Work as Doula or CNA?

I have no advice but I wanted to tell you that I am 23, a pre-nursing student, I don't have kids, and I have very little experience with birth... But I too am getting certified to become a doula (CBI though)!

Your concerns are ones I have myself!

I plan on becoming a CNM also and i probably will do a dual CNM/WHNP program!

That's great!! So are you starting a doula workshop soon?! I feel like I just need to step up and go through with it and be prepared to step out of my comfort zone.

I really want to take a workshop, CBI doesn't require going to a physical workshop but I feel like I need that extra hands on experience before attending births so I was looking into local DONA workshops.

There is also a doula cooperative near where I live... They offer a mentorship program that I really want to do, I just can't afford it or the workshop right now.

Both would be helpful. I'm also studying to be a CNM/WHNP, and I looked at doing the DONA doula program. It would have been good experience, I think. If you KNOW you want to be a CNM, going the doula route will probably be more helpful (and make you happier!) than being a CNA. CNA skills will help you in nursing school, but learning how to support a laboring woman and what she faces in the postpartum period will be great when you start learning about midwifery, and may help you (if you're smart and make connections) when it comes time to look for a job as an RN. You'll want to get some nursing experience prior to going for your master's. I'm waiting to take my NCLEX, and I have a position in postpartum waiting for me at that point (L&D doesn't hire new grads in most places).

I, too, am planning to become a CNM/FNP and looked into getting my DONA cert. Do you need to work and make money while in NS? If so, it may be a good idea to get your CNA. Also, you will need to work as an RN to get some experience before and maybe while you're in grad school. A CNA will help you achieve this. Another thing to think about is you will need to find a doula who can mentor you. I don't think this is exactly necessary, but it would help you. Before you can be certified as a doula, you will need to attend so many live births. If you offer your services free of charge, I don't see that being an issue. Another thing, it will be very difficult to work as a doula while you are in NS because women go into labor at all times. You will need to be there. This could mean at 3am the morning of a major test or right in the middle of your clinical. You could do it during the summer :) This is the reason I haven't yet gotten my doula cert.

I would say get your CNA and try to get hired in labor and delivery. Try volunteering there first so the nurse manger gets to know you a little. Then, work towards getting your DONA cert. This way you have a better chance of getting the RN job you will need.