CNM with no LD experience?

Published

Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

As much as I've tried to deny the urge, it's heavy on my heart to become a CNM. I never thought it would be something I was interested in. When I was in nursing school I was always the person super interested in adult critical care and really excelled at it. When I graduated, I didn't get a position in adult critical care, I ended up in the NICU. I really enjoy what I do but not enough to become an NNP.

I've always been interested in women's health and women's rights, even after a terrible learning experience in nursing school.

When I first started working in NICU, part of our classroom time included learning about pregnancy and childbirth. I remember being absolutely fascinated with it and wanting to learn more. I couldn't get enough.

When I got pregnant with my son, it was nice to get my care from a CNM. I told her I was interested in going down that same path but put it on the shelf for a few years. She was very patient with me and my questions and also very encouraging.

Now it's hit me again. I started getting involved heavily with lactation in my unit and I really enjoy working with the mom and the baby. I found it more satisfying than my typical NICU duties.

I've been thinking for years that I want to be an FNP but each time in the back of my mind, I keep coming to being a CNM. It's weird because its a feeling I just can't shake. I can't get rid of it. Every time I think of becoming a CNM, I feel a swelling of pride and of being satisfied in what I do. When I think of FNP, I don't get that feeling.

When I think of becoming a CNM, I'm very excited and I don't get that same excitement from FNP.

All of that being said, I feel becoming a CNM is a calling that just can't be ignored. I can't explain it other than being a calling from God. A feeling like this is the purpose of my being allowed to rent my space here on earth. For what it's worth, this is the same feeling I had when entering nursing school and I'm very happy to say that I am a nurse. It's been wonderful, I just want more.

Now that you knows heart, of all things I do not want to be an L&D bedside nurse. Is this unusual? Does it make sense? I feel odd for saying it but its so true.

Would instill be a good CNM without bedside experience as an RN?

I'm feeling very conflicted about this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think if you start reading more posts, you will find many RN's who have had no L&D experience who want to go into midwifery and schools accept them even without. Nursing experience is more important than specifically L&D. With your Lactation experience and desire, I think you will do fine. Don't discount that "feeling"...it's called intuition. I felt the same way about nursing and then midwifery...and I put midwifery on the shelf for almost 15 years!!! Now I'm waiting to find out if I've been accepted to Frontier and can't wait to get started. In the meantime, I am a L&D nurse...I love it, but dislike the medical side of it, in terms of having to focus on charting, meds, forms,etc. I suspect that is the part you dread, not the actual birth part, or laboring woman part... I say, go for it!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse-Midwife.

Do it! And don't discount the experiences you already have.

Midwifery is a holistic discipline - it's more than just being present at the birth of a baby. You will draw on many areas of your life and work while practicing midwifery.

And if you feel magnetically drawn to it - like many of us do - there is no other answer but to do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

Thank you. I was really worried that a lack of L&D experience would hurt me but you have made me feel better about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Being a midwife is very different than being an L&D nurse. Midwifery is a much larger scope of practice. Learning to manage labor is valuable, but it doesn't train you to manage a clinical practice of women throughout the lifespan. Go with your heart. If you want more labor experience, volunteer as a doula.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

Thank you again for the insight! I'm just trying to figure out how to pay for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion