CNM School with no L&D Experience?

[jeh399]

Hey all!

2yr PICU nurse, BSN grad in 2015. Really would love to become a midwife but of course when I was originally applying for jobs I had no luck finding one in women's health. I stuck it out in the PICU so that I could gain experience and show that I'm reliable. Now, 2 years in, I would really love to start school but I'm nervous to start without any L&D experience.

Do you all think I should postpone school and try to find another job? Or do you think most programs provide adequate clinical rotations to make up for my lack of experience?

Thanks all

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Keep looking for L&D jobs. I don't know of a single L&D nurse that regrets her experience prior to becoming a CNM.

There are many midwives who will tell you that it's *not necessary* to have L&D experience. But it doesn't hurt, and it can only help - not only in gaining skills and experience, but also in making you more attractive to potential employers when you start as a CNM.

A new CNM with no L&D experience can have a lot of challenges in getting hired. In fact, I know a few CNMs who ended up working in L&D *after* they became CNMs because they were virtually unemployable without that exprience.

Take it for what it's worth. A whole bunch of folks will tell you it's not necessary, and so will the schools who want you to pay them thousands of dollars of tuition.

[James75]

Still a nursing student, but when I look up CNM jobs in my area, a great majority say "one year experience required. Will consider two years experience in L & D as meeting this requirement."

So it seems to me like getting those magic two years would put you way ahead in the job market. I am certain you can get into CNM school without it, though.

[sunshine-momMSN]

Take it from someone who's been there. Although L&D isn't *required* and you can be a fine midwife with out it, employers will not even give your resume a second glance without that experience. Ive noticed even out of hospital settings tend to have this requirement. I have been out of school for over 2 years, and have had many interviews, with only two potentials. Many times I was told if I had L&D, they would have considered. If I had it to do over again, I would have either chose another NP route or fought harder to get a L&D job.