FNS/CNM experience

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 19, 2008

Frontier requires 1 year of experience in any field before applying. You said ASN program, so I'm assuming you are applying to the Bridge program. Word to the wise, that is a very competitive program from what I hear so they'll take that 1 year experience pretty seriously, along with your GPA, references, etc....

Does that experience need to be in L&D. Only you can decide that. I was forewarned by several students though, it may not hinder you during your schooling and during clinicals BUT it could come back to haunt you post graduation. There are many jobs that will take a new CNM grad, with experience in L&D as an RN as a stipulation.

There are several threads on this forum alone that address this issue in particular.

I compare this to the age old analogy do you need M/S experience before you dive into a speciality when you graduate? Probably not. But does it hurt you to have M/S experience before you go into a speciality field? Probably not.

I wish you luck - you can read thru some of my trials and tribulations as well as some others and decide if it's worth it to you to get L&D experience.

If I had a chance to do a "do over" I would not get the L&D experience. I would stay put, right in the ER where I had a great job, great hours and great co-workers. Don't need the added stress of my nutso OB job along with school right now.

TLAandy · Oct 20, 2008

Thanks mom2michael!!! I know the bridge is very competitive, I have heard that, lots of applicants and not a lot of spots. My current GPA is 3.866 so I think I am pretty good in that department. I feel & also from talking to some of the FNS staff that being already a distance student is a bonus. I am an Excelsior student and was concerned that they would look down on that, possibly. The admissions coordinator said absolutely not, that being a distance student answers the first question they always ask, can this person learn and succeed in our distance learning program? So I am pleasantly optimistic, but if at first I don't succeed, I will try, try, try, try, try, try, try, again!! Thanks again. And yeah, after reading more of the posts I see, its about 50-50 if it would be beneficial or not, hmmm guess I will just have to play it by ear. Thanks!! :yeah:

midwyf · Oct 22, 2008

I think that if you are applying for the CNM program at FSMFN, your application would be stronger if you have some L + D experience or at least some nursing experience working with women during the pregnancy/birthing period.