Scope of practice

[jeyre1847]

This is a really random question, but I'm wondering what the scope of practice is for a CNM compared to an OB? Do they usually work together?

Examples:

Can a CNM take a complicated delivery, or does that go to the OB?

I know they usually focus on natural deliveries, but could a CNM do epidurals? C-sections?

I'm still a nursing student, but I'm thinking about the future, and just wondering what exactly CNMs do. I would love to help women and children, but I'm not sure what's the best way to do that yet.

[CEG]

A CNM works indepenently, but typically collaboratively with a physician. So the CNM would see her own patients, do their deliveries, etc but have a physician they call on for complicated cases. Midwives can order epidurals and many first assist on c-sections.

Check out www.midwife.org for more specific info on what CNMs do. Good luck.

[jeyre1847]

Thanks for the link! That was a great resource