Nurse Midwife
Why Is Nursing a Job of Tomorrow?
The healthcare industry will always be recession proof. No matter what state the economy is in, or what trends come and go, people will always be in need of healthcare professionals. Inevitable illnesses and other health-related conditions keep physicians, nurses, and other medical staff in constant demand. As the world population increases, this demand will only further heighten, making healthcare one of the fastest growing industries today. Employment positions for registered nurses, including nurse-midwives, are expected to see a 23 percent growth in opportunities by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Registered nurses are the largest healthcare occupation, and will likely remain in that top position. The average annual salary for full-time nurse-midwives is between $79,093 and $89,916, according to the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
What Does a Nurse Midwife Do?
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) are registered nurses specialized in nursing as well as midwifery. They are the care providers for pregnant women who have relatively low risk pregnancies and therefore do not necessarily need the assistance of a physician. Nurse-midwives work in a variety of settings, including private physician offices, hospitals, birthing centers, and private at-home care. They not only provide guidance during the childbearing and birthing process, but are also trained in family planning, gynecological care, and managing common adult illnesses. Nurse-midwives often care for women from the onset of puberty to the arrival of menopause, and may work closely with gynecologists and obstetricians to provide the most comprehensive care. The National Institute of Medicine has recommended that nurse-midwives be allowed more responsibilities in women’s healthcare, according to Medline Plus.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Nurse Midwife?
Nurse-midwives must earn a master’s degree in healthcare to become officially certified in midwifery. The master’s program typically takes about two years to complete, and courses include teachings on family planning, community health, and other related topics. After earning a degree, prospective nurse-midwives must also pass a national certification exam to ensure that they are able to confidently fulfill the occupation’s responsibilities. The standard certification exam is developed by the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ Certification Council, which handles the certification process of all midwives in the country. After passing the examination, new nurse-midwives are rewarded with official certification, allowing them to practice in the state in which they were certified. Some practice laws vary state to state, so additional requirements may be needed for particular nurses depending on location.
