Nurse Midwives

What They Do

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Typical Tasks

• Provide prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, or newborn care to patients.
• Monitor fetal development by listening to fetal heartbeat, taking external uterine measurements, identifying fetal position, or estimating fetal size and weight.
• Document patients' health histories, symptoms, physical conditions, or other diagnostic information.
• Provide patients with direct family planning services, such as inserting intrauterine devices, dispensing oral contraceptives, and fitting cervical barriers, including cervical caps or diaphragms.
• Prescribe medications as permitted by state regulations.

Key Skills

Work Activities

• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Getting Information
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships