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Discussion

questions to midwives

Hi, I am really new, I haven't even started in the nursing field yet and am considering whether or not to start. I would be changing careers, but I really want to be a nurse-midwife. I love everything about childbirth, it fascinates me, and I think it's my true passion in life.

But before I get into nursing school, I have a few questions about midwifery.

1. Was anyone here able to work while going for their CNM certification or MSN degree? My husband doesn't make enough on his own to support both of us and our family while I go to school.

2. Does anyone here have kids? I am 35 years old and trying to get pregnant. I have concerns about the hours of midwives and how that affects the family.

3. The hospitals in my community do not hire midwifes, all OB care is done by OB/GYNs. I could start out as a nurse in L/D, but eventually I would have to work at a birthing center or doing homebirths. This is fine with me, but I'm wondering what kind of money I am looking at making, and if it would be enough to pay back student loans, and whether it would be worth it.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks,

Carrie

Featured Replies

I am a student nurse who sill someday be a midwife, but here is what I know.

I am in a direct entry program. The master's programs at my school are set up so that you can work while you go to school. All classes are on certaing days of the week so you know for sure when you will be able to work. It's encouraged that you work so that you can get more nursing experience.

As far as hospitals go, my understanding is that it is a matter of getting delivery privelidges (I can't spell that). So they are not employed by the hospital per se, they just do their deliveries there. They are paid by their patients. Some hospitals have hospitalists who work for them and do deliveries and some have their own clinics, so those doctors are employed by the hospital.

So you could work with a practice of doctors and do deliveries, or you could work with a practice of midwives and do deliveries but you don't have to work for the hospital.

I have two kids and it's a little hectic doing an accelerated nursing program and taking care of the two kids plus the husband-kid but it is manageable. I wish some of my classmates had kids but only one does so it makes things a little harder.

If I am wrong someone please let me know.

I worked part time while I got my BSN, MSN, WHNP, and midwifery certificates. Children were young, teenagers, older teenagers, and grown/out of the nest with each program.

You have the potential to put in some REALLY long hours as a midwife. However you can just work in an office (no births) so you can spend more time with your family.

As far as employment goes, you can work independently, with a CNM group, physician (solo or group) or with a hospital, health department, even an urgent care type place. Most states require you have a physician back up of some sort. My state requires a MD who is an OBGYN or a FP who does deliveries.

Jobs are not plentiful but they are around.

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