Hi CNMs. I am a career changer who went back to school to be a CNM. I opted to get my RN-BSN first to work in L&D to support the costs associated with midwifery school. I am two years into practice in L&D and am so burnt out. I work at a really great hospital system where everything gets transferred to us....even from out of state. I'm learning a lot but my nerves are shot, I cry a lot and I'm just not enjoying my job. We do have midwives and when I work with them and their low-risk patients its a breath of fresh air. I know my passion is still there to provide evidence-based care, provide true informed consent, passion, patience and empower the birthing people I serve...but I'm just so done. I am considering working in a different specialty while I go to midwifery school. I'm just wondering if any wise midwives out there had a similar experience? Or am I just nuts... ? Any advice/insight would be helpful.
I guess I am confused by the comments here. You are saying you just want to be involved in "happy, successful births?". Would that be like working on a post- op floor where it was guaranteed that everyone was cured with the surgery and did not need secondary chemo/radiation? A job that only involves sunshine and flowers? Sorry I am so critical but I am not sure any health care job doesn't involve a personal commitment. If you are the CNM and things turn bad...do you call the OB and walk away?
It kinda sounds like you are looking for a job at Disney World. Maybe Cinderella needs a CNM
I’m constantly shocked and disappointed at the lack of empathy and concern and support from nurses outside their place of work. I’m a new RN and walking a path most RN’s don’t support - I’m in CNM school without any RN experience. But damn I have read some immature and cruel comments on this site, and as for support, my short experience in clinicals and just observing them, nurses are MEAN as snakes! I feel more confident in my path as I encounter unhappy nurses who aim their exhaustion and vitriol at others who aren’t suffering as they do. I don’t think for an instant that the OP is naive enough to think that midwives don’t deliver stillbirths, or encounter any emergencies. I had a midwife for my last birth and I hemorrhaged but she didn’t call in an OB - she handled the situation - I also have cardiomyopathy and had been seeing a perinatologist - I’m pretty sure the OP knows that midwives can see these types of clients as well.
really, though - 44 years as a nurse with cancer patients and this is your attitude? Time to retire
really, though - 44 years as a nurse with cancer patients and this is your attitude? Time to retire
I apologize to the OP for my harsh comments. I misunderstood the following comment:
Quote
We do have midwives and when I work with them and their low-risk patients its a breath of fresh air.
Unfortunately (I so wish it was different!) there is just a lot of stress in every healthcare position. I truly hope for a better work world for you, Specialscar, when you start working. Congratulations on your achievements and I believe our current generation of nurses will have a positive impact for change!
Specialscar, BSN, RN, EMT-B
48 Posts
I’m constantly shocked and disappointed at the lack of empathy and concern and support from nurses outside their place of work. I’m a new RN and walking a path most RN’s don’t support - I’m in CNM school without any RN experience. But damn I have read some immature and cruel comments on this site, and as for support, my short experience in clinicals and just observing them, nurses are MEAN as snakes! I feel more confident in my path as I encounter unhappy nurses who aim their exhaustion and vitriol at others who aren’t suffering as they do. I don’t think for an instant that the OP is naive enough to think that midwives don’t deliver stillbirths, or encounter any emergencies. I had a midwife for my last birth and I hemorrhaged but she didn’t call in an OB - she handled the situation - I also have cardiomyopathy and had been seeing a perinatologist - I’m pretty sure the OP knows that midwives can see these types of clients as well.
really, though - 44 years as a nurse with cancer patients and this is your attitude? Time to retire