Mental Illness & Unable to Work Nights

[Josie French]

I currently work evenings as an ER nurse but my dream has always been to be a CNM. I didn't pursue it initially because I am unable to work nights because of several severe mental illnesses and it feels like it would be stupid to go into a field that requires nights as much as midwifery does (compared to other specialities). But I want it so bad. For those CNMs out there, is it worth pursuing? Would I even be hirable only being able to work days and eves? I'm protected by ADA but we know how the world really is. I'll take any and all advice. Thank you!!

[Emergent, RN]

Yes, it does sound unwise. Discuss this with your mental health provider. 

[TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN]

My disclaimer is that I'm not a midwife. My understanding though, is that the normal expectations of a CNM is to be able to handle quite a bit of on call/after hours care. I don't know think it would be easy to secure a CNM job without that expectation and your job search would probably have to be nation wide in order to find a position without that requirement. You mentioned ADA but the prospective employers would probably see not requiring night coverage as a reasonable accommodation for a CNM.

Would you be satisfied with providing GYN without the heavy OB component that CNM's have? FNP and WHNP would be options for you to be in a GYN outpatient setting without the on call requirements. It may not be what your heart is set on but it could be a compromise between your goals and what is required to stay healthy.

Good luck.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

I am a CNM, and I agree that becoming a WHNP would be a compromise for your interests and health issues.  I don't know of any CNMs who are currently doing deliveries who do not have to work any nights, other than a few who are close to retirement and have earned enough seniority to do so.