Nurse Midwife

Summary

Responsibilities

The Certified Nurse Midwife (Laborist only) is responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum patient within the Mercy Health System.

Certified Nurse Midwives practice in accordance with the Standards for the practice of Nurse-Midwifery, as defined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).

They work independently and in collaboration with attending physicians.

The CNMs provide staff to the Labor and Delivery unit 24 hours / day, 7 days / week, 365 days / year, functioning as physician extenders for the attending physician and OB / GYN residents.

The CNMs function under the supervision of the Department of OB Chairperson for clinical functions and to the VP of Nursing for administrative issues.

The CNMs will participate in and provide continuing medical and / or nursing education programs each year. These programs will be approved by the Chairman of the Department of OB / GYN and the Director of Nursing for MCH.

These programs will be planned with the collaboration of the Clinical Nurse Specialist for MCH.

Accurately performs comprehensive physical assessments in a timely manner on all assigned adolescent and adult female patients who present to Labor and Delivery.

Notifies the attending physician in a timely fashion when significant abnormal findings are found. This assessment includes but is not limited to :

a brief history

a review of prenatal history

a physical exam

appropriate laboratory tests

• Appropriately orders, performs, and accurately interprets diagnostic tests for adolescent and adult OB patients within prescribed protocols and policies.
• Appropriately orders and / or performs therapeutic or corrective measures as outlined in the ACNM Standards of Practice and MMC protocols and policies.
• Appropriately prescribes or recommends medications for the OB patient as outlined in the standing orders of the guidelines / delineation of privileges, recognizing the impact of size, weight, and age on dosing.
• In collaboration with the supervising physician, formulates an appropriate plan of care for the pregnant adolescent or adult patient.

This may include laboratory tests, admission, continued observation, management during the intrapartum period, or discharge home.

Effectively communicates, coordinates, and collaborates in the implementation of plans of care with the nursing staff.

Accurately documents all care provided and planned for individual patients.

• Accurately evaluates the effectiveness of the plan of care and in conjunction with the appropriate supervising physician, may alter the plan.
• Effectively communicates with adolescent and adult patients, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their delivery experience.
• Serves as a role model, educator, and consultant to the obstetrical nursing staff, resident physicians, and students.
• Facilitates and actively participates in on call assignments, departmental meetings, and in research, publication, and quality improvement projects.

Requirements

• Graduated from an accredited school of nursing.
• Completion of a program of nurse-midwifery, accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives.
• 1-2 years of experience required.
30+ days ago