Where do I begin to become a CNM?

[nancydrew77]

Hi, I'm new here and I was looking through the threads but couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for. I have a B.A. in Psyc. I worked as a Mental Health Worker for a year after college. I currently live in CA. I'm thinking about nursing because I have two children and want a third and want to earn more. Also, I'm interested in becoming a midwife from my own experiences with childbirth.

I'm just not sure if I should go for my BSN or RN. I lean towards BSN because my perception is that the pay scale would be better but I don't see any real evidence of that. I know that regardless I would like to become a midwife or MSN because I just want more autonomy. They have programs for that as well and it is confusing.

Since I'm a mom, I need a little flexibility in my schedule. My oldest child is 4.5 and the youngest is 16 months.

With balancing family and everything, I don't have much time to volunteer and all that although I'd like to. I'm not sure what to ask any of the universities because of it's summer and it seems the budget crisis in CA seems like it has caused changes in programs.

So let me list my questions clearly:

Would it be better to get an AD, BSN, or MSN, if I have no experience?

What are the best ways to get experience with out training in this field and limited time?

I feel overwhelmed and need advice. Thanks for your patience and your understanding.

[kalley]

I can relate to your situation. A year ago, at 29, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a CNM. At the time my boys were 1 1/2 and 3, with hopes of 1 or 2 kids in the future.

The first choice was ADN or BSN, because I knew I wanted to go on to CNM I know that diploma RN wasn't a good option. I chose ADN for a couple of reasons. It was a cheaper option because I could go to my local community college. I could get into the work force more quickly and at a comparable pay rate. The CNM school that I want to attend, Frontier, has a ADN to MSN bridge program, so BSN wasn't vital to my success.

I chose Frontier as my 1st option because it is a distance program and will allow me more flexibility. Plus, there isn't a CNM program that is within driving distance from my home. If I don't get into Frontier I will probably take a 1 year ADN-BSN program and apply to some of the other distance programs.

You do have the previous degree, so you may be able to find a BSN program that is less than the typical 4 years, and it will give you more options as to what CNM school you might want to attend. I can't really give you much info on that, because it wasn't something I researched.

I got a job in L&D as a scrub tech so that I could be in that atmosphere. The things I have learned there have been invaluable in reassuring me that this is really what I want to be doing.

The best advice that I can give though is, figure out where you want to be and then figure out what you have to do to get there. I know it sounds simple, but sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the details of getting started, you lose sight of your dreams.

[mommy2boysaz]

I am currently in the ADN-MSN bridge program at Frontier and I think it is great! It has shaved a year off of my schooling, in time and in tuition! (Since I didn't go 4 years for a BSN, then 2 years for the MSN. I did 2 years for the ASN then 3 years for the bridge program.)

Just thought I'd put in one vote for taking that route!

Good Luck with your decision!

[Bree124, BSN, RN]

I was in your shoes, and chose a direct entry masters program. This type of program is geared towards second degree students who want to be advanced practice nurses. Each program is slightly different, but in mine you take undergrad classes towards your RN for the first 15 months, and then graduate classes for two years. Total program time is 3 years, and you end up with your masters.

I have four kids (7 and under), and have managed to make it work. However, it is busy, stressful, expensive, and not very flexible with scheduling. It definitely isn't the ideal option for everyone, but I am very happy with my choice. If I had chosen another route, it would have taken me at least five years (2 years for ADN, 3 for bridge) or more to get done.

The only option you've mentioned that I would recommend against would be the BSN. With the sequence of classes you need in a traditional BSN program, I think it would take at least three years. Plus tuition at a 4-year school is higher than a 2-year. If you could find an accelerated BSN program for people who already hold degrees, it would save you a lot of time and get you working as an RN quickly. Then you could apply to Frontier or another distance CNM program to get your MSN while working.