Nurse Midwives
Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.
Common Job Titles
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Nurse Midwife
- Staff Certified Nurse Midwife
- Staff Nurse Midwife
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeSynthesize evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines for comprehensive well-woman gynecological care incorporating knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic interventions when providing primary and preventive services.Advanced
- KnowledgeAssess maternal and fetal health status throughout the birthing process using fetal heart rate monitors, laboratory results, and clinical assessment techniques in labor and delivery settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate complex obstetric and gynecological conditions integrating patient history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results to formulate evidence-based care plans.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform comprehensive prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum examinations using specialized equipment including colposcopes, vaginal speculums, and ultrasound probes independently or as part of interdisciplinary teams.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely obstetrical procedures including episiotomy repair, suturing, and neonatal resuscitation following clinical protocols under time-sensitive conditions to ensure maternal and infant safety.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with cultural sensitivity and psychological support when addressing emotionally charged situations throughout prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum periods.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate informed decision-making and patient autonomy throughout reproductive healthcare while navigating ethical considerations, legal requirements, and diverse cultural beliefs in birthing and gynecological care.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate multidisciplinary care plans involving obstetricians, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and social services documenting patient information in electronic health record systems such as Epic or Cerner to ensure care continuity.Proficient
- MindsetEngage patients and families in prenatal education, birthing preparation, and postpartum care instruction using therapeutic counseling and teaching strategies to promote maternal-infant health outcomes.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret clinical monitoring data including vital signs, fetal heart rate patterns, and labor progression parameters in real-time during labor and delivery to identify and respond to potential complications.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Nurse Midwives (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
8,280
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $74,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $104,260. 50th percentile: U.S. $128,790. 75th percentile: U.S. $146,520. 90th percentile: U.S. $177,040. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $74,670 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $177,040 |
| Workers on average earn | $128,110 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
- Psychology4.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Biology4.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Epic Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Acrendo Medical Software Ob/Gyn EMR
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- Amkai AmkaiCharts
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Cerner Millennium
- ChartWare EMR
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
Tools & Equipment
- Allis clamps
- Baby scales
- Bag valve mask BVM resuscitators
- Blood drawing syringes
- Bulb syringes
- Colposcopes
- Curved forceps
- Curved hemostats