Certified Nurse Midwife Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the role of certified nurse midwives has never been more crucial.

As healthcare advances, the demand for proficient professionals who can guide, support, and protect women’s reproductive health and childbirth grows stronger.

But let’s delve a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a certified nurse midwife?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of midwifery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable certified nurse midwife job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Certified Nurse Midwife Duties and Responsibilities

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide healthcare services to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and neonatal care.

CNMs work closely with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for mother and baby.

CNMs have the following duties and responsibilities:

Provide comprehensive prenatal care, including monitoring the health of the mother and fetus, conducting examinations, and providing education about pregnancy and childbirth
Perform regular exams and screenings, including Pap smears, breast exams, and testing for sexually transmitted infections
Assist during labor and delivery, providing pain management, monitoring the condition of the mother and baby, and performing interventions when necessary
Provide postpartum care, including breastfeeding support and education, newborn care, and postpartum depression screening
Provide primary healthcare services to women, including family planning advice, contraception prescribing, and menopause management
Offer emotional and psychological support to women throughout the prenatal and postpartum period
Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records, document patient’s health history, and update records as necessary

Certified Nurse Midwife Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Certified Nurse Midwife to join our healthcare team.

You will be responsible for providing primary healthcare services to women, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, newborn care, and gynecological exams.

Our ideal candidate has a compassionate approach, is adept at making critical decisions, and has significant experience in midwifery.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive prenatal care, labor and birth support, postpartum, and well-woman care.
Perform regular and high-risk pregnancy examinations and screenings.
Carry out family planning and preconception care consultations.
Diagnose and treat health conditions common to women’s health.
Educate patients about reproductive health issues, birth options, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
Collaborate with obstetricians, neonatologists, and other medical professionals as necessary.
Maintain accurate health record and reports.
Provide emotional and practical support to women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Nursing.
License to practice as a Certified Nurse Midwife.
Substantial experience in midwifery.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
Strong decision-making abilities and attention to detail.
Ability to provide sensitive, strength-based counseling to patients.
Advanced clinical skills in childbirth and emergency procedures.

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Continuing education opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Certified Nurse Midwife
Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. May require on-call and weekend shifts.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Chief Medical Officer.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $115,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Certified Nurse Midwife Do?

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have completed additional training in women’s health and midwifery.

They work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, birthing centers, and private practices.

CNMs provide a range of healthcare services for women from adolescence to post-menopause.

They offer prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, and newborn care immediately after birth.

This includes performing physical examinations, prescribing medications, ordering laboratory tests, and providing family planning methods and gynecological checkups.

CNMs play a crucial role in childbirth, providing medical care and emotional support during labor and delivery.

They monitor the mother and baby’s vital signs, administer pain management strategies, and perform interventions if complications arise.

CNMs also provide education and counseling to patients on various health topics such as nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

Their goal is to promote healthy living and prevent health problems through comprehensive wellness care.

In some states, CNMs are authorized to provide primary healthcare services like routine medical exams and minor surgeries.

They work closely with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, comprehensive care to their patients.

Certified Nurse Midwife Qualifications and Skills

A Certified Nurse Midwife must possess a variety of clinical skills, soft skills and medical knowledge to provide care and support to women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period, including:

Strong clinical skills to provide comprehensive care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, and delivering babies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients and their families, ensuring they are comfortable and well-informed throughout their pregnancy and birth process.
Ability to work well in a team environment with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills to manage complications during childbirth, including the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Ability to educate patients on various aspects of health, pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care using effective patient teaching skills.
Strong knowledge of women’s reproductive health and ability to stay updated with the latest research and advancements in the field.
Detail-oriented with excellent record-keeping skills, ensuring accurate documentation of patient history and treatment plans.
Compassion and empathy, providing emotional support and reassurance to patients during a significant period in their lives.

Certified Nurse Midwife Experience Requirements

Certified Nurse Midwives generally start their career path with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and then acquire a registered nurse (RN) license.

During their BSN program, aspiring midwives gain considerable hands-on clinical experience, which forms the foundation for their midwifery career.

The program allows students to practice nursing in a variety of healthcare settings and situations, thus providing a wide array of experiences.

Post-BSN, the next major step is obtaining a Master’s degree in Nurse-Midwifery or a related field, during which they gain specialized skills and knowledge in areas such as family planning, gynecology, neonatal care, and of course, midwifery.

Field experience, internships, and clinical rotations during this master’s program equip students with the necessary practical experience required to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.

After certification, entry-level Certified Nurse Midwives generally have 1 to 2 years of direct midwifery experience.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are often considered for positions with greater responsibility or in more complex healthcare environments.

Certified Nurse Midwives with over 5 years of experience might have some leadership experience and could be ready for supervisory or managerial roles within their healthcare settings.

Certified Nurse Midwife Education and Training Requirements

To become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), an individual must first become a Registered Nurse (RN).

This typically requires completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and meeting any additional state licensing requirements.

Once registered, individuals wishing to become CNMs must then pursue a master’s degree or higher in nurse midwifery from an accredited program.

Coursework typically includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, prenatal and postnatal care, newborn care, and professional ethics.

After completing their degree, aspiring CNMs must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) examination to become certified.

Certification must be maintained through continuing education and periodic reexamination.

Some CNMs also choose to pursue additional certifications in areas such as lactation consulting or neonatal resuscitation.

These certifications, while not required, can demonstrate a commitment to continual learning and excellence in the field.

Finally, CNMs must also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they often work closely with patients and their families, providing education and support throughout the pregnancy and childbirth process.

Certified Nurse Midwife Salary Expectations

A Certified Nurse Midwife can expect to earn an average salary of $105,030 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, certifications, skills, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution they work for.

Certified Nurse Midwife Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Certified Nurse Midwife need?

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) must have a Registered Nursing (RN) degree, followed by a Master’s degree in Midwifery.

They must also pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to become certified.

A few states also require CNMs to complete an additional state exam.

What are the daily duties of a Certified Nurse Midwife?

A typical day for a CNM may include providing prenatal care, conducting check-ups, ordering tests, assisting in childbirth, and providing postpartum care.

They may also provide family planning services and counseling, as well as primary health care services to women.

What qualities make a good Certified Nurse Midwife?

A good Certified Nurse Midwife is compassionate, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build trust with patients.

They are also detail-oriented, as they have to monitor and interpret many different health signals.

CNMs must be able to handle high-stress situations and make decisions quickly during emergencies.

Is it difficult to hire a Certified Nurse Midwife?

Hiring a Certified Nurse Midwife can be challenging as the role demands highly specialized skills and qualifications.

The job market for midwives is competitive, and you may need to offer competitive benefits and salaries to attract qualified candidates.

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

Key things to look for in a CNM’s resume are their educational qualifications, certifications, and experience in midwifery.

References from previous places of employment can also provide insight into their performance.

Look for their involvement in any professional organizations or any additional skills such as fluency in multiple languages or experience with specific populations.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly entails to be a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Surprised?

It’s not just about delivering babies.

It’s about providing comprehensive healthcare to women, one patient at a time.

With our detailed Certified Nurse Midwife job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But don’t rest on your laurels just yet.

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating meticulously designed listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of a greater journey.

Let’s navigate that journey. Together.

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