birthmamaew

Whew! I am so glad to have read this albeit a little bit late. I feel like I barely slid into home plate in terms of motivation and was wondering if I had a serious problem or what..I also had a horrible time settling down at the beginning of break, but am now of sloth status. In fact, I am almost ready to get back to work, but I'll take the next week.

I think it really depends on what type of learner you are. I, like midwife2b am not one who does well with online courses. However, Frontier is supposed to be so amazing, that if you can learn that way, go for it. I am in an traditional graduate nursing CNM program where I have to do a lot of commuting to get to classes and clinicals. My 2 kids are young. The sticky part f course, is childcare. However, the issue I feared most- that my kids would feel like I had in some way abandoned them at too early an age, or was not available to them should they need me, has not come to pass. They are amazingly maliable little beings. If anything, it has helped them to know the value of education seeing me work hard, and be rewarded for that hard work. They have learned how to get their own snack and be responsible for getting their own homework done. It's turned out well for our family despite some very deep fears on my part. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Sorry to be blunt but that is the most ridiculous thing I may have ever heard. There are many people who have gone through my CNM program and had babies while there. The profs were known to rock the students' babies to sleep as she lectured. Something about that smacks of discrimination. I hardly believe it could be legal. It is illegal to fire people from their job for being pregnant. This right now, is essentially your job. Do not put up wth this. Also, I don't know how invested you are inthis particular program at this point, but I would ask myself if I wanted to be a part of a program with this mind set. However, you may be pretty farin already, which I know makes things a lot stickier. Good luck. Whew..

I was accepted at Penn but am attending Georgetown. This was maily a decision that I made with my family in mind in regard to the financial aid I was offered and the timing of the program. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more info! :)

This is such an interesting topic, and a timely one too which I'll explain in a minute. I am currently in a CNM program after recently graduating form my BSN. This is a midlife career change for me, and one I feel is what I am truly meant to do. I think the point that needs to be made is that whether someone is truly ready for a career in midwifery has more to do with what experiences surrounding birth they have had. This doesn't necessarily have to be in the RN role. I also knew going into my BSN that it was a path to midwifery after having both my children with midwives, one in a hospital, one at home, both in NYC loving pecola! From thoses experiences I decided to dip my toes in the water exploring other means of being around birth before making the committment. With 10 years experience as a doula, childbirth educator and a midwifery assitant for some home birth midwives, I knew I was ready. It's pretty individual and experience can, but doesn't always need to include nursing to be valuable. I had a very intersting conversation with one of my instructors the other day regarding this very issue. We have a little micorcosom of people in my program. Some BSN with no nursing, or other experience, some with BSN doula experience, some witih BSN and L and D experience, some with BSN and other nursing experience. In terms of how people are performing academically it doesn't seem to make a difference. Clinically may be a different story, I'm not privvy to those evaluations. Many of the L and D, (and non L and D, as well) nurses say they are having a hard time with the fact that they were once experts on their floors and it's difficult to make the transition back tothat place of not knowing exactly what you are doing. It's an adjustment. That's all. We have courses dedicated specifically to complications in pregnancy and birth and are obligated to know how to treat those issues in order to pass. Additionally we have a semester where we basically go to work with a single preceptor in her/his setting practice under their supervision for clients who are willing to have us there. I have seen complications in every setting, and midwives always amaze me at how calm they remain while effectively going about managing the complication. Grace under pressure. In terms of insurance, each state is so different in terms of their requirements for homebirth midwives. The laws about homebirth itself really varies form state to state. It would be hard to make a sweeping generalization on that one. While I hope to work in a hospital setting, preferrably one with a birth center, if I were to have a homebirth practice, I would certainly want to have a poilcy. Statistics do show, however that nurse midwives are the least liekly to be sued by a pt. Again, I think it has to do with the relationship that gets formed during mom's care. Well, that and there isn't often anything to be sued over. Whew, nice to be up for some air from studying ladies. Thanks!

Wise women, I am in need of a recomendation for a good hand held, waterproof doppler. I am in midwifery school and will be using it in a variety of settings- home, hospital, birth center, water, land. What are your preferences? I'd like to get a good quality one as I dont want to have to buy another for a while. Thanks! :)

I just wanted to put in a plug for the Hurst review online. I did it at home because I have children to take care of. The videos are awesome and the advice is invaluable. If you combine that with doing tons of questions, it works well. I passed the first time in 74 questions. Woohoo!!!!

Congratulations!! What fantastic news. Just take deep breath before you speak, convey your passion for midiwfery, and keep telling yourself you are worthy of being a part of that program! Good luck this weekend.

Oh! And I REALLY like a nice organizational panel for my ipod, palm phone etc. Thanks again.

This may seem like a silly request but I am about to start my graduate program and will be commuting each day to a major east coast city via train, schlepping etc. I will also have a ton of books and a laptop. I am wondering if anyone has found a messenger bag that can hold everything yet not destry their back. ( I wound up aith a pinched nerve last year from my bag.) Sadly there are no lockers available at my school so I really will have to lug most stuff. Let me know what you like! Thanks

There are lots of programs out there. Which one is best for you really depends on your situation and the type of learner you are. In terms of online programs, may are very reputable such as Frontier. The trick with these programs is that you have to have a preceptor who will mentor yo in the area. Also, you need to be super motivated/disciplined to complete the modules online. I am an auditory learner and really need to hear someone say things so these programs are not what I am pursuing, but may people love them. Some programs are trending towards offering the CNM with the WHNP so that you have two certifications and your options are broader for jobs. I would take a look at ACNM's website. (http://www.acnm.org) They have a page with all the different options and contact information for the schools. Good luck!

I agree, get your BSN. However, I have another perspective on accelerated programs, having just finished one. Yes, it did cost a ton of money, BUT it has come full circle. I chose to go to a rather expensive but very reputable accelerated program. I paid out the nose through loans, for the BSN, but now I am getting my MSN based almost entirely on scholarship as a result of my performance in the BSN program. It can be done, especially since you know already what you want your focus to be. Good luck! :wink2:

I had Danskos and also twisted my ankle repeatedly. A friend did the same thing and fell down a flight of stairs doing so. I have found that the Quark Pro-Air are very comfortable with good arch support. I love Danskos (other models) for everyday, but I dspise the professional line. My feet really killed me after a 12 hour shift.

Whew! I thought I was really going to lose it. I started this course last night and almost cried when I, the 3.9 student was getting high 60's low70's. I'm glad to hear that others think this is a good review. Thank you!

I am wondering if the visit to the young girl down the hall might not be a violation of his parole. This is obviously speculation, but it seems like the little chats he insists on having might be enough to at least have a talk with his PO about. Your NM needs to get involved, and I agree with indigo girl completley: Get psych involved somehow and take care of yourselves and each other. I realize he has served his time, but this type of criminal has a VERY high rate of recitivism. Listen to your gut.