I am interested in opportunities for Direct-entry certified midwives

biggolp · Jul 17, 2013

In NY, I have seen the titles of CNM and CM used almost interchangeably. Most jobs advertise that they are looking for a CM or CNM, and even if they post a job for CNM, I'm sure a CM can equally apply.

claritasd · Jul 17, 2013

I thought it was the other way around - that a CNM could do a CM job but a CM couldn't do a CNM job because of the lack of nursing training.

I've never heard of hospitals hiring non-nurse CMs, but I don't live on the East Coast so it might be different over there. To my knowledge, CMs usually work in homes or freestanding birth centers in the US.

Britmw · Jul 17, 2013

Yes, I have noticed that even in East Coast Hospitals where CM's are recognised, they only seem to advertise for CNM positions. I am hoping that they do use the terms interchangeably but would really like some confirmation. Thank you so much for your info though.

claritasd · Jul 18, 2013

Yes CMs are recognized, but to my knowledge they can't work in hospitals because they are not medically trained. Obviously I could be wrong, though. Hopefully someone else knows!

claritasd · Jul 18, 2013

Here's some info: Birthingway College of Midwifery- Midwifery FAQ

biggolp · Jul 18, 2013

Claire, that link does NOT mention the CM title that the OP is referring to.

This is NOT a DEM - it is a midwife that sits for the same boards and is certified by the ACMB (formerly ACNM).

It is a relatively new concept and is only recognized in a few states.

In NY, the CM has the exact same scope of service as a CNM.

In the group of midwives I use (for my own OB/GYN care), there is one CM among the CNMs. She takes the same shift AND DELIVERS IN THE HOSPITAL as the other midwives.

You can check out midwife.org for more info.

claritasd · Jul 20, 2013

Ohhh you're right, sorry. I was confusing CM and DEM in my head. I know they're different, though. (Brain fart).

So, basically, ignore everything I said.

Outside of the few states where CMs are recognized, though, you might have a problem (if you ever decided to move).

**LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM** · Jul 20, 2013

Yes, coming from NY state, the CM title is recognized with the CNM interchangeably---that doesn't mean that some employers might not secretly favor a candidate with nursing experience, but in general, they are each eligible for licensed midwifery jobs. The hospital where I am going to be working at in NYC has several CMs. I don't know much about the number of CMs working in RI, but would hope it's the same.

Unfortunately, going outside of those 3 states (and several more states are trying to gain recognition for CMs, so in the next few years you might have many more options for places to seek work), CMs are not able to work, which stinks.

mamagui · Jul 20, 2013

so far as I know, CM is ONLY currently recognized in 3 states: NY, NJ, and RI. I believe the credentials may be almost interchangeable there, but there may be a difference in pay scale. Please note, however, if you move to another state, you will need to be certified both through NARM and the particular state to practice, and will not be able to do hospital deliveries.

mamagui · Jul 20, 2013

About the Midwifery Profession This should help you somewhat

Britmw · Jul 20, 2013

Thank you so much. It has been very tricky working through various websites to gain info on this matter, not least because 50 states have 50 different approaches to midwifery! But I think I am finally getting there. From what I can gather, the terms CM and CNM are interchangeable in most hospitals in those 3 states...I'll let you know how I get one! Fingers crossed I get a job soon!