Post-master's CNM?

[auson16]

Hello,

I am a new grad, currently practicing FNP, with about 4 years of nursing experience with 3 in L&D. My current job involves caring for women and newborns postpartum in an outpatient setting--not much in depth care, just general assessment, lactation consultation, treating of minor conditions, etc. I am enjoying it, however I am really missing labor and delivery, and have considered a post-master's cert as a CNM. However, I'm nervous about more student debt, and issues with finding a job in my area of SC.

Has anyone done this? School suggestions, pros/cons, advice?

[Steph Knepper, BSN, RN]

I have not done this but would love to hear what you find out as I am currently enrolled in an FNP program but am also interested in midwifery. Good luck to you!

[pro-student]

A good first step would be to start to network with other midwives in your area. Look up your state or local ACNM chapter or other midwifery group and attend any events you can. They might also be able to help get you in contact with midwives that are interested in mentoring others. They would also be a good source for the local environment for midwives.

If you discover midwifery is something you’re really interested in, then you can explore what programs are available to you. Some, like Frontier, have a good reputation, are not very expensive, and are not as geographically restricted. Ultimately, if midwifery is something you feel strongly about, it would be a shame not to invest in yourself and your career. But you probably want to spend some time exploring whether that really is your passion or if you current level of involvement in maternal-child health is satisfying in the long term.