Certified Nurse Midwife
What is a CNM?
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are independent health care providers. In Washington state they are one of the three main subgroups of advanced registered nurse practitioners.
What can CNMs do?
CNMs provide health care services for women, including:
- Primary care
- Gynecology and family planning services
- Pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth and after childbirth
- Newborn care for the first 28 days of life
CNMS can also treat a woman’s male partner for sexually-transmitted infections and prescribe medications.
Midwifery is considered to be a blend of art and science. Beyond encouraging health and well-being, preventing disease and providing health education, midwifery:
- Supports women’s’ normal conception, pregnancy and childbirth processes
- Incorporates scientific evidence into clinical practice
- Incorporates complementary and alternative therapies in education and practice
- Promotes woman- and family-centered care
- Empowers women as partners in health care
- Facilitates healthy family and interpersonal relationships
- Promotes a public health care perspective
- Provides care to vulnerable populations
- Advocates for informed choice, shared decision-making and the right to self-determination
- Values skillful communication, guidance and counseling
How are CNMs educated and trained?
CNMs are educated in two disciplines: midwifery and nursing. CNMs earn master’s or doctoral degrees, complete a certified midwifery education program and pass a national certification examination.
CNMs at Swedish
CNMs provide services at Swedish Ballard, Swedish Issaquah and Swedish First Hill. CNMs at Swedish have hospital admitting privileges and do not require physician supervision.