CNM as RN

[CEG]

Just a quick question for all of you experienced nurses out there. I am currently in a direct entry program with a specialty in midwifery. I will be an RN next May, then can begin my Midwifery courses the following fall. My plan was to space out my midwifery at least 4-5 years so I could get some L & D experience.

Unfortunately there is a possibility my DH job will transfer him before then.

Plan B will be to finish my MSN as quickly as possible (2 1/2 years) and continue to work as an RN (L &D) until I felt ready to work as a CNM.Or are there legalities that would prevent that? Would the hospital allow it? Would the nurse manager be comfortable with it? Is it just a crazy and stupid idea? Thanks for your help :)

[Choircat]

You will defenitely need experience as an Rn in the L&D area. We just went through the same situation, RN to CNM without any L&D RN experience. None of the MDs would hire her and the nurses were having to teach her. Not Good! Good luck!

[CEG]

Sorry, I should clarify that I would still have about 3 years of L & D experience if I go the quick way, but I would prefer the 5-6y years I could have the long way.

Also, have you seen hospitalist midwives? I read an article about hospitalist OB's who were called "laborists" and only delivered babies (no routine care). I would prefer doing routine PNC and women's health also to form better patient relationships, but I was just curious if that's something you've seen. Thanks!

[jentech]

Just wondering which route you were looking at for school......I have just begun to look at CNM/MS......does anyone use CPM????

[RNnL&D]

The L&D experience would definitely be helpful for future CNM employment. As far as legalities, you are or will be a registered nurse, and are able to work as "just a nurse", even with an advanced degree. We have three CNM/RN's right now. Two just graduated from midwifery school but are continuing to work in L&D until they are able to find employment as a CNM. The other was a CNM who's contract was not renewed. She can't relocate to find another CNM position as her husband is a local dentist, so she works in L&D as a staff nurse.

[RNnL&D]

Just wondering which route you were looking at for school......I have just begun to look at CNM/MS......does anyone use CPM????

Depends on the area. In Ohio, CPM's are not licensed or recognized by the state. There are women here who use them, but it is kind of an underground system with everything paid out of pocket. There is no insurance reimbursement. There are many other states like that. However, there are also states where CPM's are licensed, and can receive insurance/Medicaid reimbursement. I think CPM's might be a little more popular in those states, and especially in areas where homebirth and birth centers are more popular.

[epiphany]

I would prefer doing routine PNC and women's health also to form better patient relationships, but I was just curious if that's something you've seen. Thanks!

We have a birth center in my hospital, the midwives do PNC care for these low risk pts, as well as end up delivering them depending on whether they are on duty.