Midwifery Nursing is a career path for advanced practice nurses who desire to work with reproductive health and birth management. Certified Nurse-Midwives work in a variety of settings with female patients, many of which are pregnant or would like to become pregnant. CNMs must acquire an advanced degree in nursing and pass a highly-specialized certification exam to enter this sub-specialty of nursing. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or in the homes of private clients, among other settings.
What is Midwifery Nursing?
A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a specialty nurse who focuses on the health and care of women. This includes, but is not limited to, pregnant women and newborn children. They provide a variety of services to new and expecting parents, including guidance in conception, childbirth, and health during and after the birth of the child. Many in this nursing field are assistants to Certified Midwives and provide care that encompasses the entire reproductive process. Midwife nurses assist in natural birthing process, alternative birthing, and provide on-going gynecological care.
More information about the details of midwifery may be discovered at the American College of Nurse-Midwives. The organization is a professional association, representing the interests of all in this unique field of nursing. A detailed history of Midwifery and Nurse-Midwifery can be found at the National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus.
Nursing School Curriculum for Midwifery Nursing
Certified Nurse Mid-Wife training is an advanced form of registered nursing training in which the student becomes an advanced practice nurse. All CNMs must acquire a Master in Science of Nursing (MSN) degree to work in most states. Midwifery nursing is a complex, advanced principle field of nursing and requires special training and curriculum to prepare for certification examinations.
Classes for Midwifery Nursing include:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Lab Medicine
- Newborn Care
- Female Primary Care
- Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum management
Careers for Nursing School Graduates with Midwifery Nursing Specialty
Nurses in this specialty may work in any number of settings. Many work in clinics that provide gynecological care, in hospitals, and in health clinics. Some work in private clinics, birthing centers, or in patient’s homes for at-home childbirths and follow up appointments. CNMs can work in many career fields, as well. They are not limited to a specific type of nursing role, provided that the role matches their training and skill set.
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