How to Be Certified Nurse Midwife/Family Nurse Practitioner (CNM/FNP) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 27, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Certified Nurse Midwives/Family Nurse Practitioners (CNM/FNPs) are healthcare professionals who provide primary care services to women and their families throughout the lifespan. Their scope of practice includes gynecological exams, prenatal and postpartum care, contraception and family planning, labor and delivery care, and well-woman care. The CNM/FNP also provides pediatric care for newborns and children up to age 18.

They work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure the best care for their patients. By providing this comprehensive, quality care, CNM/FNPs are able to help keep families healthy, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and decrease healthcare costs. the presence of CNM/FNPs in a hospital or clinic setting often improves patient satisfaction and medical outcomes.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It is necessary to have a BSN in order to proceed with advanced education in nursing. Most CNM/FNPs have a BSN or a masters degree in nursing.
Obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) License. All CNM/FNPs must be RNs, so you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become licensed to practice nursing.
Complete a Nurse-Midwifery Program. To become a CNM/FNP you must earn a masters degree in nurse-midwifery or family nurse practitioner from an accredited school or program.
Pass the National Certification Examination. After graduating from a nurse-midwifery or family nurse practitioner program, you must pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse-Midwives/Family Nurse Practitioners (NCC) to become certified.
Apply for State Licensure. Once you have passed the national certification examination, you must apply for state licensure to practice as a CNM/FNP. Each state has different requirements, so make sure to research your states specific requirements.
Maintain Certification and Licensure. To remain certified, you must stay up to date on continuing education courses and renew your certification every three years. You must also renew your state licensure every one to two years.

A Certified Nurse Midwife/Family Nurse Practitioner (CNM/FNP) is a healthcare provider who specializes in providing quality, comprehensive care to women and families across their lifespan. The CNM/FNP is a reliable and capable healthcare provider because of the specialized education, training, and experience they possess. The CNM/FNP has a minimum of a Master's degree in nursing and at least 500 to 600 hours of clinical experience that are dedicated to the care of women and families.

In addition, they must pass a national certification exam that tests their knowledge and skills in the nursing and midwifery field. The CNM/FNP is versed in health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, diagnosis, and management of common acute and chronic health care problems. With their specialized education and experience, the CNM/FNP can provide reliable and capable care for patients throughout the course of their lives.

You may want to check Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Genetic Counseling Assistant, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Research Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Perform comprehensive prenatal, postnatal, and newborn assessments.
Provide family planning counseling and contraceptive management.
Manage labor and delivery, including assessment, monitoring, and assistance with labor and delivery of babies.
Perform gynecological exams and provide general gynecological care.
Educate patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and health maintenance.
Prescribe medications and order laboratory or other diagnostic tests as needed.
Perform routine newborn care, including physical examinations and immunizations.
Provide care for women with high-risk pregnancies, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and multiple pregnancies.
Monitor fetal development and perform ultrasounds when necessary.
Provide perinatal bereavement counseling for families who experience pregnancy loss or stillbirth.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of evidence-based practice guidelines and standards of care
Ability to assess, diagnose, and manage common health problems
Ability to provide comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care
Knowledge of normal growth and development and the ability to detect abnormalities
Knowledge of gynecological health promotion, disease prevention, and screening
Ability to counsel patients on family planning options and provide contraception services
Ability to conduct physical examinations and interpret laboratory results
Ability to order and interpret diagnostic imaging studies
Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in healthcare
Knowledge of pharmacology principles, drug actions, and interactions
Ability to provide emergency care for obstetric and gynecological problems
Knowledge and experience with low-risk labor and delivery management
Knowledge of advanced midwifery skills, such as neonatal resuscitation and advanced newborn assessment
Understanding of cultural diversity in healthcare settings
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary setting
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

The Certified Nurse Midwife/Family Nurse Practitioner (CNM/FNP) is a vital healthcare provider in the medical field. Being an effective CNM/FNP requires a variety of competencies and skills, including strong communication and clinical skills, a thorough understanding of healthcare regulations, and the ability to provide comprehensive care to patients. Communication skills are paramount, as CNMs/FNPs must be able to establish trusting relationships with their patients and clearly explain medical information and treatment plans.

Clinical skills allow CNMs/FNPs to accurately assess patient conditions, order and interpret laboratory tests, and provide timely and appropriate treatment. they must be knowledgeable of healthcare regulations to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Finally, CNMs/FNPs must be able to provide comprehensive care that meets the needs of their patients and families.

With these skills and knowledge, CNMs/FNPs can make a positive difference in the lives of their patients.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist in Womens Health Care (CNS), and Nurse-Midwife are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a CNM/FNP?
What makes you most qualified for this position?
How do you stay current with advances in CNM/FNP care?
Describe your experience with providing family-centered care.
How do you handle difficult and stressful situations?
Tell me about your experience working with diverse patient populations.
What steps do you take to ensure quality care for patients?
What strategies do you use to foster strong relationships with patients and families?
How do you prioritize care and manage competing demands?
What strategies do you employ to ensure continuity of care?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records (EHR). Software used to store patient records, including medical histories, lab results, and more. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Fetal Monitoring Equipment. Equipment used to measure and monitor the fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and other vital signs during labor. (e. g. toco-graphs, Doppler monitors)
Diagnostic Imaging Equipment. Equipment used to take images of the body, such as ultrasound and MRI machines. (e. g. ultrasound machines, MRI scanners)
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs). Contraceptive devices placed in the uterus. (e. g. Mirena, ParaGard)
Suture Kits. Kits containing sutures and other items needed to close wounds or incisions. (e. g. Steri-Strips, skin glue)
Vaccine Refrigerators. Refrigerators used to store vaccines at a safe temperature. (e. g. VaccinePro, VaccineSafe)
Medication Dispensers. Automated dispensers used to store and dispense medications. (e. g. Omnicell, Pyxis)
Telehealth Software. Software used to provide remote healthcare services via video chat or phone call. (e. g. Teladoc, Amwell)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM)
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Womens Health (NPWH)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)
National League for Nursing (NLN)

We also have Doula, Labor and Delivery Nurse, and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Midwifery Care. A type of care provided by a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) that focuses on the health and wellness of women throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, and well-woman care.
Labor and Delivery. The process of childbirth, typically involving labor and delivery of a baby.
Postpartum Care. The care and support provided to a woman after she has given birth.
Well-Woman Care. A type of care that focuses on preventative health care for women, including physical exams, screenings, and treatments.
Primary Care Provider. A healthcare provider who provides general medical care to patients on an ongoing basis.
Diagnosis. Identifying the cause of a medical condition or symptom through testing and evaluation.
Treatment. Managing a medical condition or symptom through medication, lifestyle changes, or other therapies.
Prescription. A written order from a healthcare provider to a pharmacist or other healthcare provider that authorizes the release of medication to a patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife/Family Nurse Practitioner (CNM/FNP)?

A Certified Nurse Midwife/Family Nurse Practitioner (CNM/FNP) is a healthcare professional who provides primary care and women's health services to individuals and families. They are certified to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions and can deliver babies.

What qualifications are required to become a CNM/FNP?

To become a CNM/FNP, individuals must have a valid nursing license and complete a master's degree program accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM). They must also pass the ACNM certification exam.

What types of services can a CNM/FNP provide?

CNM/FNPs are qualified to provide a variety of services including primary care, gynecological care, prenatal and postpartum care, contraception, family planning, and health promotion. They may also be qualified to perform minor surgical procedures.

What is the scope of practice for CNM/FNP?

The scope of practice for CNM/FNP varies from state to state. Generally, they may provide diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses, order laboratory tests and imaging studies, prescribe medications, and perform minor procedures.