Irish midiwfe moving to NYC

Nurse Connie · Apr 6, 2012

I know that most midwives here are CNM's: certified nurse midwives which hold a masters degree in nursing. I beleive there are CPM, certified practicing midwives, which don't require a nursing degree or license. You could also start out being a doula. Hope this helps, good luck!

DoGoodThenGo · Apr 7, 2012

Hello There,
I'm an Irish midwife, livind and working in Dublin. I am hoping to move to NYC and am wondering about midifery jobs. Ive been searching and searching and it seems that my 4 year undergrad degree (no nursing) isn't really recognised in America. SO... I was wonderings if
(1.) Anyone knows if I can work in the USA
(2.) Anyone knows of any conversion courses that I could do
(3.) Any other midwifery/medical/woman/child based area I could possibly work in with my degree?
I would be VERY grateful if anyone could help me...
sending out good vibes..
Laura x

(1.) See:NYS Midwifery:Midwifery - Questions & Answers (for NYS requirements)

Unlike some EU countries there is not a national/federal United States level for midwife practice. Each state sets it's own requirements and has their own laws. Therefore you will have decide where you are going to live, then start the process for that particular state.

(2.) Again once you decide upon a local area you can begin research at various schools of nursing/midwifery.

(3.) Much will depend upon what sort of college/university and or nursing degree you have if any. Without a vaild nursing license working as anything more than a nursing assistant/tech in such areas in hospital or home care setting is not possible. Even as a tech/NA you will often be required to have a NYS license/certification.

Same goes for teaching, daycare and so forth.

Finally it must be said that unlike the EU and other places around the world you may find the medical (physican) reception to midwives rather different. Indeed NYS physicans like those in other states have tried with varying amounts of sucess to limit the practice of and or otherwise interfere with what they see as "jumped up nurses" treading on their turff.