Witnessing the birth of a baby never grows old for certified nurse midwife, Karen Watt. In 1980, Karen became a registered nurse and transitioned to midwifery nearly 25 years ago. 

<p>
  Witnessing the birth of a baby never grows old for certified nurse midwife,
  Karen Watt. In 1980, Karen became a registered nurse and transitioned to
  midwifery nearly 25 years ago. Karen learned about Cross Country Locums,
  formerly Medical Doctor Associates (MDA), from a midwife friend in 2016 and
  has been working on locum tenens assignments with us ever since. We asked
  Karen what motivates her and what she finds rewarding about working with Cross
  Country Locums, and here’s what she had to share:
</p>

<h2>What led you to consider locums as a career option?</h2>

<p>
  Labor and delivery had closed at the facility where I was a midwife. Since
  there was no longer a possibility for midwifery there, I decided to look into
  locum tenens rather than to seek another permanent situation.
</p>

<h2>What advantages have you found in working locums?</h2>

<p>
  First, I can set my own hours and schedule. Also, I am the one who is in
  charge of my career rather than someone else delegating that to me. For
  instance, my recruiter, Gina Ross, will call and say, “Okay. I’ve got this
  option. Are you interested?” I can then decide whether I want to take the
  assignment based on how it fits into my lifestyle.
</p>
<p></p>

<p>
  I also enjoy as much time off as I need. With a salaried position, I would
  only have three weeks of vacation for year. With locum tenens, I could take
  months off if I wanted to. There’s also the paid housing, the flexibility in
  determining my own general life choices, and the opportunity to see different
  parts of the country. I’ve been back and forth to Pennsylvania, and I’m
  considering an assignment with Indian Health Services in the Ozarks next.
</p>

<h2>
  What advice would you share with a friend or peer about taking locums
  assignments?
</h2>

<p>
  I would say, it may take a while before you receive an assignment, and you
  should be patient. For instance, the credentialing process was extensive for
  Pennsylvania. The Board of Medicine wanted documentation from every single
  state that I had worked in as an RN and as a CNM. Considering I had earned my
  nursing degree in 1980, that was a lot of documentation. But it turned out
  well because my recruiter, Gina, facilitated the process, and the facility was
  patient because they really wanted a nurse midwife.
</p>

<p>
  I would also say it is important to remember that when I am a locum, my job
  here is to help the practice in any way that I can – not to criticize how
  things are done and not to say, “Why aren’t you doing it this way?” I am going
  to this location to be of service to the hospital and not to impose my own
  views. I must bring a can-do attitude. If you’re not willing to be flexible or
  to live in a variety of different circumstances, this is not for you. Finally,
  I would say to remember that it is very gratifying work!
</p>

<h2>
  What do you feel is the biggest misconception about working as a locums
  provider?
</h2>

<p>
  The biggest misconception is that it is all fun and games, that you are free
  to write your own ticket. Actually, you have to work within the constraints of
  the organization that is bringing you on board to be of assistance to them.
  It’s not just an adventure, so remember to be flexible.
</p>

<h2>What is your most fulfilling locums memory to date?</h2>

<p>
  Oh! Hearing my patients say, “Gee, I wish you were here permanently!” or “Oh,
  I’m glad you’re still here.” Also, when I have a good birth, and families are
  happy I am the one who was there. When they say, “I was hoping you would be
  there to help me have my baby.” Also, a physician telling me that I am a
  diamond in a field of rhinestones.
</p>

<h2>What makes a locums assignment appealing to you?</h2>

<p>
  I love having the opportunity to work with a variety of women of various ages,
  needs, cultures. I love diversity. I also enjoy being part of someone’s life
  in such an affirming way. I love doing births and supporting women through a
  life experience that is both terrifying and terrific.
</p>

<h2>How has working locums changed your perception of healthcare?</h2>

<p>
  It underscores the fact that, overall, providers do not have as much say in
  giving care as we used to. We make recommendations, prescribe treatment, try
  to do what is right by the patient, and then find that certain things are not
  possible.
</p>

<p>
  Also, when I was permanent, I knew how to find resources. In other situations,
  I could call on a hospital social worker. However, in moving from situation to
  situation, I may not have time to locate the person who can find what is
  needed, like a crib, transportation, counseling, or dental care. I do try to
  hit the ground running and find out what the resources are in the new
  community, but it can be a challenge. Health insurance and provider resources
  can also be barriers.
</p>

<p>
  Also, with hospital births with a midwife, a doctor must be on call in case of
  emergency C-section. Every once in a while, I have to invite a doc to the
  birthday party! Although having a midwife who can deliver on staff is a wise
  business decision for a hospital, they may not choose to offer delivery with a
  midwife from an economic standpoint.
</p>

<h2>Anything else to add?</h2>

<p>
  Yes. Certified nurse midwives not only deliver babies, we also care for women
  from menarche through menopause. We are able to take more time with patients,
  to focus on emotional aspects, and to consider their life situations. We can
  provide specific, individualized care.
</p>

<p>
  Also, I have always provided healthcare for female patients. I love providing
  care for women. However, there’s nothing quite like seeing a dad cry at the
  birth of his baby. I just love to involve the partner in the experience of
  birth. I will never tire of the miracle of childbirth.
</p>

<p>
  Many thanks to Karen for sharing her experience. Interested in discovering how
  a locums assignment can fit into your lifestyle? Learn more about
  <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/certified-nurse-midwife"
    >locums opportunities</a
  >
  for certified nurse midwives, we may have the perfect opportunity open right
  now. Don’t worry – if you don’t see the right opportunity today – sign up for
  our <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/job-alerts">job alerts</a> and
  we will keep you posted when new openings become available.
</p>


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