What does a Certified Nursing Midwife do?

Certified Nursing Midwives are registered nurses with advanced degrees in midwifery who work in birthing centers, private practices and hospitals. Some also attend home births. While they’re often specifically associated with labor and delivery, they can provide comprehensive reproductive health care for women of all ages. They help with family planning and can provide referrals to other healthcare providers.

Certified Nursing Midwife skills and qualifications

Successful Certified Nursing Midwives will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed to fill the position, including:

• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and remain calm
• Fast decision-making, especially in emergency situations if issues arise during labor and delivery
• Interpersonal skills to develop professional relationships with patients
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to help patients understand their options and potential implications
• Collaborative skills to work with other medical care providers
• Ability to teach patients about parenting and medical care
• Ability to listen to the patient’s wishes while providing sound medical advice

Certified Nursing Midwife experience requirements

Certified Nursing Midwife careers can be entry level upon completing the Certified Nursing Midwife graduate degree program and certification process. To earn that degree, most candidates already have at least one year of nursing experience. Some employers may require a few years of midwifery experience.

Certified Nursing Midwife education and training requirements

A Certified Nursing Midwife first needs to become a registered nurse, usually with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They often need at least one year of nursing experience before being accepted into a graduate program for midwifery, which usually takes two to three years to complete. They must also pass the national qualifying exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board to become certified.

Job descriptions for similar positions

If you’re looking for a slightly different position, check out the following similar job description examples:

• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Neonatal Nurse
• OB-GYN
• Registered Nurse

Certified Nursing Midwife job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Certified Nursing Midwife, Certified Midwife and Doula?

Certified Nursing Midwives have a nursing degree and have completed a midwifery degree program. Certified Midwives don’t have a nursing degree, but they typically have a degree in another healthcare field and earn their midwifery degree. They can both take the same midwifery graduate degree program. They simply have different prerequisite degrees. A doula doesn’t provide medical care or advice. Doulas only provide informational, physical and emotional support as part of the childbirth process. They’re often present during the birth, but they also help expectant mothers plan for the birth and might provide postpartum support.

What qualities make a good Certified Nursing Midwife?

Certified Nursing Midwives need strong social and interpersonal skills as well as empathy to interact positively with patients. This allows them to adjust their approach to match what each patient needs. Confidence in their medical knowledge and the ability to adapt quickly as medical situations unfold also help a Certified Nursing Midwife treat patients effectively.

What should you look for in a Certified Nursing Midwife resume?

Verify that each applicant has the proper education and certification to qualify as a Certified Nursing Midwife. While you can hire an entry-level Midwife with the proper credentials, finding someone with relevant work experience gives you an advantage. Review specific job duties if the applicant has worked as a Certified Nursing Midwife to ensure they’ve handled similar responsibilities to what you need.

How can you make your Certified Nursing Midwife job description stand out?

To make your Certified Nursing Midwife job description stand out, express the values and unique characteristics of your practice, such as a private practice that specializes in home births. This helps attract applicants with similar experience and preferences. Outline your minimum experience requirements and the specific duties candidates can expect at your facility. Describe any affiliations with local hospitals or clinics, since some applicants might have preferences. Keep the job description concise, but don’t be afraid to inject your company’s personality in the description. Add your salary range and benefits, so applicants don’t have to wonder if the position meets their needs.