Make Yourself an Attractive Candidate

Traditionally, there are more applicants than positions available for midwifery programs across the country. Before you complete the application process for Parkland School of Nurse-Midwifery, or any other program, there are certain steps that can enhance your presentation. Even before you apply, critically look at your position. What would make you special?

Some characteristics that could provide the edge might be:

Demonstration that you can do graduate level work. Even if you do not yet have a master's or doctoral degree, a course or two in a graduate program demonstrates that you can be successful. Remember, if you are applying to PSNM you will need to have taken or be in a Graduate Level (Advanced) Physical Assessment course by the time of application submission/interviews.

Have you performed volunteer work for women and families based on your professional knowledge? For example, have you worked as a childbirth educator, doula, speaker, March of Dimes volunteer?

Are you certified or credentialed in a specialty within women's health care? For example, are you a certified childbirth educator (e.g. Lamaze International, ICEA), an inpatient obstetrical nurse by NCC, a nurse practitioner, a nurse who cares for sexual abused women.

Do you speak a language in addition to English. Remember that it is said that the United States is the fourth largest nation of native Spanish speaking individuals. Here at Parkland School of Nurse-Midwifery, a large number of the women and families for whom you will deliver care speak Spanish only. Therefore, the more facility you have with the language, the better. Consider taking a course, or using tapes to learn the basics and then conversational Spanish

Do you understand what midwifery encompasses? Chapters of the American College of Nurse-Midwives are found throughout the country. Most if not all, welcome visitors. The Dallas Ft-Worth Chapter is chaired by R. Burpo, CNM, MSN. You can e-mail her your request to attend to her attention at: rburpo@parknet.pmh.org

You may also want to read more about modern midwifery. Judith Rooks' book, Midwifery and Childbirth in America was published in 1997 by Temple University and summarizes many of current issues with which you should be familiar. You can obtain it from a library, or buy it from your local bookstore or via the internet.

Getting Prepared to Be in School

Before you enter a midwifery program, consciously look at your life and try to streamline. Regarding your personal life, reassess your priorities in view of a year with less time and money. It can be anticipated that for every one hour spent in classroom activity, you will need 3 to 4 hours of reading and study. This translates to a major commitment of time.

If you have a family for whom you are responsible, now is the time to identify ways to delegate responsibilities. You may need to scale down some of your expectations for yourself as well as the individual(s) who will be helping you.

Maintaining friendships can be another challenge during the year. Let your friends know that you will be less available for the year. If you are not proactive about this, you may find that you lose friends during the year and even may be unable to regain the closeness after you graduate.

Regarding finances, the best advice is to plan ahead. Be cautious about early spending. Many student have liberally spent on books and equipment before school even started, only to regret it later. It is wise to have a tax consultant with whom you can discuss deductions etc. You may be able to deduct tuition and books, but this is an interpretation of the tax law and you need to know the consultant is behind you in case of audit.

Be mentally and physically ready for school. Before you start, take a little time off, even if it is only a long weekend. Make certain your personal health care is up to date. Make certain your house, children, pets, car etc. are all healthy and functional. .

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