A growing number of women’s health medical practices are enhancing hands-on care with Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM).
“A CNM begins as a registered nurse, gets a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), completes a graduate program and, then, passes a certification exam,” says McLeod Certified Nurse Midwife Judy Fry. “We play a key role with pregnant women, but our function is much larger than that.”
HELPING PREGNANT WOMEN
OTHER MEDICAL DUTIES
The Certified Nurse Midwife works with a physician as part of a woman’s health care team through the woman’s entire life. We:
In South Carolina, the CNM can write prescriptions and order labs.
THE RESULT
Formal studies report a high level of patient satisfaction as well as time spent with a provider and overall care when Certified Nurse Midwives are involved. CNMs also help contribute to reducing infant mortality, low birth-weight babies, C-section rates and episiotomies.
Sources include: McLeod, American College of Nurse Midwives, Midwives Alliance of North America, Journal of Midwifery