CNM/NDstudent

I had drug free with pit experiences with 3 of my 4 and the fourth one came so fast I didn't have time to blink let alone get pit or drugs. But here is my two cents: I think that women should be able to make informed decisions because a lot of them don't realize some of the side effects and complications that come with an epidural. My best friend didn't know a lot with her first and after we talked she agreed to let me help her labor naturally and she made it 8 1/2 cm but her bp sky rocketed and she had to get an epidural to lower her bp and she was actually upset that she had to get one. I think that if women have the right support they can get further along before they need an epidural. Even though I personally chose not to have any drugs with my children, I don't expect my patients to do the same. However, I try to give them sufficient information on all the choices they have to make during childbirth and many have told me they never knew a lot of the information and they are glad they can now make an informed choice on their own and that is more empowering than anything else. Good luck to all you soon to be mommies and be glad you are informed and can make the choice that is best for you and your needs.

Hi all... I just thought I would put in my two cents here. I didn't read every single post so if this has been brought up I apologize for repeating. I ran into the same problem where I live in SE Ohio. I am 29 with four little kids and I started back to school when I was pg with my youngest. The wait lists were so awfully long here and everywhere else for ADN and BSN programs that I ended up completing a BA in Psychology (took about five qtrs) that I started right out of HS. I then applied to an accelerated MSN/ND program and will ultimately have my certified nurse midwife license and both my MSN and ND in only a year longer than I would have had my ADN from the local community college. I feel I will be in a much better position this way (being able to work as a CNM, RN, do research or even teach if I want to). I also looked into accelerated BSN programs that take about 12-24 months to complete depending on the school and the pre-req requirements and most of the time you have to have a Bachelor's in another field but there is little financial aid for people who have a Bachelors already and are getting a second Bachelors. The program I am entering doesn't award a BSN only a certificate of nursing which allows you to sit for the RN and then you complete the MSN so you are eligible for Graduate student aid. So for those of you who have completed or are close to completing a Bachelors in any other field (even if you started it many years ago) you may be interested in checking out those programs. There are normally no wait lists and some allow you to start without the Bachelors as long as certain requirements for one are completed (which vary by school). I hope any of this information is helpful - I was frustrated too and luckily my friend who is an RN pointed me toward the accelerated programs. Hope you all have a great day!

Barely sane. :roll I have been in school full time since I was pregnant with the youngest trying to get a nursing degree of some kind and then completing the BA in psych which I got in March. I am going to enjoy the next five to six months off. I start in Aug. Mostly to get into those programs you just have to have pre-req's done and only certain schools have programs. The best place to look is allnursingschools.com and put in accelerated, second-degree or grad-entry programs. Also you can check the AACN website I think they have a complete list as well if that is not where it is I will post the link. You just need to look for the programs that end with a MSN or ND not just a BSN. I will go 16 months and obtain a certificate of nursing to sit for the NCLEX then I will be there another 2 years to finish the Masters portion. I just got sick of working as a secretary when I was a pre-med student before children. I am in Ohio and we are moving closer to family in another part of Ohio but my husband just graduated as well so he will get a job when we move. Living off student loans has been the hardest part I think. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AS WELL. I will let you know how it goes in the fall. Tracy

Jasmine~ Here goes again. I keep deleting this message. I just thought I would say hello. I am a recent graduate in Psychology and will be starting a grad-entry MSN/ND for non-nurses program in the fall. I am planning on specializing in Nurse Midwifery. I am 29 with 4 children who are 3,5,6,& soon to be 8. I chose to go this route due to the lack of undergrad programs in my area and the waitlists were extremely long for the ones we do have. I figured I would have my schooling for a MSN and eventually a ND completed a year sooner than I would have for a BSN. The best advice I have received in my journey to midwifery was to become a childbirth educator or a doula. This not only helped prove to the schools that I was definately interested in the area but it also helped me to understand more issues surrounding the field. Also if you can arrange to shadow a CNM that would be beneficial. I have a list of books that are good to read beforehand as well if you would like those. I think that you could do it you just have to stay dedicated and focused. If you would like to talk let me know. I hope this helps and have a great day! ~Tracy :)