A certified nurse midwife manages care for women who are pregnant and delivers babies. In essence, she is both a nurse and a midwife. Nurse midwifery is a specialized field of medicine and is increasingly being recognized in all states. Many women are opting for prenatal care and delivery by a midwife, because they promote natural childbirth in a relaxed setting. They even manage home births in a healthy, low-risk pregnancy.
Many schools offer the needed classes to obtain your degree and certification as a nurse midwife. You can get started with this fulfilling career by enrolling in an online nursing school and choosing a midwifery specialty track.
Job Responsibilities
It is important that before you enroll in any nurse training programs that you have enough information on what the job will require of you. Understand that as a nurse midwife, your job includes providing care to the mother before, during and after childbirth; assisting in the delivery of babies; caring for babies after birth; and administering medications. In some states, certified nurse midwives are also legally allowed to prescribe medications.
You will manage the prenatal care and the delivery for new mothers. This means you will need close attention to detail, ability to work in stressful environments and quick thinking. You can be called for deliveries at any time day or night and in some clinics, may be required to do some shift work.
Education and Training
- Get a nursing degree. A nurse midwife is foremost a nurse, only she has obtained additional midwifery training. So if you want to assume this job, you need to obtain a nursing degree. There are basically two nursing degrees that can usher you into the practice of nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN can be completed in two years, while a BSN can be finished in four years. A BSN, however, is preferred by most employers. In fact, many ADN holders get a BSN later in their career. But whichever degree program you choose, make sure to enroll in an accredited nursing school.
- Consider getting a Master's degree. Although not universally required, many employers prefer nurse midwives to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in nurse midwifery. This is because nurse midwives today are given more serious and complicated responsibilities. A MSN can be completed within two years and exposes students to clinical practice, rotation and women health issues. Coursework includes pharmacology, genetics application, reproductive dynamics and primary care of women. When you earn an MSN, you can expect to be assigned to supervisory levels, accepted to teach at universities and involved in research.
- Pass the exam. The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) is a licensing exam for nursing degree holders. If you pass this exam, you will become a Registered Nurse (RN) and be eligible to take training programs for midwifery.
- Complete the training program. The next thing you need to do is complete a nurse-midwifery training program that is accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives or Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. Coursework often includes subjects like embryology, gynecology, neonatology, obstetrics, family planning and breastfeeding.
- Become certified. Certification for nurse midwives is administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. When you pass the certification exam and present documents that you graduated from an accredited nurse-midwifery training program, you will be designated as a Certified Nurse Midwife. Certification is only good for eight years, so commit yourself to continuing education to maintain your certification.
Salary and Job Growth
Certified nurse midwives earn an average of $77,000 but can go up as high as $107,000 depending on your experience and where you work. This career field is expected to grow 22% through the year 2018. In fact, they will grow at a rate faster than other professions. Many clinics and private practices are using certified nurse midwives to help relieve the burden on the doctors. Also, many women are choosing to use certified nurse midwives for a more natural and relaxed birth opportunity. This means there are many job opportunities out there for you, so be prepared to be busy.
Job Opportunities
Jobs for this healthcare professional are available at hospitals, birthing clinics, public health centers and OBGYN centers. Private practice is also a considerable option. Wherever you work you will be working under the guidance of a physician.
Assisting women with pregnancy and delivery is a wonderful and rewarding career. Nothing is more special than bringing a new life into the world. If you love pregnancy and babies, then a career as a certified nurse midwife may be just right for you.