CNM vs L&D nurse?

[Jordan1927, ASN, BSN]

Hi everyone. I've got a question I’d like some feedback on. I've always loved maternity and, though im training to become an OR nurse currently, I plan to try and get into an L&D training program in the near future. I e been going back and forth in my mind about going back to school to become a CNM or just staying an L&D nurse. Can you all tell me what pushed you all to want to become a CNM vs staying an L&D nurse? Thank you.

PS: please please don't take offense to the statement “staying an L&D nurse”. I mean absolutely no harm by saying that, I just could not find another way to say it!!

[SimpliFutureCNM, ADN, BSN, RN]

So I am not a CNM but did just land my new job as a labor & delivery nurse. I actually applied to CNM school prior to being offered the job and figured I would get the experience first. I think L&D would be very beneficial prior to becoming a CNM because there is SO much to learn. I am happy I delayed going back to school to get this experience. There are senior nurses on my unit who have been in L&D for more than 30-40 years. I also think pay is a factor in the two - some states pay a new grad CNM roughly the same as an L&D nurse with experience. Plenty of nurses do not want to go back to get their CNM for 100K or however much it costs and be in debt to just get paid roughly the same (again that varies, look into your states starting wage). So I think that plays a large role as well - other things include patient care. L&D nurses are with the patient the entire time and even can do couplet care if a unit is LDRP. A CNM may have multiple people to see in a shift and not enough quality patient time (However this varies), also a CNM usually has clinic time (depends again), whereas a L&D nurse is in the hospital all the time. My specific unit is a LDRP (labor & delivery, recovery, postpartum), so I am taking care of the patient throughout it all. I like the idea of staying on my unit for a year/two and possibly traveling! Traveling is paying a lot right now. These are just things off the top of my head. I am sure a CNM on here can give you a better perspective on their career vs an L&D nurse. Good Luck!