# Tasks & work activities — midwife

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1161.00 (Nurse Midwives).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Educate patients and family members regarding prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, or interconception care.
- **[Core]** Provide prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, or newborn care to patients.
- **[Core]** Document patients' health histories, symptoms, physical conditions, or other diagnostic information.
- **[Core]** Monitor fetal development by listening to fetal heartbeat, taking external uterine measurements, identifying fetal position, or estimating fetal size and weight.
- **[Core]** Perform physical examinations by taking vital signs, checking neurological reflexes, examining breasts, or performing pelvic examinations.
- **[Core]** Consult with or refer patients to appropriate specialists when conditions exceed the scope of practice or expertise.
- **[Core]** Develop and implement individualized plans for health care management.
- **[Core]** Document findings of physical examinations.
- **[Core]** Explain procedures to patients, family members, staff members or others.
- **[Core]** Initiate emergency interventions to stabilize patients.
- **[Core]** Provide primary health care, including pregnancy and childbirth, to women.
- **[Core]** Order and interpret diagnostic or laboratory tests.
- **[Core]** Prescribe medications as permitted by state regulations.
- **[Core]** Provide patients with direct family planning services, such as inserting intrauterine devices, dispensing oral contraceptives, and fitting cervical barriers, including cervical caps or diaphragms.
- **[Core]** Write information in medical records or provide narrative summaries to communicate patient information to other health care providers.
- **[Core]** Conduct clinical research on topics such as maternal or infant health care, contraceptive methods, breastfeeding, and gynecological care.
- **[Core]** Establish practice guidelines for specialty areas such as primary health care of women, care of the childbearing family, and newborn care.
- **[Core]** Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in midwifery.
- **[Core]** Plan, provide, or evaluate educational programs for nursing staff, health care teams, or the community.
- **[Core]** Instruct student nurse midwives, medical students, or residents on the birthing process.
- **[Supplemental]** Manage newborn care during the first weeks of life.

## Detailed work activities

- Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
- Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
- Care for women during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Conduct health or safety training programs.
- Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
- Develop medical treatment plans.
- Establish nursing policies or standards.
- Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
- Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
- Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients.
- Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Prescribe medications.
- Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
- Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
- Test patient nervous system functioning.
- Train medical providers.
- Treat medical emergencies.