midwife/references/tasks.md

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.