CharlyNICURN

I know that I am incredibly early on this but I've been researching programs since January! To all who anticipate applying to CNM programs in 2016 to begin in 2017: -Where are you applying? -What is it about that program that makes it desirable? -MSN or DNP? -What is your past nursing experience? For those in CNM programs currently and all CNMs, any advise on strengthening applications? I have whittled my list down to 6 schools: The University of Michigan, Wayne State University, the University of Washington, Seattle University, Baylor University and Vanderbilt University. In all honesty, WSU is a backup plan. I am head over heels in love with the curriculum of UW (plus, I LOVE the Seattle area!) I have read many posts and articles about MSN vs. DNP. The ACNM is not requiring DNPs just yet but I don't foresee any extreme harm in obtaining that degree now if I am accepted to that program. I am currently working in a level III NICU in Michigan, I have been there for 15 months as a new grad RN. (I have ZERO interest in becoming a NNP. I chose NICU because I wanted to stay at the organization but had my fill of adult care. L&D was not an option for me at that time. Midwifery and women's health and education is my passion!) I have heard plenty stories about CNM students without L&D experience but I was wondering if there are any reccommended ways of bulking up my application (become a certified lactation consultant, doula training, etc.?) Let me know what you think. Thank you all in advance! :)

Good morning everyone! I am currently an RN with my BSN in the NICU with 1 year experience. I am feeling called to the midwifery profession and feel as if I have done a lot of research but I could use your help! I plan on applying to programs this fall (2016) to start in 2017. I have seen several schools that either require or prefer RNs with EFM certification or CLC. I know that CLC would benefit my current practice in the NICU, but EFM would not. How does one go about obtaining EFM certification? I plan on pursuing my CLC this spring/summer. I have also read plenty about L&D experience. Some schools require it, some highly recommend it, some have no preference. It might be possible for me to move to L&D if it is going to greatly strengthen my CNM program application. -If you had L&D experience: how great of a help was it? Were there any ways it was a hindrance to your CNM practice? -If you DID NOT have L&D experience: If you could do it over again, would you gain L&D experience? Did you feel that you were "behind" your L&D classmates? Based on your experience would you recommend L&D experience? Any books anyone can suggest? I have read "Baby Catcher" by Peggy Vincent and I am currently reading "Born in the USA" by Marsden Wagner. I have "Pushed", "Birth matters: a midwife's manifesta", and "Diary of a midwife" on my must read list. Any others that might benefit an aspiring midwife?

danceluver- I know that you posted this a LONG time ago, but I was wondering what you ended up doing? I am sitting in that same boat right now. The program at Michigan looks incredibly exciting to me. (I am currently an RN in the NICU) Did you end up going through the program at Michigan? Did you choose only one of those specialties? Any advice for me? Thank you!

I do want to attend births! I wish the ones I attend as a NICU RN were healthy ones... I think it would be incredible to attend the birth of a child and then also care for them as they grow.

Hello everyone! I am currently a BSN prepared RN who works in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. When I started nursing school, I thought for sure I would end up working in peds or on a L&D unit. I've been working in the NICU for a year now (it was my first job out of school!) and have begun looking at grad school programs. I really believe that I am being called into more of a primary care setting, thus the research into PNP programs and CNM programs. I know that several universities offer combination programs of CNM with either Primary Care PNP or FNP. Has anyone out there enrolled in one of these programs? How has the school work load been for you? Have you continued to work as a RN either full or part time during school? If you have completed one of these programs, which one? Do you feel it is beneficial to be certified in two specialties? What does your patient load look like? Thanks for all your help! If you have any other tips, please do not hesitate to share!