Discouraging post...opinions?

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

I have been leaning very, very heavily toward being a CNM. However, I read on the forum that CNM's are the lowest paid among APN's.

Oh please..tell me this isn't true! Is it hard to find a job?

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I think that completely depends on where you live and what kind of position you have. Here in Ohio, CNM's do probably make a little less, but not so much that it has deterred me. I think CNM's can and do make a good living. The few CNM's that I know well are new-grads and they started in the $80,000-$90,000 range. Also, if you also get your WHNP certification (usually only an extra term or two added on to the CNM program) you can make more money--NP reimbursement is slightly higher than for a CNM right now.

I believe that being a CNM is a sort of calling and so I don't mind making a bit less if that is the way it is. Getting to catch babies for a living is the most amazing job there is (IMHO), so I have no regrets!

Good luck with your decision!!

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Specializes in L&D.

BabyLady - I read that also, however I haven't found that to be true (although I am not a CNM yet, and therefore don't have the paystubs to back it up!).

If you work in an urban area, it seems that the pay is comparable to NP pay. I guess if you break it down, though, midwives have long hours and seem to be on call more than other APNs, so in that way they might make less per hour if you calculated it out.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

It looks to me like here in Northern IN the pay is actually more for a CNM than an NP. One area hospital lists salary ranges right in the online job description. Check here. They don't have the NP positions listed now, but the CNM salary range is listed as $31.79 to $47.69. The range for NPs was (if I remember correctly) only about $41 on the high end. I think that is a pretty significant difference!

Kate

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Specializes in Med-Surg, OB.

I am so passionate about midwifery and homebirth. I remember after assisting at my first homebirth I told my husband that I would do it for the rest of my life for free. I know that sounds ridiculous. I mean... we have five kids and a mortgage and dentist bills... so I can't really work for free. I guess, for me... it's just not about the money.

I know a friend of mine that is a CNM is so discouraged about her income right now she is considering not doing anymore OB and just sticking with Gyne. That makes me sad. And worried. A little.

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Specializes in L&D.

Could you tell me what area of the country this CNM is in?

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