2 answers
Josie
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
6
Questions
Asked
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If I wanted, as a nurse midwife, would I be able to have sort of flexible hours?
Will I be able to have a life outside of work? Will I be able to still do my own thing, and have fun?
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2 answers
Tonya Lawrence, PhD, MSN, RN, CNM
Nurse,Mentor,Educator,Leader
75
Answers
Updated
Tonya’s Answer
Great questions.
I had some of the same questions as I prepared to enter midwifery school.
I will answer each question and provide examples of my experiences as a midwife.
Would I be able to have sort of flexible hours?
Answer: Yes, depending on the type of midwifery position you accept.
The profession of midwifery offers various opportunities across the US. Every midwifery position does not include working on-call 24 hours a day / 7 days per week.
Midwives may work in a hospital with set hours and shifts so you can predict your schedule. There are opportunities to work full-time or part-time in a private midwifery office, with providers (e.g., obstetricians) in small, medium, or large practices, clinics (without providing delivery care), teaching, private practice with other midwives, and more.
Because I needed a flexible schedule with my family, I had the opportunity to work in settings where I could select the days and times that I was scheduled to work.
Will I be able to have a life outside of work?
Answer: Yes, depending on the midwifery position, you can have a life outside of work. You can also work part-time in two different types of jobs. You could teach 2 days a week and provide midwifery care 2 days per week, with 3 days for your life outside of work. Please note, the type of position you are looking for may be in a state beyond where you presently life, as practice opportunities across the US differ.
Will I be able to still do my own thing and have fun?
Answer: Yes, once again, depending on the midwifery position. You may have watched a TV show, movie, or read a book about a midwife who has no life outside of work. This depiction does not reflect every midwifery opportunity.
The profession is diverse, and you may discover a new opportunity where midwifery practice can serve more people.
To delve deep into the profession, visit the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives website (see links below) for a broader insight into who we are and where we work.
My calling as a midwife has been a blessing because I have applied my education, experience, and love of caring for others in many different settings. I still had/have fun with hobbies such as knitting and gardening. Yes, the work can be challenging. However, the profession can also be rewarding beyond your wildest dreams.
References:
American College of Nurse-Midwives (n.d.). Become a Midwife
https://www.midwife.org/Become-a-Midwife
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (n.d.) Home.
https://www.nacpm.org/
I had some of the same questions as I prepared to enter midwifery school.
I will answer each question and provide examples of my experiences as a midwife.
Would I be able to have sort of flexible hours?
Answer: Yes, depending on the type of midwifery position you accept.
The profession of midwifery offers various opportunities across the US. Every midwifery position does not include working on-call 24 hours a day / 7 days per week.
Midwives may work in a hospital with set hours and shifts so you can predict your schedule. There are opportunities to work full-time or part-time in a private midwifery office, with providers (e.g., obstetricians) in small, medium, or large practices, clinics (without providing delivery care), teaching, private practice with other midwives, and more.
Because I needed a flexible schedule with my family, I had the opportunity to work in settings where I could select the days and times that I was scheduled to work.
Will I be able to have a life outside of work?
Answer: Yes, depending on the midwifery position, you can have a life outside of work. You can also work part-time in two different types of jobs. You could teach 2 days a week and provide midwifery care 2 days per week, with 3 days for your life outside of work. Please note, the type of position you are looking for may be in a state beyond where you presently life, as practice opportunities across the US differ.
Will I be able to still do my own thing and have fun?
Answer: Yes, once again, depending on the midwifery position. You may have watched a TV show, movie, or read a book about a midwife who has no life outside of work. This depiction does not reflect every midwifery opportunity.
The profession is diverse, and you may discover a new opportunity where midwifery practice can serve more people.
To delve deep into the profession, visit the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives website (see links below) for a broader insight into who we are and where we work.
My calling as a midwife has been a blessing because I have applied my education, experience, and love of caring for others in many different settings. I still had/have fun with hobbies such as knitting and gardening. Yes, the work can be challenging. However, the profession can also be rewarding beyond your wildest dreams.
References:
American College of Nurse-Midwives (n.d.). Become a Midwife
https://www.midwife.org/Become-a-Midwife
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (n.d.) Home.
https://www.nacpm.org/
Teresa Hayden
Registered Nurse Clinical Manager
4
Answers
Polson, Montana
Updated
Teresa’s Answer
Josie, it depends on where you are employed really. Some places work 24-hour shifts, meaning they may have scheduled patients during the day and then they are on call until the next day. Babies tend to arrive on their own schedule. ☺️