Description for a Certified Nurse Midwife
A certified nurse midwife, or CNM, is a specific type of advanced practice nurse. Certified nurse midwives work under the supervision of a licensed physician to aid women through pregnancy, labor, childbirth and post-delivery care. For women who seek a more personalized experience, a certified nurse midwife can be a preferable alternative to a traditional obstetrician.
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Education and Training
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Certified nurse midwives require extensive education and training before they can begin practice. Prospective students must complete a bachelor's degree, preferably in nursing, from an accredited college or university before applying to a midwifery education program. According to the American College of Nurse Midwives, or ACNM, the majority of midwifery education programs also require that applicants be a registered nurse. Training typically takes place in a hospital setting, although some students may complete clinical training if it is required by their particular degree program. Upon graduation, certified nurse midwives are required to pass a written exam administered by the ACNM.
Skills and Qualifications
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In addition to their education and training, certified nurse midwives should also possess good communication skills, an ability to observe and assess their patients' level of comfort, strong decision-making skills, an ability to work well with others and an ability to handle stress. A good CNM should also have a compassionate and caring bedside manner and a dedication to providing a personalized care experience.
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Job Duties
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Certified nurse midwives perform a wide range of duties, depending on what stage of pregnancy, labor or delivery their patient is in. According to the American College of Nurse Midwives, a CNM's primary duties include monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother before, during and after pregnancy; providing the mother with education, counseling and prenatal care; offering continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support; minimizing technological interventions such as Cesarean birth or the use of epidurals; and identifying and referring women who are in need of obstetrical care. Certified nurse midwives may also provide gynecological exams, pre-pregnancy counseling, assistance with family planning, newborn care, menopause management and general health maintenance counseling.
Employment
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Certified nurse midwives may work in a number of different environments, including private practice, hospitals, birthing centers, public health clinics or in-home birthing situations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in 2008 approximately 60 percent of all registered nurses worked in hospital settings. Job opportunities for certified nurse midwives are expected to increase between 21 percent and 35 percent from 2008 to 2018.
Salary
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Certified nurse midwives have the potential to make competitive salaries, depending on the type of institution they work for and where it's located. According to the Mississippi Hospital Association, the average annual salary for a CNM is $57,600, with a salary range of $55,600 to $87,100.
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References
- Photo Credit nurse image by Jaimie Duplass from Fotolia.com
