Nurse Midwife Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the role of nurse midwives has become increasingly important.

As medical advancements continue, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support and secure women’s health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal period grows stronger.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate role of nurse midwifery,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

Nurse Midwife Duties and Responsibilities

Nurse Midwives provide comprehensive care to women throughout their lifespan, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, labor and delivery support, neonatal care and menopause management.

Nurse Midwives’ duties and responsibilities often include:

• Providing comprehensive care and counseling to women during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum periods
• Performing physical examinations and monitoring the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy
• Assisting women during labor and childbirth, using medical or non-medical pain management techniques
• Monitoring and assessing the condition of the newborn immediately after birth
• Prescribing and administering medications, treatments, and diagnostic tests
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal care for patients
• Educating and counseling patients about reproductive health, childbirth, newborn care, and postpartum recovery
• Keeping detailed, accurate records of patient’s medical histories, procedures, and interactions
• Advocating for holistic, patient-centered care and playing a key role in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality

 

Nurse Midwife Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Nurse Midwife to join our healthcare team.

As a Nurse Midwife, you will be responsible for providing prenatal care, family planning advice, delivering babies, and offering postpartum care to women and newborns.

Our ideal candidate is experienced in midwifery, has a deep understanding of women’s reproductive health and strong communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide prenatal, natal, and postnatal care to women and their newborns.
• Perform regular health assessments, including physical examinations and health history reviews.
• Offer family planning advice and prenatal care.
• Deliver babies, handling any complications that arise during childbirth.
• Monitor the health of mothers and babies during and after childbirth, providing necessary medical care.
• Consult with obstetricians, pediatricians, and family physicians when necessary.
• Educate patients about reproductive health, childbirth, and neonatal care.
• Maintain accurate health record documentation.

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Midwifery program.
• Certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
• Proven experience as a Nurse Midwife.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Physical stamina to cope with the demands of long, irregular hours and on-call work schedules.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nurse Midwife
• Work Environment: Hospital setting with potential on-call hours. Travel may be required for home births.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $130,000 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 Nurse Midwife Do?

Nurse Midwives are specialized healthcare professionals who provide primary care to women, particularly concerning reproductive health, family planning, and childbirth.

They are trained to independently conduct and manage childbirth, including providing prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care.

They also educate and support women during the childbirth process, making sure to address and alleviate any fears or anxieties.

Nurse Midwives can also perform regular gynecological check-ups, prescribe contraceptives, and treat common minor illnesses.

They are licensed to provide care for newborns in the immediate postpartum period.

They also play a critical role in health promotion and disease prevention, educating women on topics like nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention during pregnancy.

In some cases, they may also assist in surgeries or work closely with obstetricians in managing high-risk pregnancies.

They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, birthing centers, health clinics, and even in patients’ homes for home births.

A significant part of a Nurse Midwife’s role is to provide a supportive environment and ensure the wellbeing of the mother and child throughout the pregnancy and childbirth process.

 

Nurse Midwife Qualifications and Skills

A competent Nurse Midwife should possess a range of technical skills, soft skills, and a solid background in healthcare, including:

• Extensive knowledge in prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and women’s health issues to provide comprehensive care and guidance to patients.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trustful relationships with patients, understanding their needs and concerns, and providing emotional support before, during, and after childbirth.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex medical information to patients and their families, and to collaborate seamlessly with healthcare professionals.
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills to make quick, accurate decisions during emergencies or when complications arise.
• Physical stamina and the ability to work under pressure, as childbirth can be unpredictable and may require long hours and irregular shifts.
• Proficient in the use of medical equipment and technology necessary for childbirth and monitoring of mother and baby.
• Empathy and sensitivity towards the physical and emotional needs of the patient, providing a comfortable and reassuring environment.
• Good organizational skills for maintaining and managing patient records, coordinating with other healthcare services and scheduling patient appointments.

 

Nurse Midwife Experience Requirements

Nurse Midwives usually require at least a Master’s degree in midwifery or a related health field to practice.

They also need a significant amount of practical experience, usually gained through supervised clinical practice during their education.

Entry-level Nurse Midwives may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in a healthcare setting.

They can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Registered Nurse or Obstetric Nurse to gain necessary skills and knowledge.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have often honed their technical skills and increased their knowledge in entry-level Nurse Midwife roles or similar healthcare positions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically seasoned professionals who have gained extensive experience in midwifery care.

They may also have leadership experience, having supervised or guided less experienced nursing staff, and may be ready to take on managerial or senior roles within a healthcare facility.

In addition to these requirements, Nurse Midwives must also pass the national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to practice.

In some states, additional state licensure may be required.

 

Nurse Midwife Education and Training Requirements

Nurse Midwives typically require a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or related health field.

They must also be registered nurses (RNs) with a current license.

After acquiring a Bachelor’s degree, aspiring Nurse Midwives usually complete a graduate degree in a nurse-midwifery program.

These programs focus on areas such as advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and women’s health, leading to a master’s degree or higher.

Successful completion of a nurse-midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) is required to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) certification exam.

All states require Nurse Midwives to be licensed in order to practice, and while requirements may vary by state, passing the AMCB certification exam is generally mandatory.

In addition to these requirements, Nurse Midwives should have excellent communication skills, as they will often be the primary caregivers for women and their newborns.

Continuing education is also essential for Nurse Midwives, to stay updated on the latest medical research, techniques, and regulations.

Some Nurse Midwives may also choose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or a Ph.D. in nursing or a related field for further career advancement.

 

Nurse Midwife Salary Expectations

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

The actual salary a Nurse Midwife receives can vary based on factors such as experience, education, geographical location, and the specific healthcare facility.

 

Nurse Midwife Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Nurse Midwife need?

A Nurse Midwife needs excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively build relationships with patients and provide them with emotional support.

They must have the critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary to deal with emergencies and unexpected situations during childbirth.

Clinical skills are crucial, as they must be able to perform various medical procedures and operations.

Lastly, a Nurse Midwife should have a high level of patience and endurance to cope with long hours of labor and delivery.

 

Do Nurse Midwives need a degree?

Yes, Nurse Midwives are required to have a Master’s degree in nursing, specifically in midwifery.

Additionally, they must be licensed as a Registered Nurse before they can practice as a Nurse Midwife.

Also, they need to pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.

 

What should you look for in a Nurse Midwife resume?

When reviewing a Nurse Midwife’s resume, you should first ensure that the candidate has a Master’s degree in midwifery and is a Registered Nurse.

Check for their certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

It’s also important to look at their clinical experience, especially in labor and delivery, as well as any special areas of expertise such as prenatal care or women’s health.

 

What qualities make a good Nurse Midwife?

A good Nurse Midwife is compassionate, empathetic, and has a strong desire to help and support women during one of the most significant events in their lives.

They must also possess a high level of professionalism, as they are often required to make crucial decisions under pressure.

A good Nurse Midwife is also patient, respectful, and culturally sensitive, as they work with a diverse range of women and families.

 

Is it difficult to hire Nurse Midwives?

Hiring Nurse Midwives can be challenging due to the level of education and certification required for the position.

Furthermore, the nature of the job demands candidates with a unique set of emotional and mental capabilities apart from their clinical skills.

Therefore, finding a candidate who fits all these requirements can be a challenging task.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of being a nurse midwife.

Surprised?

It’s not just about delivering babies.

It’s about nurturing life, one birth at a time.

Armed with our definitive nurse midwife job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why halt your journey there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next stride towards precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every birth is a part of the larger circle of life.

Let’s nurture that future. Together.

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