Simplyroses

I watch with dismay as nurses accept admission to and attend universities that cannot be bothered to arrange clinical rotations. This disturbing trend does not serve the students and it certainly does not serve the reputation of the profession. Attend an accredited university that has an established faculty practice or has already established relationships with local practices. No medical school or PA school would require the students to find their own clinical rotation sites.

If I was 22 years old with a bachelor's degree, looking ahead to 3.5 years for a DNP, I would just apply to medical school. Some medical schools are going to 3 year programs. More hard-core learning and less fluff. More respect, more income.

Choose references that can speak about your ability to: A) function professionally in a healthcare environment and B) think critically during high-stress situations, and C) handle the academic rigor of graduate school. I have never had an MD provide my references, even when applying for hospital privileges. All of my references have been RN's, CNM's, ARNP's, or Doctorate level faculty.

I specifically chose NOT to apply for the scholarship because I could not relocate my kids during their teen years. The placement sites for scholarship awardees can be very limited and located in BFE. I am working for a FQHC in my hometown but prior to entering the program I did not know that they would have an opening for a CNM when I graduated. I plan to apply for the federal nurse loan repayment annually to see if I can get it. Still, after 10 years of minimum payments the balance of the loan will be forgiven.

Try the NICU. Patients are 10 lbs or less!

Choosing a graduate program is very individual. Some programs are on-line and you must find your own preceptors. That can be stressful and challenging if you do not have a great support network established prior to entering the program. In some areas of the country, the preceptors that accept Frontier or on-line program students have a wait list of 1-2 years. The on-line classwork can be great if you have family/job challenges to work around. Some programs have a faculty practice and you rotate through the clinic and L&D call with faculty who are very used to precepting students. Many of these programs will not allow you to contact your preceptor independently if you want to set up your own site. They require that the school contacts the preceptor first so that they can vet the preceptor and verify credentials, as well as establish a professional relationship with the preceptor. That being said, any program that is accredited by the ACME (the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) | ACNM ) will be a rigorous program that will fulfill the minimum requirements for you to sit for your AMCB certification American Midwifery Certification Board . Check out this list: ACME-Program Accreditation Information Then make a list of criteria that is important to you for your graduate school experience. Are you looking for out-of-hospital experience? Waterbirth? Do you want a small, close cohort to study with or do you want to study independently? Do you want a site that finds your preceptor for you or do you want to find your own? What is the cost of the program? Where in the country is it located? How long does the program last? Is it a MSN or DNP? What is the cost of living? Can you work while you are in the program? Is there a part-time option if you need to work? What percentage of their students pass the boards? Good luck researching!

I completely agree! The programs seem to be getting away from "translating research into bedside" practice and moving towards administrative/leadership classes for the DNP. I'm sure academia thinks this is a great idea, but academia is quite often far removed from patient practice. Now a fellowship to become an expert in one area might be worth the time...

Has anyone read this text: The ASAM Essentials Second Edition I also see there is a board certification in this specialty. Any thoughts? Certification and MOC

Can I ask what school you attended for your graduate degree?

I'm very sorry to hear that! It can be frustrating and feel defeating. There are two other review courses on the AANP website: AANP - CE Opportunities You could also attend a live review course: APEA - Advanced Practice Education Associates Live Course Review Don't give up. Try again.

[h=6]Pathways | IBLCE Per the IBCLE website: A minimum of 1000 hours of lactation specific clinical practice that was obtained within the 5 years immediately prior to applying for the IBLCE examination[/h] [h=6]This lactation specific clinical practice must have been obtained through paid or volunteer work as a [COLOR=#089bc3]Recognised Health Professional[/COLOR] and/or [COLOR=#089bc3]Recognised Mother Support Counsellor[/COLOR].[/h] [h=6]Volunteer recognised mother support counsellors who primarily provide in-person group or individual breastfeeding support receive 500 hours of lactation specific clinical practice for each full year of volunteer service. Only full years of service are credited.[/h] [h=6]Volunteer recognised mother support counsellors who primarily provide telephone, email or web-based breastfeeding support receive 250 hours of lactation specific clinical practice for each full year of volunteer service. Only full years of service are credited.[/h]

That is possibly not the most useful question to ask. What is their graduation rate? What is their pass rate on boards? Does my state allow Frontier/distance program or will I have to relocate? Can I find my own preceptor or do I want a school that already has established preceptors and will place you? How invested are the faculty in your education?

My background: I've worked in L&D and NICU for 19 years. Many of my adult patients have suffered from addiction to substances, and many of my neonates are born addicted to substances or have had exposure to substances. This year I transition to a new role as a Certified Nurse Midwife at an FQHC in my hometown. I have a special heart for women addicted to substances during their pregnancy. I can also guarantee that I will now be the provider for many of them in my community. There is a methadone clinic in town and some physicians are starting to prescribe Suboxone. Questions for those of you involved in addiction nursing: What classes, if any, would you recommend as a baseline knowledge for this population (ie psychopharm)? Are there continuing education seminars that are helpful? Are there resources not to be missed? Any advice from the trenches?

Have you considered Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? It would enable you to diagnose and prescribe in addition to the good work you currently do.

Actually, Oregon is one of the best states to practice as a midwife. There is great autonomy and independent practice opportunities. The Board of Nursing must really see midwives as nurses first, and then midwives. Many midwives do not identify with nursing at all. You might be right about the CM designation. It isn't recognized out here in the West.