Steph Knepper

Thanks so much to both of you! I actually just started my 3rd semester of DNP FNP schooling so I completely understand. I also agree that it is nice to hear from others who have like mindsets. Currently, I have decided to finish out my FNP schooling then after do a dual certification as a CNM. I am working on deciding when the best time to change to a L&D job would be, I’m hoping within a year but now is not the best time to change jobs. Also have to factor in being able to get A JOB without maternity experience... anyhoo that’s me!

Thank you so much for your comment! It is good to know someone else is in a similar situation. It’s interesting you were told to do cnm instead of FNP for saturation as I was actually told the opposite! I was pushed towards FNP with people saying how there is an increased demand for this role (but my heart is really in cnm). I am seriously considering switching to an L&D job but want to make sure It is a good fit as I love everything about my current job... besides patient population. How are you liking cnm school? Where do you go?

That’s awesome! Best of luck ?

I currently work on a neuro med surg floor and the hospital employees a handful of FNP to work in hospital medicine overnight, 7 on 7 off. I talked to them a few times (I am also in FNP school) and they said it is super uncommon to have a hospital hire FNP to the in patient. I don’t think that answers your question but some food for thought

Thanks so much for sharing :) I am so excited for the future. I am so glad you mentioned you are CNM and FNP, I actually have not met anyone with both before. Which degree do you primarily use? I can imagine it is hard to find a job to utilize both. What are your experiences like having both? Would love to chat more

Thank you both so much for your input. I was actually mid set up to shadow 2 midwives in the Boston area this Spring but my plans were a bit thrown due to COVID. I have been able to talk with 3 midwives the past 2 weeks, 2 of whom teach in my FNP program which has been super helpful but still not the full in person experience. At the moment I am leaning towards finishing my FNP DNP degree and transitioning to a labor and delivery or maternity based job in the next year to gain a better understanding. After this is finished, pending I feel the same as I do now, I would like to attain my post graduate certificate in midwifery. Hopefully this will allow for time to grow, flexibility in the future, and a solid educational understanding of both areas. Thoughts? Is there benefit to having both FNP and CNM?

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!

Hi All, This is my first time posting on this page. I have long read these posts and am now in need of some help myself. I currently work as an RN in inpatient Neurology medsurg/tele/PCU. I am currently enrolled part time in an FNP DNP program, I am in my 3rd semester. From age 13 to pretty much 21 I strongly wanted to become a midwife, it was the whole reason I went into nursing school. I ended up swearing off this path after my maternity rotation in school because the nurses at my clinical placement were very cold, pushed me away, and seemed fairly uninterested. I instead decided to become an FNP as this would allow me to do a little bit of everything, which I also like. So here lies the problem. Lately, I have noticed in my FNP courses, all my topics of choice for projects have been women's health focused. I miss this area of interest and long to be imersed in it again. I have begun speaking with a midwife to understand more about the profession and have the idea to possibly switch from FNP to a midwife track, if I am admitted. I am unsure if it is wise to jump in head first to a midwife program and stop FNP all together or if I should finish out my FNP track and then midwifery (I finish FNP in 2024... very long.. but get doctorate) OR if I should attempt to find a dual program in midwifery and womens health NP. Also curious on if I should switch my current job to somewhere maternity related and if so how soon. I would appreciate any feed back, thoughts and ideas, or questions, especially from nurse midwives or those in school. Thank you all so much in advance ?