is the job of a CNM less high stress than that of an L & D nurse?

[RN4008]

I have heard a lot of things about L & D being extremely stressful and hectic, and I was wondering if a CNM usually deals with the same hecticness, since CNMs usually work with low risk patients. Is this true?

Thank youu :)

[arabianeyez83]

I wish I knew the answer for u I did shadow a midwife a few times, it was not that hectic. Nurses have down time, midwife has downtime...guess it depends how busy the L&D is.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Even lower risk units can be stressful and hectic. As a CNM you need to walk the tightrope of knowing when a mom/baby who's not doing great is still okay to continue, or when you need to call in the OB. I've had nights where four women are in various stages of labor at the same time, all cared for by the same CNM. A CNM often has to go against the OB who thinks a pt should be sectioned, but the CNM wants to keep trying. CNMs can still have ugly shoulder dystocias and postpartum hemorrhages and complicated 3rd degree lacs to repair. CNMs have a whole helluva lot more responsibility than an RN. If the L&D nurse who's taking care of a particular pt is stressed, then I can guarantee you that the CNM care provider is at LEAST that stressed. Plus, many of the CNMs I work with do nearly as much pt care for their laboring pts as the RNs.