Nurse-Midwives

In their studies and professional experience, nurse-midwives learn how to record patients' medical histories and symptoms, provide medicines and treatments, set up or add to plans for patients' care, consult with doctors, operate and monitor medical equipment, perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, teach patients and their families how to manage their medical conditions, and explain what to do at home after treatment. To acquire this experience most efficiently, nurse-midwives must learn to assess changes in the health of their patients and decide whether to modify treatment or make referrals; be able to communicate with patients to assess their health conditions; have organizational skills in order to work with multiple patients, each with different health needs; and be detail oriented so that patients get correct treatments at the appropriate times. Finally, nurse-midwives show personal traits of compassion, emotional stability, and patience in order to support patients, who may be in stressful or vulnerable conditions.

If you are interested in becoming a nurse-midwife, you will need skills that aren't necessarily taught in midwifery programs. Nurse-midwives need to enjoy working with people, learning about their patients' needs, and helping them through a very important life change. They should be sympathetic to the needs of their patients. They need to be independent and able to accept responsibility for their actions and decisions. Strong observation skills are key, as nurse-midwives must be tuned into their patients' needs during pregnancy and labor. Nurse-midwives also need to listen well and respond appropriately. They must communicate effectively with patients, family members, physicians, and other hospital staff, as well as insurance company personnel. Nurse-midwives should be confident and composed, responding well in an emergency and keeping their patients calm.