
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
Stephanie Tillman is a
recently-graduated nurse-midwife now practicing full-scope midwifery in the
urban United States, at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and as a
member of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). With a background in global
health and experience in international clinical care, the impact of public
health and the broader profession of midwifery are present in all her thoughts
and works. Stephanie's blog, Feminist
Midwife, discusses issues related to women, health, and care. Find out
more at www.feministmidwife.com and follow her on Twitter at @feministmidwife.