California Guidelines...

Specialties CNM

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Specializes in ICU/ER, Maternal, Psych.

I have heard in some states you can practice as a Nurse Midwife without a DNP, is this true in California?

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Specializes in OB.

It is true in every state. No state requires a midwife (or an NP, for that matter) to have a DNP.

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Midwifery has not embraced the DNP as the entry to practice. The state boards of nursing all have different requirements, but none require the DNP. Some require a certification in your field of advanced practice, and that certification body may require a graduate degree. However, for nurse midwives to be certified, the Master's is still the entry degree.

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Specializes in ICU/ER, Maternal, Psych.
Midwifery has not embraced the DNP as the entry to practice. The state boards of nursing all have different requirements, but none require the DNP. Some require a certification in your field of advanced practice, and that certification body may require a graduate degree. However, for nurse midwives to be certified, the Master's is still the entry degree.

So I need an extra certification to call myself a Nurse Midwife??

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Specializes in OB.

Well, you need to graduate from an accredited program. Then pass the boards. After you do this you apply for and receive your certification and state license.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.
So I need an extra certification to call myself a Nurse Midwife??

I am confused. Are you already a midwife?

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

To be a nurse midwife, you must go through a master's program specific to nurse midwifery, then pass the boards. You are not a CNM until you have done this.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

yeah, you can't just call yourself a nurse midwife. Some states do not legislate non-nurse midwifery, and in those states any joe shmoe can hang a shingle and call herself a midwife, which is terrifying and shameful. But even in those states, the title of nurse midwife is protected.

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Specializes in ICU/ER, Maternal, Psych.
yeah, you can't just call yourself a nurse midwife. Some states do not legislate non-nurse midwifery, and in those states any joe shmoe can hang a shingle and call herself a midwife, which is terrifying and shameful. But even in those states, the title of nurse midwife is protected.

I know you have to have your RN, but the midwife part... you don't have to be an NP to practice midwifery? i wish it were like Britain over here!!!

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Specializes in ICU/ER, Maternal, Psych.
I am confused. Are you already a midwife?

No i am not a midwife, i was speaking hypothetically. To call myself a midwife, i need to go through a masters program and become an NP? or a certification program?

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Specializes in OB.
No i am not a midwife, i was speaking hypothetically. To call myself a midwife, i need to go through a masters program and become an NP? or a certification program?

No, to call yourself a midwife you need to go through a master's program specifically for midwifery. It is a separate type of advanced practice nursing, different from NPs, CRNAs, etc. Once you graduate you are eligible to take a written exam which, if you pass, earns you certification. Once you have this, you can apply for a license to practice in whichever state you choose.

Check out http://www.midwife.org for more detailed info on the educational pathways.

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