5 answers
Davianna
Student
Bushnell, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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Hi I was wondering what the best path to become a nurse midwife would be? Also what's the difference between a nurse midwife and a regular midwife?
I'm 16 years old and I really want to become a midwife or a nurse midwife, but I don't know where to start. I'm in HOSA currently but it's not really helping. Any advice?
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5 answers
Anasa Lattibeaudaire
Career Counselor
24
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Anasa’s Answer
Hi Davianna,
In order to become a nurse midwife, complete the following:
Education: Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a registered nurse (RN).
Experience: Gain experience in obstetric nursing.
*Obstetric nursing involves caring for women during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, as well as providing postpartum care for both the mother and newborn.
Graduate Education: Pursue a Master's in Nurse-Midwifery or a similar program.
Certification: Obtain certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
The following are the differences:
Nurse Midwife: A nurse midwife is a registered nurse with advanced education and training in midwifery. They provide thorough healthcare to women, including prenatal, labor, and postpartum care.
Regular Midwife: A midwife without nursing credentials typically provides care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, but does not have the nursing background that nurse midwives possess.
Finally, in the United States, nurse midwives often earn higher salaries than non-nurse midwives. Nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with additional education and training, which typically leads to higher compensation compared to non-nurse midwives who may not have the same level of formal education and credentials.
In order to become a nurse midwife, complete the following:
Education: Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a registered nurse (RN).
Experience: Gain experience in obstetric nursing.
*Obstetric nursing involves caring for women during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, as well as providing postpartum care for both the mother and newborn.
Graduate Education: Pursue a Master's in Nurse-Midwifery or a similar program.
Certification: Obtain certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
The following are the differences:
Nurse Midwife: A nurse midwife is a registered nurse with advanced education and training in midwifery. They provide thorough healthcare to women, including prenatal, labor, and postpartum care.
Regular Midwife: A midwife without nursing credentials typically provides care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, but does not have the nursing background that nurse midwives possess.
Finally, in the United States, nurse midwives often earn higher salaries than non-nurse midwives. Nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with additional education and training, which typically leads to higher compensation compared to non-nurse midwives who may not have the same level of formal education and credentials.
Thank you Anasa!!
Davianna
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Davianna, first off, I had to ask my wife about your question. Here's the advice she thought would be best for you. She's really impressed by your commitment to becoming a midwife. It's truly admirable and inspiring. She recognizes the enthusiasm you're showing at such a young age. She completely gets that finding your way to becoming a nurse midwife can feel like a huge task, but it's wonderful to see you making strides in the right direction.
Together, my wife and I dug up some information to answer your question. We discovered that the usual route involves finishing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which gives a strong basis for nursing skills. After that, it's key to gain hands-on experience as a registered nurse (RN), often in areas like labor and delivery units or women's health clinics. The next step is to go for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on nurse midwifery, which provides advanced education and specialized skills crucial for midwifery practice.
Our research also highlighted the importance of understanding the difference between a certified nurse midwife (CNM) and a regular midwife, like a certified professional midwife (CPM) or a certified midwife (CM). CNMs, being registered nurses, provide a wide range of women's health services, while other midwives may concentrate on normal, low-risk pregnancies without a nursing background.
Even though your involvement in HOSA might not directly connect to midwifery, it's awesome that you're exploring healthcare opportunities. Think about widening your experiences by volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals for a wider view. Remember, your journey is your own, and there's no one-size-fits-all path. Stay inquisitive, delve into your interests, and seek advice from mentors or professionals in the field.
A career in midwifery requires dedication and passion, and it's clear that you're already on the right track. Keep feeding your dreams, and don't be shy to ask for help and advice on your inspiring journey. Wishing you all the best as you set off on this meaningful journey.
Together, my wife and I dug up some information to answer your question. We discovered that the usual route involves finishing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which gives a strong basis for nursing skills. After that, it's key to gain hands-on experience as a registered nurse (RN), often in areas like labor and delivery units or women's health clinics. The next step is to go for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on nurse midwifery, which provides advanced education and specialized skills crucial for midwifery practice.
Our research also highlighted the importance of understanding the difference between a certified nurse midwife (CNM) and a regular midwife, like a certified professional midwife (CPM) or a certified midwife (CM). CNMs, being registered nurses, provide a wide range of women's health services, while other midwives may concentrate on normal, low-risk pregnancies without a nursing background.
Even though your involvement in HOSA might not directly connect to midwifery, it's awesome that you're exploring healthcare opportunities. Think about widening your experiences by volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals for a wider view. Remember, your journey is your own, and there's no one-size-fits-all path. Stay inquisitive, delve into your interests, and seek advice from mentors or professionals in the field.
A career in midwifery requires dedication and passion, and it's clear that you're already on the right track. Keep feeding your dreams, and don't be shy to ask for help and advice on your inspiring journey. Wishing you all the best as you set off on this meaningful journey.
Thank you Patrick (and your wife) for the advice it was really helpful 😊
Davianna
Ashley Barnes
Insurance Professional
9
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
A fantastic beginning point could be seeking part-time roles where you have the opportunity to collaborate closely with nurse midwives. This strategy will not only boost your experience in the field but also expand your professional network. Additionally, consider enrolling in a school that offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. While pursuing your nursing studies, you can also apply for internships in your chosen specialty. I trust these suggestions will guide you on your journey! :)
Thank you Ashley, I live in a small town so I might not be able to find as many opportunities to intern, but I'm sure I'll find something 😊
Davianna
Mary Jane Shroyer
Director of Health Professions Career Community
102
Answers
Grinnell, Iowa
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
Hi Davianna! The difference is in their education and training as well as in their ability to be licensed by the state where they work. Typically the term "midwife" indicates someone who does not have a nursing background. They may have undergone a formal training program that focuses on the medical and scientific aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, but in some cases, they may simply undergo an apprenticeship type of training in which they observe and support practicing midwives. A nurse midwife is usually an RN who has done additional training in pregnancy and childbirth. If they are a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) they have an advanced practice degree, so additional education and training beyond the standard nursing curriculum in an associates or bachelors degree nursing program.
States differ in how they regulate midwives and the training needed to be licensed to practice so you need to research what your state (or the state you hope to eventually practice in) requires. If you want to provide full service care to patients, not just care for them in pregnancy and birth, you probably want the CNM track. In that case, you'll need a BSN degree and an advanced practice CNM degree. There are other ways to get to the CNM but doing a BSN first is probably the most direct.
To read more about the profession check out this link: https://www.midwife.org/Become-a-Midwife
Good luck!
States differ in how they regulate midwives and the training needed to be licensed to practice so you need to research what your state (or the state you hope to eventually practice in) requires. If you want to provide full service care to patients, not just care for them in pregnancy and birth, you probably want the CNM track. In that case, you'll need a BSN degree and an advanced practice CNM degree. There are other ways to get to the CNM but doing a BSN first is probably the most direct.
To read more about the profession check out this link: https://www.midwife.org/Become-a-Midwife
Good luck!
Charlene Panissidi (she/her), SHRM-CP
Recruiter
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Charlene’s Answer
Hello Ashley!
Just like you, I'm also a proud mom of a HOSA student! I must admit, I'm not quite sure about the specific differences between a nurse midwife and a regular midwife. However, I'd suggest getting in touch with local midwife or doula groups and kindly requesting a short, exploratory chat to help with your career exploration. Make sure to mention that you're only looking for a brief conversation - perhaps around 30 minutes. And remember, it's a good idea to prepare your questions in advance for this call.
Just like you, I'm also a proud mom of a HOSA student! I must admit, I'm not quite sure about the specific differences between a nurse midwife and a regular midwife. However, I'd suggest getting in touch with local midwife or doula groups and kindly requesting a short, exploratory chat to help with your career exploration. Make sure to mention that you're only looking for a brief conversation - perhaps around 30 minutes. And remember, it's a good idea to prepare your questions in advance for this call.
Thank you, Charlene for the advice.
Davianna