Hi! I'm finishing up my Accelerated BSN in May 2020, and plan to (hopefully) attend Georgetown for my DNP. Several questions: I'm up there in age (42) and really really REALLY hate the idea that has been beaten into me - that I MUST put in a year or 2 of med-surg before possibly dreaming of working on L&D. That, in my mind, means I'll have to work 1-2 years doing something I dislike, then hoping I can get a placement as L&D nurse, then apply for my doctorate. . .another 3 full time years. That would be fine if I was in my 20's, but as it were, my oldest child will be 20 next year. . .in my perfect world I'd get some birthing experience as an RN, then apply to begin my DNP within the year.
Here's my question (I won't even ask about the med-surg bc everyone I ask says there's no way I'll get onto L&D out of school. . .I'll just continue to be naive and positive though!) - can I get into midwifery school without experience in maternity? Of course I would want it - I've offered to volunteer already. . .worse comes to worse my CNM friend will hire me as a homebirth assistant, but that's nowhere near an RN salary, and I'm unsure how that experience will transfer to my resume. Sigh. . .
Can anyone share their journey with me? Any older midwives that began later in life?
mid-way through CNM program and I just took a job in L&D to gain some experience before becoming a midwife. I contemplated not doing it (I'm a peds nurse with lots of NICU experience and was a doula before becoming a nurse so I have some relevant background) but as I've gotten further in the program I'm starting to feel "behind" my classmates who already understand the flow of hospital birth, labor, procedures, etc. much more than me. Since it is very likely that my first midwifery job will be in a hospital setting, I feel like it will be beneficial to understand that world better. I also talked to a new-midwife-friend who said that I should do whatever it takes to get a job in L&D before I become a midwife, just for the confidence it will give me when I'm the provider. She didn't and said she can tell a huge difference between herself and other new midwives with that background. So, not to scare you, and you have to do what's right for you, but something else to consider! Good luck!!
I have two issues: one is that my program was expedited specifically for me to full time to accommodate the nurse corps scholarship's requirements, and GU tells me there's no way I can work with the increased course-load. I did just accept a pediatric position, but it's per diem home care, super laid back. The other issue is that I've been applying to EVERY hospital in my super congested area (NJ and Philly) and never got a call back from anyone, even with connections. I have decided that ethically I cannot accept a job for which I would be orienting for up to 3 months and then quitting within a year (or much much less with my residencies coming up fast). For me, I'm accepting that this is the path I've chosen, and unless I want to drop out now, there's no way I'd be able to handle a job, plus homeschooling two kids, one special needs, and managing to keep my grades up in what is now an accelerated master's program. It's more of a recognition in myself of my passion, experience, and capabilities that I know I do possess. I first have to accept that my pathway to this position is completely atypical and for the most part among my colleagues, unaccepted and not respected. And I do understand why, but also I know there are exceptions, and occasionally I will believe in myself that I am that exception. I know the next several years will consist of a lot of proving myself to myself as well as others, as I already have in class when my lack of any nursing experience leaves me out of many conversations. . .but I have 43 years of life experience - a BIG life experience with a million mistakes and plenty of hospital experience, just from a different view. But isn't that why we celebrate diversity - a new perspective? Isn't that why half the country voted Trump in, bc he had no political experience and people wanted a new vision? I think the wise administrators of programs such as direct-entry CNM programs understood this, and this is why it's an option.
Looking at my colleagues that are new nurses now, in their 20's and going to have years of experience before possibly heading back to grad school if they choose, I do doubt sometimes my decision. But then, I remember I wanted to do this for TWENTY years, and I have been learning on my own for that long. I remember that I pick stuff up VERY quickly, especially the hands on skills. I remember that everyone is different and that coming into a hospital without experience may be the very thing that that facility needs - because you are so new you may be able to see changes that should be made that no one else sees because 'that's just how's it's always been done'. These are the things I have decided that I must believe, since there are no reasonable options for me at this point besides sticking to the program, getting the absolute most out of my residencies, and committing to my confidence. One example of believing in myself is the indoctrination that has been drilled into me for years that you HAVE to have a study group or person to do well. I have never had this. I have always done exceptionally well in school. maybe 98% of people NEED to have a study group, but there are 2% that need to NOT have a study group.
I'm glad you are able to 1. get hired into L&D, and 2. have the ability to work right now for that experience, I'm sure it will help at least familiarize yourself with policy and procedures. I have been to a few homebirths, which is something I'm not ruling out, mainly because I don't want to deal with the bs in hospitals 100% of the time. But anyway, these are the things I tell myself. Thanks for sharing and I'm sure you're going to do great, especially with all your other nursing experience!
I have two issues: one is that my program was expedited specifically for me to full time to accommodate the nurse corps scholarship's requirements, and GU tells me there's no way I can work with the increased course-load. I did just accept a pediatric position, but it's per diem home care, super laid back. The other issue is that I've been applying to EVERY hospital in my super congested area (NJ and Philly) and never got a call back from anyone, even with connections. I have decided that ethically I cannot accept a job for which I would be orienting for up to 3 months and then quitting within a year (or much much less with my residencies coming up fast). For me, I'm accepting that this is the path I've chosen, and unless I want to drop out now, there's no way I'd be able to handle a job, plus homeschooling two kids, one special needs, and managing to keep my grades up in what is now an accelerated master's program. It's more of a recognition in myself of my passion, experience, and capabilities that I know I do possess. I first have to accept that my pathway to this position is completely atypical and for the most part among my colleagues, unaccepted and not respected. And I do understand why, but also I know there are exceptions, and occasionally I will believe in myself that I am that exception. I know the next several years will consist of a lot of proving myself to myself as well as others, as I already have in class when my lack of any nursing experience leaves me out of many conversations. . .but I have 43 years of life experience - a BIG life experience with a million mistakes and plenty of hospital experience, just from a different view. But isn't that why we celebrate diversity - a new perspective? Isn't that why half the country voted Trump in, bc he had no political experience and people wanted a new vision? I think the wise administrators of programs such as direct-entry CNM programs understood this, and this is why it's an option.
Looking at my colleagues that are new nurses now, in their 20's and going to have years of experience before possibly heading back to grad school if they choose, I do doubt sometimes my decision. But then, I remember I wanted to do this for TWENTY years, and I have been learning on my own for that long. I remember that I pick stuff up VERY quickly, especially the hands on skills. I remember that everyone is different and that coming into a hospital without experience may be the very thing that that facility needs - because you are so new you may be able to see changes that should be made that no one else sees because 'that's just how's it's always been done'. These are the things I have decided that I must believe, since there are no reasonable options for me at this point besides sticking to the program, getting the absolute most out of my residencies, and committing to my confidence. One example of believing in myself is the indoctrination that has been drilled into me for years that you HAVE to have a study group or person to do well. I have never had this. I have always done exceptionally well in school. maybe 98% of people NEED to have a study group, but there are 2% that need to NOT have a study group.
I'm glad you are able to 1. get hired into L&D, and 2. have the ability to work right now for that experience, I'm sure it will help at least familiarize yourself with policy and procedures. I have been to a few homebirths, which is something I'm not ruling out, mainly because I don't want to deal with the bs in hospitals 100% of the time. But anyway, these are the things I tell myself. Thanks for sharing and I'm sure you're going to do great, especially with all your other nursing experience!
You have a great perspective on your situation, I love your attitude and I'm here to tell you you will be absolutely fine. You're clearly intelligent, dedicated, and know you have a lot to learn---that, and a passion for women's health are all you need, IMO. The scariest new grads are not those with zero nursing experience, but rather those who think they know everything, aren't open to feedback, and have an apathetic attitude. Keep on keepin' on and you'll be a CNM before you know it!
I have two issues: one is that my program was expedited specifically for me to full time to accommodate the nurse corps scholarship's requirements, and GU tells me there's no way I can work with the increased course-load. I did just accept a pediatric position, but it's per diem home care, super laid back. The other issue is that I've been applying to EVERY hospital in my super congested area (NJ and Philly) and never got a call back from anyone, even with connections. I have decided that ethically I cannot accept a job for which I would be orienting for up to 3 months and then quitting within a year (or much much less with my residencies coming up fast). For me, I'm accepting that this is the path I've chosen, and unless I want to drop out now, there's no way I'd be able to handle a job, plus homeschooling two kids, one special needs, and managing to keep my grades up in what is now an accelerated master's program. It's more of a recognition in myself of my passion, experience, and capabilities that I know I do possess. I first have to accept that my pathway to this position is completely atypical and for the most part among my colleagues, unaccepted and not respected. And I do understand why, but also I know there are exceptions, and occasionally I will believe in myself that I am that exception. I know the next several years will consist of a lot of proving myself to myself as well as others, as I already have in class when my lack of any nursing experience leaves me out of many conversations. . .but I have 43 years of life experience - a BIG life experience with a million mistakes and plenty of hospital experience, just from a different view. But isn't that why we celebrate diversity - a new perspective? Isn't that why half the country voted Trump in, bc he had no political experience and people wanted a new vision? I think the wise administrators of programs such as direct-entry CNM programs understood this, and this is why it's an option.
Looking at my colleagues that are new nurses now, in their 20's and going to have years of experience before possibly heading back to grad school if they choose, I do doubt sometimes my decision. But then, I remember I wanted to do this for TWENTY years, and I have been learning on my own for that long. I remember that I pick stuff up VERY quickly, especially the hands on skills. I remember that everyone is different and that coming into a hospital without experience may be the very thing that that facility needs - because you are so new you may be able to see changes that should be made that no one else sees because 'that's just how's it's always been done'. These are the things I have decided that I must believe, since there are no reasonable options for me at this point besides sticking to the program, getting the absolute most out of my residencies, and committing to my confidence. One example of believing in myself is the indoctrination that has been drilled into me for years that you HAVE to have a study group or person to do well. I have never had this. I have always done exceptionally well in school. maybe 98% of people NEED to have a study group, but there are 2% that need to NOT have a study group.
I'm glad you are able to 1. get hired into L&D, and 2. have the ability to work right now for that experience, I'm sure it will help at least familiarize yourself with policy and procedures. I have been to a few homebirths, which is something I'm not ruling out, mainly because I don't want to deal with the bs in hospitals 100% of the time. But anyway, these are the things I tell myself. Thanks for sharing and I'm sure you're going to do great, especially with all your other nursing experience!
You have a lot on your plate, Specialscar! You've thought this through, and you are going to be a great midwife. All the best to you!
You will do great Specialscar. I just graduated at 40 from my midwifery program. Experience counts for a lot and like LibraSunCNM stated, in healthcare the scariest person whether they be nurses, providers, MAs, or techs are the ones that think they know it all and aren't open to constructive feedback. In my previous career, I was a manager and I would hire someone with good common sense and experience over someone who looked good academically on paper. I wish you the best of luck as you complete your program.
Update - I got into Georgetown and never got hired as an RN - which boggles my mind - probably applied to 60 or 70 jobs in the pandemic and in NJ while others I graduated with were hired - what’s up with that?!? Then it turns out I don’t have time to work bc I’m going FT. So it’s like a direct entry program for me but I have so much more confidence than I did a few months ago. I am sometimes super nervous, but it’s more about how others are going to perceive and treat me - I get a sense that almost every nurse out there believes you need to pay your dues before moving on to an APN, although a CNM is a path of its own. I’m still just upset and honestly mad that I never even got an interview with any hospital - I’m vaccinated and available and up until a few weeks ago, willing to work anywhere in my super congested area! I feel like hospitals can’t be that short staffed if they’re not hiring licensed nurses (we were all new once) - also I took it personally bc I saw all my cohort getting jobs at the places that never called me back! Wth?
This is crazy to hear. I have to ask how your interviews went..? Nursing interviews can be daunting, to say the least. Do you need work on your interviewing skills for nursing questions? Did you get interviews or just apply and not get called? Do you need to work on your resume? Did you ask your nursing school friends to look at your resume or look at theirs and compare..? Sometimes it really is just as simple as that.
I'm working as a pediatric home health nurse currently. I never had any other interviews. I'm 43 and have about 200 years of life experience (haha) I'm very confident in my interviewing and life skills, but from what I gathered from my cohort, you really had to know people or have your foot in the door - your GPA or life experience don't seem to count unless you have another connection or years of experience. I graduated with a woman with only less than 6 months of experience as a CNA, and she is now training to be a critical care flight nurse at a level 1 trauma center after her first job straight into the trauma ICU, 3 months later! Others went directly into the ED. It's fine with me, while my job isn't as challenging as theirs, it pays well and is incredibly rewarding and relaxing to have the same amazing little patient I care for and know so well, and to be able to have all my challenges in residency and coursework in the field of choice. . .it's perfect. The universe provides!
You will do great Specialscar. I just graduated at 40 from my midwifery program. Experience counts for a lot and like LibraSunCNM stated, in healthcare the scariest person whether they be nurses, providers, MAs, or techs are the ones that think they know it all and aren't open to constructive feedback. In my previous career, I was a manager and I would hire someone with good common sense and experience over someone who looked good academically on paper. I wish you the best of luck as you complete your program.
Thank you! I just saw this message. I am working now as a home health nurse and it's perfect, although sometimes I'm a little envious of my colleagues who are experiencing so much - but then again I'll be delivering babies as a provider in one year from now. . .so I remember that and my path. I'll be 44 when I gradate, and 45 by the time I begin practicing, and I definitely feel like I have many lifetimes of life experience and skills - my life hasn't been typical in any way, and that only adds to my ability to think outside the box as well as apply empathy and critical thinking to situations. I think there's tradeoffs, but there are also 22 year olds who work one year on med surg, then jump into grad school while never even having lived outside their parents' house. . .I remind myself how valuable somethings are. . .as well as the fact that most of the nation's top schools have direct entry programs (Vanderbilt, Yale, Georgetown, University of PA. . .)
Hello! I’m a new grad RN, hired to L&D! My ultimate goal is midwifery and GU is at the top of my list because I want DNP. I’m also considering Frontier. I see that you were accepted which is great, congratulations to you! I would like to know if your program is online? I currently live in NC and I don’t want to move, so being an online program is another big factor in deciding where I apply.
I'm working as a pediatric home health nurse currently. I never had any other interviews. I'm 43 and have about 200 years of life experience (haha) I'm very confident in my interviewing and life skills, but from what I gathered from my cohort, you really had to know people or have your foot in the door - your GPA or life experience don't seem to count unless you have another connection or years of experience. I graduated with a woman with only less than 6 months of experience as a CNA, and she is now training to be a critical care flight nurse at a level 1 trauma center after her first job straight into the trauma ICU, 3 months later! Others went directly into the ED. It's fine with me, while my job isn't as challenging as theirs, it pays well and is incredibly rewarding and relaxing to have the same amazing little patient I care for and know so well, and to be able to have all my challenges in residency and coursework in the field of choice. . .it's perfect. The universe provides!
My experience was the same sadly. I'm in NJ too Graduated top of my class (ADN though), lots of life experience and a great resume and could not get an interview anywhere let alone L&D. I am also in my 40's and had lots of birth experience but no nursing experience and no one would even consider me. I didn't get anywhere. I even found l&d nursing directors' email addresses and contacted them directly. Finally a professor recommended me at his hospital and I got my first interview and got the job on the spot in a Telemetry unit.
Of course a few months later the *** hit the fan and they were desperate for nurses everywhere but I felt I needed to stick with the only place that had given me a chance for at least a year. It is definitely different in different parts of the country and Nj can be tough.
good luck with your course. I am about to start at Frontier.
Hello! I’m a new grad RN, hired to L&D! My ultimate goal is midwifery and GU is at the top of my list because I want DNP. I’m also considering Frontier. I see that you were accepted which is great, congratulations to you! I would like to know if your program is online? I currently live in NC and I don’t want to move, so being an online program is another big factor in deciding where I apply.
Hey - just wanted to reply and say that Frontier is online, and you complete your clinicals wherever you choose. There are some in person requirements for Frontier (I believe all online CNM programs have this requirement) for skills checkoffs etc.
Specialscar, BSN, RN, EMT-B
48 Posts
I have two issues: one is that my program was expedited specifically for me to full time to accommodate the nurse corps scholarship's requirements, and GU tells me there's no way I can work with the increased course-load. I did just accept a pediatric position, but it's per diem home care, super laid back. The other issue is that I've been applying to EVERY hospital in my super congested area (NJ and Philly) and never got a call back from anyone, even with connections. I have decided that ethically I cannot accept a job for which I would be orienting for up to 3 months and then quitting within a year (or much much less with my residencies coming up fast). For me, I'm accepting that this is the path I've chosen, and unless I want to drop out now, there's no way I'd be able to handle a job, plus homeschooling two kids, one special needs, and managing to keep my grades up in what is now an accelerated master's program. It's more of a recognition in myself of my passion, experience, and capabilities that I know I do possess. I first have to accept that my pathway to this position is completely atypical and for the most part among my colleagues, unaccepted and not respected. And I do understand why, but also I know there are exceptions, and occasionally I will believe in myself that I am that exception. I know the next several years will consist of a lot of proving myself to myself as well as others, as I already have in class when my lack of any nursing experience leaves me out of many conversations. . .but I have 43 years of life experience - a BIG life experience with a million mistakes and plenty of hospital experience, just from a different view. But isn't that why we celebrate diversity - a new perspective? Isn't that why half the country voted Trump in, bc he had no political experience and people wanted a new vision? I think the wise administrators of programs such as direct-entry CNM programs understood this, and this is why it's an option.
Looking at my colleagues that are new nurses now, in their 20's and going to have years of experience before possibly heading back to grad school if they choose, I do doubt sometimes my decision. But then, I remember I wanted to do this for TWENTY years, and I have been learning on my own for that long. I remember that I pick stuff up VERY quickly, especially the hands on skills. I remember that everyone is different and that coming into a hospital without experience may be the very thing that that facility needs - because you are so new you may be able to see changes that should be made that no one else sees because 'that's just how's it's always been done'. These are the things I have decided that I must believe, since there are no reasonable options for me at this point besides sticking to the program, getting the absolute most out of my residencies, and committing to my confidence. One example of believing in myself is the indoctrination that has been drilled into me for years that you HAVE to have a study group or person to do well. I have never had this. I have always done exceptionally well in school. maybe 98% of people NEED to have a study group, but there are 2% that need to NOT have a study group.
I'm glad you are able to 1. get hired into L&D, and 2. have the ability to work right now for that experience, I'm sure it will help at least familiarize yourself with policy and procedures. I have been to a few homebirths, which is something I'm not ruling out, mainly because I don't want to deal with the bs in hospitals 100% of the time. But anyway, these are the things I tell myself. Thanks for sharing and I'm sure you're going to do great, especially with all your other nursing experience!