Certified Nurse Midwife - 3 POSITIONS

SUMMARY: Midwifery as practiced by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) encompasses the independent provision of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; sexual and reproductive health; gynecologic health; and family planning services, including preconception care. Midwives also provide primary care for individuals from adolescence throughout the lifespan as well as care for the healthy newborn during the first 28 days of life. Provides related duties as required. In the context of providing midwifery care, the midwife may need to consult, collaborate, and /or refer to other members of the health care team.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1. Determines status of labor; assesses, confirms and manages premature rupture of membranes; determines the need for amniotomy, IUPC insertion, fetal scalp electrode application, catherization IV fluid administration, episiotomy, medication, etc.; determines the need for the presence of attending physician and/or nurse anesthetist; initiates and manages IV oxytocin induction or stimulation of labor after consultation with attending physician; orders appropriate vital signs and fetal heart rate monitoring; assesses uterine contractions/bleeding; injects local anesthesia for episiotomy and repair as indicated; performs episiotomy as indicated; repairs episiotomy, 1st and 2nd degree lacerations, as indicated; examines placental membranes and cord vessels and reports abnormal findings.

2. Performs initial assessment of newborn status; assists in promoting establishment of airway and maintenance of body temperature; begins resuscitation efforts in the absence of physician. 

3. Performs physical examinations including heart and lung, fundal height, fetal heart rates and Leopold’s maneuvers; performs vaginal exams, breast exams, clinical pelvimetry and general health status exams; determines presence or absence or abnormalities; consults and/or refers complications to a physician.

 4. Provides telephone consultation/referrals to any patient phoning Labor and Delivery with concerns or questions; participates in patient education programs and community education. 

5. Takes patients’ medical, social, and obstetric history; provides prenatal care to patients ; orders medications per obstetric nurse-midwife protocols; documents in patients’ medical records all care rendered; does chart review and follow-up care.

 6. Writes H&P and admission orders; orders and/or performs approved laboratory examinations; supports patients during labor and teaches relaxation and breathing techniques as needed; encourages and teaches support persons to actively assist the laboring woman; independently manages and delivers low-risk patients; assumes co-management of high risk women when appropriate; delivers patients followed by a physician when attending in surgery; informs patient and their family of progress and involves them in any treatment, decision or plan; acts as a consultant to house staff and manages all patients in Labor and Delivery when attending MD is in surgery or attending other duties; manages complications and emergencies until physician arrives.

7. Determines appropriateness of discharge; writes postpartum orders as indicated; manages postpartum care (physical/emotional assessment, educational assessment); assesses need for referrals; signs birth certificate.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program required; Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.

Education: Graduate of Board approved program in Nurse-Midwifery or equivalency that is satisfactory to the Board of Registered Nursing.

Minimum Experience: Demonstrated experience consistent with the Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice as defined by The American College of Nurse-Midwives (Appendix A), which would provide the knowledge and skill necessary for successful performance as a Nurse-Midwife.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a current certificate as Nurse-Midwife issued by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Required Licenses/Certifications: APS Perinatal Safety Modules must be completed within 3 months of hire for positions in Labor and Delivery/Department of Obstetrics, Midwifery and Gynecology.

Required Licenses/Certifications: BLS - Basic Life Support Certification - issued by AHA-American Heart Association.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Must apply for, be granted and maintain Allied Health Staff Privileges with AHS.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a current Nurse-Midwife license issued by the Board of Registered Nursing of the State of California.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.