FINDURPASSION

The USPHS has a general physical requirement listed including the lack of "chronic conditions". Does anyone know about the medical disqualifiers or waivers given for chronic conditions? How far back do they go in medical history? If anyone has any experience with this please respond!! Thanks

Yes, this has happen to me as well. I think this will improve as time goes by. As more CNMs start to practice, the greater the awareness will be. I have a friend who is "well-versed" in womens studies and issues, but had no idea Nurse-midwives existed! I am applying to Frontier as well. Good luck to all!

Hello all! I have a question. I currently practice with a solo gyn only MD. It is her policy not to tell the patient who she will be seeing when they call to schedule an appointment. I see all the annual exams, new patients for annuals, vaginitis, UTI, birth control type visits (non-complicated). She then sees the remainder of annuals, abnormal bleeding, HRT, etcs. So the patients get in the room for their visit and when I introduce myself and state I will be performing their exam, they sometimes go into a tizzy. This is especially true for the established patients. If the MA knows the patient very well then she will slide the patient over to the Doc's schedule. However, there are days when this is not possible and this causes chaos for me and the patient. When I enter the room and the patient clearly states they only want to see the DR, I graciously offer them the opportunity to reschedule for a later date or see me now. It seems like we have taken away from the patient's rights as this is sometimes a waste of time for both of us. Are there any NPs out there with a similar experience? How do you handle this issue? HelP!!!

I am a WHNP in the VA Beach area and the market here is better than most places. Most positions are word of mouth. The physicians here are becoming more receptive to NPs. I lived in Southern Maryland for 3 yrs and it was very PA dominated. Yes, the pay isn't great but does get somewhat better with time. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies! Becki, thanks for the info about CNM life. I think it would be great if I could 1st assist and not be on constant call. The CNMs at our military hospital currently only deliver one day a week and are in office 4 days. The residents deliver on the other days. I am looking at different online programs with post masters certificate programs. What made you change careers from PA to CNM? Can you suggest any programs? So far I am looking at Frontier, Shenandoah, ECU and maybe Stoneybrook. Again, thanks for the info!

I am struggling with my career choice right now. To give you a bit of background...I graduated Dec 2002 as a Womens Health NP. I had a difficult time finding a job in my area at the time, had a beautiful baby girl and relocated again for the 2nd time in 3yrs (hubby in military). This all occurred 2003-2006. During this time I worked in Pain management, and OB triage/Antepartum/L&D. Finally, I started my 1st WHNP job and I'm not really enjoying it. I'm beginning to find out I am a very hands on person who gets bored very quickly. My MD practices office gyn only. So no OB! I need to constantly work with my hands....I really have no interest in being in an office all day, seeing as many patients as the receptionist can book so on and so forth... I have thought about becoming a CNM, to perhaps break up the monotony and go back to my 1st love L&D. I also love the idea of assisting with c-sections. However, I have my reservations as well about this. 1. call hours, 2. the amt of responsibility does not match your compensation, and 3. There are still plenty of gyn office hours! I have even talked to a seasoned midwife who advised me not to become a midwife (because of the hours, pay, high rate of malpractice). She thought FNP or CRNA would be better. Can someone give me some insight or advice about this?

Can anyone steer me toward a link outlining the scope of practice in each state for NPs (independent vs collaborative)? Thanks!

I would like to know if there are any current students or graduates (FNP/WHNP/CNM) from Frontier School of Family Nursing in Hyden, KY. It seems to be a pretty good school. But I would love to find out the good and bad from my fellow allnurses.com members. Thanks for you help!!

Vmc, I see you are in NC.....my home state I would check with some of the local infertility clinics in your area. I also had the desire to become a infertility NP. However, in the Maryland area I have yet to see an NP in this arena. Through my own experiences in infertility, I loved my nurse and thought infertility would be a great area to practice in. When I mentioned to the MD about NPs in the practice I didn't get a warm-fuzzy feeling:uhoh21: If you have the opportunity in your area, get a RN position in infertility and continue your pursuit to becoming a NP. You could be the next trendsetter in your area:D The NCC did have an infertility reproductive medicince certification however I don't think they still offer this. Becoming a FNP is more marketable. Womens Health NP cert would be great too for this specialty. Good Luck!

A bit off the current topic...what is the job outlook like for CNMs?.. Are some states better than others?

Just a FYI....UAB FNP hopefuls---apply early! Currently, the 2006 class is full. They are now taking fall 2007 apps!! It definitely is an economical, thorough program and the faculty seem to be pretty helpful in the app process! They also asked if I wanted to do the Palliative Care NP program...you get the chance to sit for the FNP and Palliative Care cert...there is no wait list for this program...if you're interested in end-of- life care.

Hello everyone! I'm a WHNP- and would like to evolve to become a Surgical NP (office hours, inpatient rounding and first assist) in a specialty like gyn onc, gen surg, or bariatrics or become a ER NP. What would be the best route to take? --go FNP or ACNP? and _ Should I go to work in the ICU or ER for the time being (for experience)? I have a varied background in Neuro/ENT/Multi trauma, Burn unit (med-surg), IV therapy, Surgical Stepdown, Labor and Del, Postpartum, Pain Management, Nursing Education, Nursing Management, and even Insurance! I have also recently become a volunteer EMT. I'm afraid if I go the ACNP route---I will only be limited to the hospital. (When I get down the road (closer to retirement) I want to have the option of maybe going to office practice). I really love Womens Health however, the job prospects are slim right now! Thanks everyone for you help!!!

What is the job market like for midwives around the US? In Maryland there are many Midwives being "laid-off" (MDs stop practicing OB b/c of malpractice insurance rates) . Is this happening in other locations? Or is it booming in other areas of the US? I recently saw a CNM offering in Washington, DC for 60-66k-fulltime in office hrs and hospital and a posting in California for 75K. Is this the average salary around the US? It seems pretty low for such a responsibility and the location. :uhoh21: Inquiring minds want to know!

Thanks for the info! Can you tell me which certifications are needed? I would love the opportunity to advance to Paramedic!

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will definitely do a ride along soon. I too am a OB/GYN NP, but looking into pursuing FNP or ACNP. I would like to work in the ER or OR perhaps. Are there any other states that utilize RN-EMTs? Edoggs, I am in Maryland and good luck in your endeavors!