Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a healthcare professional who specializes in women's reproductive health and childbirth. CNMs are registered nurses who have completed additional training and certification in midwifery.

Education and Training[edit | edit source]

To become a Certified Nurse Midwife, an individual must first become a registered nurse. This requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to complete. After obtaining their BSN, prospective CNMs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

Following this, they must complete a graduate program in midwifery that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs typically take two to three years to complete and culminate in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

After completing their graduate education, prospective CNMs must pass the certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Role and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

Certified Nurse Midwives provide a wide range of healthcare services to women. These include prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, newborn care, family planning services, and gynecological exams. They also provide primary care services, such as conducting annual exams, writing prescriptions, and offering basic nutrition counseling.

CNMs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birth centers, health clinics, and private practices. They may also attend home births. They work closely with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients.