Frontier Clinical Bound

[MidwifeMom]

I am thinking about going to Frontier for nurse midwifery next year but am concerned about the clinical bound portion of the program. I read on Frontier's website that students give and receive pelvic exams. I am assuming that this means you will give and receive these during clinical bound. Can any Frontier students or previous graduates tell me your experience with this. It's not that I mind getting a pelvic exam, but it's a little unnerving around your peers.

Thanks for any feedback

[cnm in progress]

This issue was addressed on the Banyan Tree forums (either late summer or early fall??). I believe it was Susan Stone who replied to student concerns. She said that FSMFN hires locals, and because of the poverty in the area the board felt that it would unfairly exploit members of the community to work as models for us. I believe she stated that it wasn't a financial matter. She also felt that students gain experience "being the patient," which I disagree with. Personally, I've been on the receiving end of pelvics often enough that I don't think I'll gain anything by serving a a "patient" for a fellow student.

Former and current students were quick to jump into the forum to reassure new students that it is not a stressful environment.

[MidwifeMom]

I understand her point about not exploiting women in Kentucky due to the poverty. I would feel like I was exploiting a woman who was just volunteering because of financial issues. I also understand the need to perfect one's exam technique but I do not think that using students is the answer. Students are also in a vulnerable position and probably feel obligated to have exams performed on them. If Frontier says it is a personal choice than that is fine, but it is not ok to require it. In my opinion if you are require pelvic exams to pass than you are exploiting your students and we should be protecting ALL women. There are plenty of crappy residents who have never even picked up a speculum and are practicing on their first patient in a hospital or clinic. Most of us have been on the patient end of having a pelvic exam and we do not need to have it done again just so we can learn empathy. If you are not already empathetic towards others than you probably shouldn't be in midwife school!