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Discussion

CNM program without L&D experience?

Hi all, I have been a RN for 10 years. I almost took a job in post-partum as a new-grad but I decided I would be more marketable if I got med-surg experience before going in to a specialty. I have worked ED and procedural nursing since leaving the general floor. I'm considering applying to a CNM program but I'm still researching. I was surprised to see that some programs do not require L&D experience and some nurses are enrolling without it. My question is, IS it really not necessary? Do they really teach everything you need to know without working L&D? The reason I would consider applying without the L&D experience is that I have an easy, low-stress job currently (but don't want to do it forever) and it might be easier to get through school working this job as opposed to going back to the floor......

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    • Expert

    This does vary depending on the program as some do absolutely require L&D experience. There are also preceptors who will not take on students who have never done L&D either. In addition if you look at job descriptions for CNMs, many that will accept new grads say "will accept new grad with 2-3+ years of L&D experience." So yes, it is not always necessary but it can certainly be helpful in opening some doors.

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    I agree that it can be very helpful. I am applying to a CNM program for Fall 2016, and in talking with the director, they look very favorably on candidates with labor and delivery experience. I do believe they teach you what you need to now in school, but as a labor and delivery nurse, you learn a lot of important things and see a variety of different situations that you may or may not see during school, but I feel that are important to have exposure to as a nurse/provider.

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    >My question is, IS it really not necessary?

    For some programs - it IS really not necessary. SNMs graduate without ever having worked as a nurse or an OB nurse. This happens. So, for the degree and the credential - it is not necessary.

    >Do they really teach everything you need to know without working L&D?

    My opinion? NO.

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    • Author

    does anyone know of midwives that have gotten jobs without L&D experience?

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    I do know one. She went to University of Pennsylvania's nursing program and continued on to their midwifery program. She works in private practice with three other midwives here in NJ.

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    does anyone know of midwives that have gotten jobs without L&D experience?

    Yes.

    It's just that there is a lot to learn after you've become credentialed, licensed and assumed the role of the provider.

    Having years of nursing experience is valuable - even if it's not in L&D or OB.

    Some of CNMs can jump in and be competent and effective from the get-go with no nursing or L&D experience, others cannot. I think this is why some practices are reluctant to hire CNMs without L&D experience.

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    does anyone know of midwives that have gotten jobs without L&D experience?

    I'm one! In my graduating class of 9 in midwifery school, only 3 of us were L&D nurses. One woman was an RN but had gone straight through to midwifery, with no nursing experience at all. I think because I am in the NYC area, where there are many CM grads, who by definition have no nursing experience, and many Columbia grads, the majority of whom I would say have no nursing experience because of the popularity of their accelerated MSN program, employers here are less adamant that you have L&D experience.

    I felt that the biggest learning curve for me was getting comfortable with fetal heart tracings, but that my med/surg and postpartum nursing experience enriched my midwifery practice in different but equally valuable ways.

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