LynnetteCPM

http://nursingonline.uc.edu/tuition/ I do not have nursing experience, but am a CPM and have that as experience. The admission advisor kept getting that confused with doula and it sounded like that was even enough, and something she was familiar with.

The first quarter was tough! One class took all I had and the other they designed to be fairly easy. So they know it is hard. I do work, am continuing my home birth practice, so I have some scheduling flexibility. When I am not working, I am doing school. It was hard, but doable.

I am an alumni of Univ of Co having gone for the traditional BSN. I am confused, are you still needing to do the RN-BSN? U of C has that and some of those students were with us in class. I found classes that required showing up sometimes easier than the online ones. Class is usually only one day a week and it really is not so bad. The instructors are all great. I am attending University of Cincinnati for the CNM, all online, and I never have to go there. Just finishing the first quarter. So far so good. They have many options for MSN's. It was easy getting in for me. I think that it is not yet super competitive. Do they have an online RN-BSN? I am not sure. I will still use local preceptors, so in any case, you will probably work with those you know regardless of the program.

In some ways it is not. There is knowledge to be learned and clinical skills to be learned. But, most CPMs do not do typical school. Even the CPM schools are different from traditional schooling. Is it as rigorous as getting a BSN and a MSN? Of course not. Apgar10 likes her nurses training. I did not. :) I saw most of it as not necessary for much of midwifery practice. But, I did learn new things. CNMs do have a larger scope of practice than any CPM/LM. They do need a better foundation in some areas that a CPM does not need. A CPM will never prescribe medications. She is also not supposed to do anything complicated. Anyway, the training of a CPM and a CNM is different. One problem I am seeing out there now is that some are moving through the training really fast and I do not think that is wise. But that is another discussion for another day.

I don't think that is what is happening here. I think the OP was confusing CM and LM and saying that the LM is trained differently as a CNM as we all know is true. then the multiple cutting and pasting is just confusing the issue more. Since we have not heard follow up from OP, we cannot know what exactly she meant by CM, but we do know the CM (as certified by the ACNM or whatever it is) is not the same as most LMs that are CPMs first.

It is just so hard to get all of those letters clear. Non nurse midwives in NM are known as LM. If they license the CM (those that take the same test as ACNM) then that will need to be investigated further. Again, the school posted is for gaining the CPM and then becoming licensed as non nurse midwife in whatever state the student lives in. In Colorado we are called RM for registered midwife. In most other states they use the LM designation. Of course other states do not license for non nurse midwifery at all. It is important to consider carefully any education path and be sure that it is getting you what you want.

This program helps you get a CPM (narm.org) not a CM. Then you could be licensed in NM as a LM (I think that is the license) and not a CNM or CM. I do know a few who have gone through the program. I guess is just depends on your career goals. It is important to remember that CPM programs/licenses are completely unrelated to RN/CNM education and licensing (and jobs). -Lynnette, first a CPM, then a RN, now in CNM school

Good point. What I don't like about the term (and I did catch that you said lay or CPM) lay is that in the past it was assumed that non-nurse midwives were completely untrained. Sometime we get a bit touchy.

I am a CPM, RM and will be finishing the BSN program December of 2009. My plan is to enter a CNM program as soon as possible. I think you can make a living being a CPM and do good work- it makes a great second income for a family. But, it is more limiting than having a CNM/RN as far as job prospects. I am going further because I have to make the first income for my family. Too many women (CPMs and CNMs) worry about the malpractice insurance costs and who is going to pay for it. If you are self employed, you just pay it. If you are not paying it and your employer does, then you are still paying it indirectly. It is just the cost of doing business like paying rent and buying supplies. It is good to look at long term goals and futher education. Some women love being a CPM midwife, others need more or life changes during or after that process. I think that having experience as a CPM will help me keep it real wherever I practice as a CNM. Investigate what will be needed overseas- who knows what you may or may not be able to do with a CPM. There are CPMs in other countries that have birth centers. Yes, please don't call CPM/licensed midwives "lay"; it is a word that implies no training or education and I have plenty of that, thanks. I always try to educate hospital staff about what I do and let them know I am a "registered midwife" and have a license from the state.

As a DEM I am self employed so I can't think of it as "salary" It is going to be very dependent on where you live and how busy you are. No way to predict. After two full years as a midwife, I am doing pretty well where I live.

Hi, I am also a CPM (2 years) and am in nursing school right now for some of the reasons that you state here. When I started my CPM training I thought that would be enough for me and my family. Things changed over time and now I feel the pressure to have a steady income since I am the bread-winner now. I love most aspects of being a CPM and am making it work at this time. Unfortunately, my education and training as a CPM do not allow me to move to something else or expand my duties and abilities. I never thought I would become a nurse, but I do love the fact that I have many options with a RN/MSN. I hope to continue to do midwifery and may even still do home birth after achieving CNM. Many women do what Apgar10 and I have done. I did take prerequisite classes for the RN during my CPM training, so have not lost much time in that sense. I did not go to a MEAC school and am glad not to have spent that money. I am fairly self motivated and just did self study for the NARM PEP process I am glad to have done the CPM first. I think that has solidified my thinking about care during pregnancy and birth. This being confirmed after my recent OB clinical; that was a joke. Becoming a CPM was also a confidence booster for me. You will also want to consider in your decision where you live, your options for CPM training as well as the legal status of DEMs in your area. If you have more questions, feel free to ask here or privately.

Yes, frectis (my IRL friend) that is what I meant, the "real" college course work should count, but check those time limits! I barely skated in on >20 year old psych and soc classes. Unfortunately, the MEAC school courses probably won't count for anything in the traditional college/univ schools. Maybe one day, but maybe not. Don't know if any other states and schools would give credit for previous experience. Maybe just in terms of getting into a program, but not for skipping classes.

I am a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) and now in nursing school (bsn program.) I took classes at the community college during my CPM training years that applied to the BSN. But, none of my apprenticeship hours apply directly for credit and I didn't "need" the cc classes for the CPM. The answer to your question is, I doubt it. The course work you have done will count- but check with each school- they do have time limits. My experience as a CPM does help indirectly. I know the language, and have a working knowledge of health assessment, charting, etc. So, it is not all for nothing.

It is a waitlist for the year only. I received the same letter last year and accepted it. After the initial acceptance period, I moved up the line and was offered a spot in May. I chose the Jan 2008 start, but was given the choice of beginning summer 2007. They were letting people in as late as Dec 2007 for the January start from what I hear. I love the school! Congratulations for getting waitlisted. You have an excellent chance of getting through the list.

I don't have an answer, except that I am starting UCHSC in Jan 08 (trad) also and am planning on taking the lab after class on Monday or after Pharm on Wed. I will be driving in from Greeley and want to reduce the trips when possible. Looking forward to getting started!