CNM and FNP certification/degrees

[K-ron Marsalvo]

Hello!

I am currently a BSN student with a previous degree in the sciences. I had always wanted to be both an FNP and a CNM but in talking more with my professors they gave the impression that this was ultimately silliness. They expressed that keeping up with a dual certification would require a lot of hours of practice and added that jobs that required both were not very common. I have to admit I was saddended, but I do see people (faculty in MSN programs etc) who do both, on top of the many dual degree programs that exist out there. I am just hoping to hear from any people who are both a CNM and an FNP and are able to do both in there day to day. I suppose realisitically I assume I would get one and then be working and find a situation where I could use both and then get the second... run on sentence... Anyway any experience or advice would be great. Do you have to work in a big city to use both? In a doctor's office? I've heard some say it's great for rural areas (probably where I'll end up and where I want to end up) and underserved populations but who do you end up working for? Is it worth it? I've also heard people say I should just choose between them and not try to do both. Ack! so much advice but so far none of it's what I was hoping to hear!

Thanks in advance!

Ms. Marsalvo

[Bree124, BSN, RN]

Hi,

I actually think it would probably be the least useful in an urban setting. There are many, many areas in this country where healthcare isn't available unless you go 100 miles away.

We are looking at relocating to Montana when I am done with my CNM, and I am interested in getting a post-master's cert as an FNP because I think it would be useful in a very rural area.

[bebeleche]

There are jobs out there where you can use both. Don't get discouraged by what others say. The National Health Service Corps has a scholarship and a loan repayment plan if you plan to work in an area of great medical need. As Bree124 said, there are very rural areas where service as a "family nurse-midwife" is highly valued.

I am an FNP and plan to go back for my CNM and hope to start my own practice someday where I can care for pregnant women, their babies and their partners. I like a family-centered model that centers around the woman.

These are just some examples. Follow your heart.

[K-ron Marsalvo]

Bebeleche and Bree 124,

Thank you both for your responses. It is good to hear that there is a need and it can be done. I know I will have to work thing sout when I get there but it is great to realize it is still possible.

:nuke: K-ron

[K-ron Marsalvo]

PS @ Bebeleche,

How do you like being an FNP? Do you do low risk OB (without deliveries). What kind of setting do you work in? Just curious :)

[bebeleche]

I do like being an FNP. At the moment, I work in college health (which works well w/my family life for now), but when I was fulfilling my NHSC obligation in a rural setting, I was doing full-scope FP- a lot of OB and women's health and not just low-risk. In areas with few medical providers, people take what they can get. Not safe, but a reality- which is one reason I'm no longer there. I like my license :)

I did/do like providing OB care, which I why I wanna go for the CNM. In that setting I would see the moms for thier prenatal/postpartum and be the provider for their babies, but I wish I could have attended the deliveries as well.

I need to wait a few more years before I can pursue my dream, however, because I have babies at home myself.

Good luck.