CNM Job Prospects/Research

[katyq82]

Hello all! This is my first post. I am a pre-nursing student working on my prerequisites with the intention of getting the MSN in nurse midwifery. I'm also a working parent with a BA in a liberal arts field and so its especially important to me that if I invest the time and money in going back to school that it will be worthwhile for my family. Based on the Bureau of Labor website and other online research I've done it looks like job prospects are good for this specialty, but I do not see many actual job postings when I've done nationwide job searches using the various online job search websites. Although I'm passionate about the type of care a midwife provides and I would love to have this as a career, I do not want to get another degree that won't "pay off". Thoughts on the job market for a CNM in the next 5-10 years?

Also, I've seen some programs that offer a dual CNM/FNP degree- would that be worthwhile to increase my marketability? Any other suggestions for an adult student starting at square one in nursing and wanting to get into advanced practice would be appreciated! Thank you :)

[byrd262, BSN, RN]

There are jobs, but it really depends if you are limited to a certain area. Clearly, if you are willing to relocate, you have more options. If you are searching for jobs on Monster or CareerBuilder, then you are not getting a representation of what is out there for CNMs. The best sites are the ACNM job posting board and Indeed. Then, there is word of mouth when you are in the midwifery/birth community (i.e. affiliate meetings, conferences, school faculty, preceptors, etc.).

Any other qualifications do make you more marketable, BUT you have to make sure you are going to be adequately compensated for doing both roles in the same job and that you are going to be able to practice enough to maintain your licenses. The benefit can be if you need/want to work part-time or per diem to make extra money. The reality though is if you are working in a busy "midwifery practice" full-time, then you won't have time to practice in another role (PNP/FNP) unless you work in a health center/clinic where different specialities work in the same office space.

The best advice I can give you is to talk to people, don't limit yourself. I went into nursing knowing I wanted to be a midwife, but some people find out that they have interests in other areas. So, keep an open mind and take it one step at a time.

[mamagui]

Just to add to byrd262's excellent post. You can do a nationwide search American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), MidwifeJobs|Find Your Career Here. Some posts also include salary and benefits information. Additionally, some facilities include relocation benefits. Hope this helps :)

[AspiringNurseMW]

I think also as Obama care affects the Healthcare industry we will be seeing an increase of lower cost alternatives to medical doctors, and for obs that means replacing them with CNM. I too am starting my prerequisites for my RN program and am looking forward to becoming a CNM

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Many CNMs have to create their positions in new markets. Sometimes this goes swimmingly, other times not. I believe there is market potential and demand for CNMs in the future, but not without a lot of work put in by individual nurse-midwives willing to create new midwifery services in new areas.

[katyq82]

Thanks for the feedback! I am willing to relocate and probably will for the master's program anyway. Right now I am just beginning the prereq's so I know I have a long road ahead. I'll keep my mind open for sure, and I know that I'll probably work for a year or two as an RN before getting the MSN so I'm sure I'll have a better understanding of the field after that.

If anyone is still reading this post and wants to share their thoughts on educational paths- I'm looking into doing a BSN and then a separate MSN versus one of those direct entry MSN programs, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks again

[AspiringNurseMW]

I am choosing, for financial and family reasons, to do a 3 step. I too am starting my prerequisites but for a Associates program at my community college ($$$). I will then hopefully get a job and complete my RN to BSN online (and maybe have another baby in there, lol). Then I will use a distance program like Frontier to get my Masters. I was considering their RN to MSN program but I really want to be awarded a BSN just in case life gets in the way and so that it won't affect any potential employment. That's the plan anyway

[mamagui]

You know that Frontier offers a bridge program RN->MSN->DNP, right? If you are planning on going there anyway, why bother spending extra time and money on a BSN? Just food for thought :)