What the work is
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.
On a typical day
- Educate patients and family members regarding prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, or interconception care.
- Provide prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, or newborn care to patients.
- Document patients' health histories, symptoms, physical conditions, or other diagnostic information.
- Monitor fetal development by listening to fetal heartbeat, taking external uterine measurements, identifying fetal position, or estimating fetal size and weight.
- Perform physical examinations by taking vital signs, checking neurological reflexes, examining breasts, or performing pelvic examinations.
- Consult with or refer patients to appropriate specialists when conditions exceed the scope of practice or expertise.