Working towards becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife

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Hello!

I'm new here, 36 yrs of age and currently researching a career change. I worked in public radio for the last 13 years as a Music Director and Radio DJ. I loved my work but had to leave my "dream job" to relocate for my husbands new job to the San Francisco Bay Area a year ago. There's no work in radio for me here that interests me so I decided to pursue another interest of mine which is Nurse Midwifery. My brother is a Nurse in an ER and loves his job. The pay is great and its a job that's flexible, portable and offers endless opportunities. It seems that it could be a perfect position for me long term. I love being a mother, babies and adored being pregnant. I was fascinated by the entire experience and process and think that coupled with my nurturing qualities would make me a great Nurse Midwife.

I have a lot college courses but never completed my studies. It was mostly liberal arts courses so I have a few semesters of prerequisites I'll be taking at College Of Marin this next Spring 2013-Fall 2013. I plan on applying to multiple nursing programs in the bay area Spring 2014 but would prefer to get into College Of Marin's Nursing Program as we live in Larkspur which is very close to the school. We hope to stay in Marin County long term. I should also note that I have 2.5 yr old son and we are thinking of trying for Baby #2 now so the child is several months old before I start my Nursing Program.

I have a few questions and I'm hoping some have advice or answers.

1. How many students generally apply each Fall for College Of Marin's Nursing Program? I know it's a lottery but what are my realistic chances of getting in first try?

2. Anyone in the College Of Marin Nursing Program? Would love insight into whether you like it or not? How long you waited to be accepted?

3. In the meantime I plan on volunteering at Marin General. I thought it would be a great introduction to the hospital, it's culture and processes as I hope to maybe work there one day. Anyone work there and have insight into L&D Nursing or being a Nurse Midwife there?

4. I'd love a part time job I can manage while in school. Any recommendations of jobs that would compliment my studies? Preferably at a hospital or in a health related field?

5. I know in order to be a Nurse Midwife I'd need to follow my RN Certification with a BS in Nursing and an MA in a Nurse Midwifery program. Any schools you'd recommend I look towards applying for in the future?

6. Any people who have completed their Nurse Midwife Certification that have any insight and advice as I pursue this?

Thanks in advance to everyone who offers input. This is a huge change for me, my family and my career.

Best,

Melanie

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I don't have much insight but I had to comment because of the similarities between you and I. I am a 36 mom of a 9 year old boy and 3 year old girl. I went to college some time ago and never finished. My focus at the time was liberal arts as well. I too dream of possibly being a midwife one day. Good luck on your endeavor! I plan being applying Spring of 2014 as well.

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Oh my were are quite similar! Good luck to us both! It's going to be a long road but hopefully the end result will be rewarding :)

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Thirding this experience : 36 yo, mother of two, started my education over a decade ago abut didn't finish, see myself ultimately as a CNM/FNP. Actually, I want to be an old fashioned country doctor who does house calls and the whole bit, but this is the closest I can think of that allows me to work in the meantime - who has time for med school when you're already middle aged and need an income, right? Anyway, I really belive that this model of care has the potential to be very successful and needed, and I wish good luck and God speed to us all!

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My my there are quite of few of us changing midlife. Makes me feel more comfortable that I'm not alone is my career change. Do either of you work ft or pt?

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I am blessed to have been able to be a SAHM for the past 9 years.

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

There is a certified-nurse midwife section here that might be able to help you out. I think it's against policy to re-post in different sections, but see if you can contact one of the administrators and ask if they can move it to the section. You might be able to get more hits and I'm sure they would be happy to answer questions. Some of members go into great detail on admissions, certification, and recommended schools.

If you are curious, go to the top of the web page and click "APN" for advanced practice nursing. The section is the bottom of the list.

Hope this helps...

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I won't be any helps but just wanted to say that I have been interested in getting my CNM for years. Good luck!

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