Inpatient Certified Nurse Midwife

At NorthBay Health, The Inpatient Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) provides comprehensive, evidence-based, patient-centered obstetric and gynecologic care within the inpatient setting, including labor management, childbirth, postpartum care, obstetric triage evaluation, emergency stabilization, and collaboration in multidisciplinary management of maternal-fetal conditions.

The CNM independently manages the care of low-risk women during antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. Co-managements higher risk patients when determined appropriate by CNM and MD. Provides standard maternity care and counseling to women, adhering to the standards of the American College of Nurse Midwives.

The CNM practices within the scope of licensure, institutional credentialing and privileging, applicable state regulations, and collaborative practice standards. The inpatient CNM functions as an integral member of the obstetric care team, partnering with obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, anesthesiology, neonatology, nursing, and other interdisciplinary staff to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Primary job duties

1. Perform comprehensive obstetric assessments for antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum patients.

2. Independently manage normal labor, spontaneous vaginal delivery, and immediate postpartum care.

3. Evaluate, manage and admit, if appropriate, patients presenting for obstetric triage.

4. Assess labor progress and implement evidence-based labor management strategies.

5. Manage induction and augmentation of labor, including Oxytocin administration per institutional protocols

6. Interpret fetal heart rate tracings and initiate appropriate interventions.

7. Manage spontaneous rupture of membranes.

8. Consults with MD/DO regarding any abnormal findings.

9. Address patient for appropriate pain management, including requesting epidural for women in labor.

10. Perform cervical examinations and labor progression assessments.

11. Repair first- and second-degree perineal lacerations.

12. Manage postpartum hemorrhage according to institutional protocol.

13. Stabilize obstetric emergencies until physician escalation or team intervention.

14. Perform postpartum assessments.

15. Provide contraception counseling and initiate postpartum contraceptive management.

16. Address breastfeeding related clinical issues in collaboration with lactation services.

17. Orders appropriate laboratory tests and medical imaging as needed.

18. Documents all findings of examinations, histories, and significant observations in the electronic medical record.

19. The CNM is expected to actively contribute to the development and sustainment of the inpatient CNM program, including participation in program planning, clinical pathway development, protocol standardization, quality and performance improvement initiatives, interdisciplinary committee work, mentorship, operational problem-solving, and efforts that support the successful integration and long-term viability of the service line.

20. First assist in cesarean delivery (if credentialed).