What degree do I go for

JAHJF · Aug 31, 2005

Where I work High-risk L&D, they don't hire LPNs. Several of us have associate degrees.

Katnip, RN · Aug 31, 2005

If you want a degree in midwifery you need to have a bachelor's then a master's. I think there are some programs that do not require a degree, but I think the majority of clients are going to look for that.

RNnL&D · Aug 31, 2005

I am just starting nursing school and I want work in labor and delivery. I think I would some day like to be a licenced midewife. I would like to hurry up and work but I want to get enough schooling. Can an Associates RN degree get me a good OB possition or do I need the BS. Do they hire LPNS for OB care?

At my facility, we don't hire LPN's in OB, but many of us have ADNs. To be a CNM, you will need a BSN before midwifery school (although some programs bridge from an ADN degree). To be a licensed midwife (CPM), you don't have to have a nursing degree.

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 31, 2005

NO LPNs in OB anywhere in my region. Some places do hire LPNs, but your chances of securing a position in OB as a nurse are better, if you go for your RN. And if you have a choice, a BSN is what I would aim for!

fireflyLPN · Aug 31, 2005

At my facility they do hire LPN's in OB. Even in L&D. They are not many in that department, however.

NurseforPreggers · Aug 31, 2005

No LPNs here either. If you are serious about CNM I would go ahead and get the BSN if you have that option.

JAHJF · Sep 1, 2005

Check out this thread and the link in it to the thread Future CNMs :)

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112620&highlight=midwives

Hope this helps.

BETSRN · Sep 2, 2005

At my facility they do hire LPN's in OB. Even in L&D. They are not many in that department, however.

NO LPN's in my hospital at all. LPN's are not usually used in OB anyway.

lawc2315 · Sep 2, 2005

What's the difference between an LPN and a ADN?

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 2, 2005

AN ADN is an associate's degree in nursing. Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the NCLEX exam to be licensed as an RN.

An LPN went for different training altogether. Upon graduation, the new grad is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and become licensed as an LPN.

Two different programs of study.

Like I said, if you want the best shot at being an L/D nurse, you need to go for your RN, whether you decide to pursue an Associate, Bachelors, or Diploma program. Those are the 3 current ways you can study to be an RN. Diploma programs are few and far between, some states no longer have them. About 60% of new-entry RNs are Associate Degree Program graduates. Roughly 35% hold BSN degrees (bachelors). The rest have secured their diploma education, which is a hospital-run program (and very good).

There are a lot of hot debates about what should constitute minimum education for nursing; I dont' want to get into that here. Just do some research here on the threads, if you want to know that end of it----and decide for yourself, what you can afford to do. If you can afford,----and if there is a program near you---- go for the BSN.

If you have a prior bachelors' degree, look into a direct-entry BSN---it's a faster track to your RN for people who already have 4-year degrees in another discipline.

Here is a list of nursing schools USA-wide, to help you. Suggest you check out those closest to you and start talking to them about entry requirements (there are waiting lists in some places, that exceed 1-2 years, so get the pre-requisites done).

http://www.allnursingschools.com

Good luck. Hope this helps you more.