Midwifery Paperwork Complete!

As my mother would say, "Hallelujah! Pass the biscuits!"

This is what ran through my mind last night after I finished scanning the completed paperwork for my midwifery degree. What a happy feeling to have all assignments and tests completed and graded and every form completely filled up with all the signatures I need! The midwifery college has even received my transcripts and applied the needed transfer credits.

So with this, I am happy to report that I have completed all coursework and clinical requirements for my Associate of Science in Midwifery from the National College of Midwifery! Except... there is one thing I am missing: my newborn resuscitation certification. :-(

Hilary and I erroneously assumed that my infant, child, adult CPR certification with the Red Cross was the only necessary requirement because when Hilary was a student that was the only one she needed. Unfortunately, the college recently asked for my NRP (newborn resuscitation program) card. Shoot. After inquiring further and after I waited two weeks for a reply, I learned that I will need to take a class in line with the training of the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Heart Association. My deadline is October 15 to complete and submit this last requirement.

Yesterday, I called Red Cross in Cebu and they do not offer the class, nor do they know who does in Cebu. So I looked online and found a class in Manila scheduled for today and tomorrow. The class is only offered three times a year through the Philippine Heart Center and this was the last training of the year. The office closed at 5pm and it was 4pm. Shoot. I scrambled to the phone and prayed that maybe they'd still have space, I could register late over the phone and somehow get to Manila by this morning. I was relieved to learn that the class had been postponed and is scheduled for October 5-7. Whew.

The man I spoke to was kind and willing to work with me given my unique situation of registering outside of Manila. So, all I have to do is find some way to send payment to Manila in the next few weeks and arrange for them to mail me the manual so I can do the required study preparation for the class, then confirm one week before the class, buy a ticket to Manila, and find a place to stay for 3 nights. If all goes well, and the class is not postponed again, I will likely accomplish this last requirement. Then I will truly be relieved.

It is so fun just to work at the clinic like everyone else, knowing that any experience I get is just bonus and is helping me gain the skills and confidence I need to be a good midwife. Although not 100% done, I still feel very satisfied having made it this far. Once I get the NRP certification and get the okay from the college, I will apply to take the NARM exam in February in Oregon. Once passed, I will receive the credential of certified professional midwife (CPM). I am looking forward to that!