.

At our hospitals, current OB nurses also do the CBE. It entails one evening a week, and they get paid their regular RN wages, and I believe their 36 hour work-week is reduced by the amount of time spent teaching, if they wish.

I've never heard of ANYONE doing CBE full time.

Well, I haven't had a chance to speak with the manager yet. The educator who gave me her name said they do have a few nurses on staff, not sure if they're full time or not.

THing is, I'm not currently a "bedside" nurse. I've always been in the community, and I have to admit I'm not too interested in working L&D. I feel like my personal philosophy regarding CB would be challenged daily on a high intervention L&D unit and might potential effect patient care and my sanity. NO free standing birth centers in my area.

I might like mother/baby or NICU, but it would be difficult to transition into something like that part time I think (if I were to do the CBE thing part time too).

I'll have to look into this a little more and see what's the scoop.

Thanks for your responses!