By Stephanie Tillman, CNM, MSN

I am so thankful to have been invited to participate in this year’s ACNM Student Issues Section (SIS) as a new graduate member. One of the main reasons I joined the SIS is to work toward finding the most effective ways to help students optimize training in the last semesters of midwifery school and transition to the first year of practice. Since January of this year I have been serving that purpose by writing for Midwife Connection. Through my blog series “The Latent Phase,” I have shared my experiences as a recent graduate, pondered improvements to the last moments of midwifery education, and suggested ways to support a smooth transition to new practice.

On last week’s SIS conference call, the participants introduced themselves and discussed what brought them to midwifery and their goals for the SIS group. It is galvanizing to hear from current midwifery students as well as those entering practice and their drive to improve education and support new midwives in their roles. The call prompted me to compile another recap post – if you are in midwifery school or transitioning to the first and second years of practice, and are new to the series, below are links to each of the posts in “The Latent Phase” from the past 10 months. Please feel free to share with classmates, faculty, and fellow midwives! We welcome feedback, suggestions, and comments, and look forward to continuing this work!

Transitioning Into the Second Oldest Profession

Navigating the Midwifery Certification Exam

Evidence and Experience

Space, Place, and Histories

Finding Your Dream Job

Landing It

Flexibility For Any Position

Certification, Licensure, and Maintenance, Oh My!

From Student to Saveur, and the Argument for Hiring New Grads

Walking and Talking the Profession at the Annual Meeting

Show Me the Money!

Check Yourself!

Mind the Gap