alohanursejenn

Univ of Utah offers a combined CNM/WHNP dual program or you can do CNM or WHNP. I decided to finish CNM and take boards and work because it takes 2 more semesters to finish WHNP and they will work with you and you can finish post masters WHNP. Many places want CNM, others want WHNP because some states CNM's are not as recognized. I know a few WHNP's who hold certificates and not Master's degrees. NCC will require a master's degree in 2007 to sit for WHNP boards. Those who are trained by certificate programs will have to get their master's if they are delinquent in renewing their license. CNM and WHNP are different degrees and you can hold both, but have to take 2 boards and obtain licenses for both in the state you work. I had not heard of any WHNP's doing deliveries until I read the comments on this board.

Just a reply.. I have worked L&D in 6 states, mostly in high risk L&D and am now finishing my CNM. It may be textbook to make someone wait until 4 cm to recieve an epidural, but it can be mean. I know many many physicians and CNM's who let their patients have an epidural earlier (2-3 cm) as long as they are laboring, especially if they are having an induction with pitocin or the provider performed AROM. I know this subject has been researched.. if it is evidenced based or not and further research needs to be done. Many of the epidurals in the North West facilities have fentanyl. One high risk facility I work at does spinal epidurals and the patients have good relief with leg movement. I have worked at facilities who give epidurals that are very very dense and where women are unable to push. Good luck with your CRNA!

I am completing my CNM degree at the University of Utah this fall. The Univ of Utah offers a dual degree of NMW/WHNP, but also has an FNP program, and acute care NP, Neonatal NP, nurse educator, ect. They will tailor your degrees to what you want. I had applied to OHSU 2 yrs ago and did not even get a reply letter from them after filling out their whole application and references, ect. I felt it quite rude. I will complete my WHNP hours after finishing the CNM as a post masters student. So this school will work with you if you need to finish one to begin working again.

I am in Salt Lake, and will be done with my CNM this fall. I am having a hard time finding positions because there are so many practices that don't want to take a new CNM on. Any Ideas? I have a condo here and might have to sell if I have to move. I was just wondering where the practices were you were referring to.. Thanks

Your schedule depends on where you work, how many patients you have and how many practicing partners are in your group. I will be graduating as a CNM this fall and do not have a job yet. The practice I did my practicum in has 3 CNM's and 4 OB/GYN's. Each CNM has her own pt load and is on call for own deliveries all week unless they sign out for the weekend, ect. They each do 4 clinic days a week as well. My instructors on the other hand have about 8 CNM's in their group and are covered by the hospital MD's and Residents 24/7. Some of them don't do deliveries anymore because they are doing education, Some just do 2 clinic days a week and others do 2 clinic days and 2 call days a week. I know some CNM's that just do office visits, while others are hired by a hospital to work the triage area. So If you want to be a CNM, there are a variety of jobs when you are done.. Good Luck.. I am still searching for a job when I am done.

It sounds like you are going to have to talk to the univeristy you did your training at. I am almost done with my program and can't imagine not graduating after doing all the work. Unless you want to do it all over again somewhere else, hopefully you can find someone to talk to who will help you. You would think they would want their students to succeed. Good luck!

Thanks for the info on clinical nurse specialist in Obstetrics. I have been an L&D nurse for 11 yrs with most of it being on high risk units. I will be graduating with a Master's degree/CNM this fall. I am interested in adding CNS but have heard there aren't that many programs for it. I have worked in 6 states and have only really met one nurse who actually had her degree as a CNS. She is my current nurse manager over a l&d dept, but she used to work for perinatology. Can someone be a CNS just with a Master's degree in a certain field, or do we have to do extra training?