Insight into CNM career

[asundae]

I am starting to think about what I want to do after nursing school. I am torn between CNM, WHNP, or some kind of dual program. I am leaning towards CNM because I assume I would be able to work with a wider range of patients. I worry if I choose WHNP women thinking of having children or in the midst of their childbearing years will choose to see someone who can deliver babies. What is the work life like of a CNM? If I decide to have a family and want a 9-5, no weekends job, can I decide to no longer do deliveries? Has anyone been in that situation where an employer did not allow you to scale back? If I had to go somewhere else to not do delivery, would it be hard to get a job?

Thanks for helping me out. If you have additional information about what it is like as a CNM you think would be helpful please provide it. I am hoping through school and working as a nurse I will gain some insight, but until then I'd love to have an idea from those who have experience.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I was waiting to see if a bona fide midwife would respond before chiming in. I'm not a CNM or WHNP, but I was the supervisor of a practice that had 25 midwives and I work with them on a daily basis so I have a pretty good grasp of what it's like.

Getting a dual CNM/WHNP is redundant. A CNM can do EVERYTHING that a WHNP can do, PLUS she can also catch babies/manage labor and delivery of healthy low risk women. If you really wanted to get a dual degree, I would recommend CNM/FNP, because that would actually increase your scope.

Yes, it's possible to work as a CNM in a "banker's hours" job. I know several CNMs who just do clinic, and in addition to OB/Gyn clinics, there are also places like Planned Parenthood where a CNM could work and have a M-F job. Most CNMs do both clinic and hospital. I know a few CNMs who JUST work in the hospital, and don't do any clinic at all. Where I currently work, we have a CNM who is the overnight laborist - she works every Monday-Thursday from 2100 to 0700. So depending on where you work, there are a lot of different options.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

I'm a CNM, didn't see this thread until now...agree with all of klone's wisdom! Only thing to add is that the job market for midwives depends greatly on your area, so keep that in mind. If you live in Alabama, there are like 3 CNMs in the whole state, so you don't have a ton of job options. Go to NYC, and there are hundreds of midwives are doing all kinds of diverse work on different schedules. Do some searching and networking (if you haven't already) to get the lay of the midwifery land wherever you live to better answer your questions.

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

CNM positions are going to vary depending on your geographic location, the local birth 'culture', and by employer.

Where are you planning on working when you finish nursing school?

One of the best things about having an RN license is your employablity in many different areas of health care. It's a great way to get experience and also to observe first-hand how CNMs WHNPs are practicing - if you can find a position where these providers are practicing.

I would suggest trying out some work experiences in areas that interest you before making a decision about CNM vs WHNP or other advance practice nursing role.