CNMs, how long did you wait?q

mommy2boysaz · Oct 25, 2007

I've been an OB nurse for 10 years. Just applied to Frontier for their CNM program.

I did not know I wanted to be a CNM until I got to practice with one!

Best of Luck!

*Bethany* · Oct 25, 2007

Well, I can't tell you how long I'll wait.. I'm just now starting my pre-reqs for the nursing program (this is my first semester). But my plan is to try to get into L and D after graduating nursing school and then continuing on with my education while working. I'm going into nursing to become a CNM.

I know this wasn't part of the question, but the reason I'm going into midwifery is because of my 2 beautiful homebirths. I have a strong passion for everything pregnancy/childbirth!

epiphany · Feb 8, 2008

How long did you wait/work after graduating nursing school before you applied to Nurse Midwifery school? did you know you wanted to be a midwife while you were still in nursing school?

I waited one year, which was one year too long. I thought a year in L&D would be helpful, but I was wrong. ER would have been a better place to learn skills. In L&D you learn how to hang pitocin and strap women down to their beds, and write trail long documents that nobody reads. And since I rarely saw a natural birth, I didn't learn to have faith in the woman's power. Sorry, a little OT. But if you have made up your mind, don't wait. You can do it.

midwife2b · Feb 10, 2008

LOL I waited 25 years!

I thought I was supposed to be a CNS. Then I thought I was supposed to be a WHNP. It was one patient situation that gave me the realization that if I wanted to support women's choices, the only way that would be a credible option was the CNM route.

So I've been a CNM for 2 years. I have more clients than I ever imagined. Our service has a waiting list. Midwifery care and the midwifery model of care is desired and requested! Don't wait as long as I did! :yeah:

kythe, LPN · Feb 11, 2008

I waited one year, which was one year too long. I thought a year in L&D would be helpful, but I was wrong. ER would have been a better place to learn skills. In L&D you learn how to hang pitocin and strap women down to their beds, and write trail long documents that nobody reads. And since I rarely saw a natural birth, I didn't learn to have faith in the woman's power. Sorry, a little OT. But if you have made up your mind, don't wait. You can do it.

Don't most midwifery schools require a certain amount of experience first? Can you get related experience in other areas?

epiphany · Feb 29, 2008

good question. No. Not all schools require L&D experience. Check with the schools are you interested in. I inquired in two schools, including Upenn when I'm at, and they don't need it. In fact, in another school, when I interviewed, this was also said to: ER is much better for skills. I think ER would really come in handy if you are also doing GYN, either as a midwife or WNP (depending on your state), because you begin to get a handle on common stuff like UTI's, Asthma, DM, HTN. Women who are pregnant or laboring are going to have these symptoms.

littlemamakt, ASN · Feb 29, 2008

Does anyone know if Frontier will accept ER experience? And will nurse-tech experience help too?

-Kate

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 2, 2008

Does anyone know if Frontier will accept ER experience? And will nurse-tech experience help too?
-Kate

According to those I've been talking with at Frontier - they want you to have a good solid base before entering any of the programs. They require 1 year of experience as an RN before applying to any of their programs.

I've been told it can only help to have L&D experience if applying for the CNM program but it certainly isn't the only factor in admission to the program.

But if I lack experience in L&D, when I graduate I may struggle finding a job according to them.

fnp2b369 · Jul 16, 2008

According to those I've been talking with at Frontier - they want you to have a good solid base before entering any of the programs. They require 1 year of experience as an RN before applying to any of their programs.
I've been told it can only help to have L&D experience if applying for the CNM program but it certainly isn't the only factor in admission to the program.
But if I lack experience in L&D, when I graduate I may struggle finding a job according to them.

I found out about Frontier on this forum and have been very excited at both the thought of going there (WHNP) as well as all the good things others have had to say about the program-I don't think I've heard a single negative comment. My question is, I went straight into the OR out of nursing school 11 years ago and have never done any other nursing. While I do have significant experience on the GYN service, all of my experience is in the OR which sometimes, by some people, is not considered "significant" as far as patient care goes (don't get me started!). D you think this will hurt my chances at Frontier? Thanks for any and all comments and advice!

Goozgog · Jul 26, 2008

Hi Everyone,

I waited one year. My work experience is in cardiology/tele. I applied to L&D right out of school but wasn't hired so off to tele I went...

Now, with one year RN experience, I have been accepted into Frontiers CNM program..HOORAY!!!

I re-applied to L&D and had my interview last week. I should know by Wednesday if I am hired.

I am a little conflicted. I am happy with my job and the people I currently work with. My schedule is flexible and I am learning a lot.

I still have a longing to be with birthing families, but I am afraid to leave my job.

If hired in L&D my schedule won't be as flexible as it is now, I will have to work 75% minimum for the first year...(while in school), and then after one year, about the time I start clinicals, I can cut back to 30%.

Is this do-able? I have kids too!

CEG · Jul 27, 2008

I waited one year, which was one year too long. I thought a year in L&D would be helpful, but I was wrong. ER would have been a better place to learn skills. In L&D you learn how to hang pitocin and strap women down to their beds, and write trail long documents that nobody reads. And since I rarely saw a natural birth, I didn't learn to have faith in the woman's power. Sorry, a little OT. But if you have made up your mind, don't wait. You can do it.

If I had written another post, this would be it. Do it now while you can! If I wasn't already in school to become a CNM I would be running screaming from the hospital, finding a new job in a totally different area and abandoning my plans.