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Discussion

Future CNM Advice

Good morning everyone!

I am currently an RN with my BSN in the NICU with 1 year experience. I am feeling called to the midwifery profession and feel as if I have done a lot of research but I could use your help! I plan on applying to programs this fall (2016) to start in 2017.

I have seen several schools that either require or prefer RNs with EFM certification or CLC. I know that CLC would benefit my current practice in the NICU, but EFM would not. How does one go about obtaining EFM certification? I plan on pursuing my CLC this spring/summer.

I have also read plenty about L&D experience. Some schools require it, some highly recommend it, some have no preference. It might be possible for me to move to L&D if it is going to greatly strengthen my CNM program application.

-If you had L&D experience: how great of a help was it? Were there any ways it was a hindrance to your CNM practice?

-If you DID NOT have L&D experience: If you could do it over again, would you gain L&D experience? Did you feel that you were "behind" your L&D classmates? Based on your experience would you recommend L&D experience?

Any books anyone can suggest? I have read "Baby Catcher" by Peggy Vincent and I am currently reading "Born in the USA" by Marsden Wagner. I have "Pushed", "Birth matters: a midwife's manifesta", and "Diary of a midwife" on my must read list. Any others that might benefit an aspiring midwife?

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    Sorry I can't help you with most of your questions, but I've spoken to several midwives in my area, and several of them told me that in their opinion, being an L&D nurse prior to midwifery is a hinderance, and for sure not beneficial. To quote one, as an L&D nurse, you pick up lots of bad habits that will not serve you well as a CNM.

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    Personally I feel as a labor nurse and future midwife that being a labor nurse would be beneficial. You learn how to treat and react in critical moments during labor and events that may occur and I feel it helps you know why you are doing something. Also there are some clinical sites that want you to have labor experience and there are also some jobs that will not hire a CNM without 1-2 years labor experience. I have a coworker who couldn't get a job as a WHNP without labor experience because they wanted her to have that clinical background. Probably one hindrance I can see is learning to think like a provider when you do have previous labor experience.

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    Wouldn't it be more beneficial to get postpartum experience than L&D exp?

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