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Are Certified Nurse-Midwives Legal?
Do they only do home births? These are some of the most commonly asked questions
about nurse-midwifery. Nurse-Midwives can legally practice in all fifty states.
Although they can practice in homes, birth centers or hospitals, the overwhelming
majority attend births in hospitals. They are well recognized by federal and
state governments. For example, they are eligible for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement
according to federal guidelines. Most private insurance groups will directly
reimburse for nurse-midwifery care. Many HMO's contract with, or hire directly
Certified Nurse-Midwives.
Certified Nurse-Midwives have been practicing in the state of Texas since the early 1970's. Since 1987, there has been a group of Certified Nurse-Midwives providing care at Parkland Memorial Hospital.
What if I want to obtain a Master's Degree with my Nurse-Midwifery?
Although a Master's Degree is not required by the American College of Nurse-Midwives
for practice, it is obvious that the trend is for the average CNM to also have
a Master's Degree. A Master's Degree will be required for individual CNMs first
applying in Texas after 2006. Most CNMs have Master's Degrees in Nursing. Some
have an MPH, (Master's in Public Health). In fact, Boston University and the
University of Puerto Rico offers their nurse-midwifery
program within the school of public health and their graduates receive the MPH
with their nurse-midwifery. Many CNMs have a Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree,
before they obtain their nurse-midwifery education. Others prefer to concentrate
on nurse-midwifery and obtain the Master's courses after they have been certified.
Parkland School of Nurse-Midwifery provides flexibility for the individual.
It is wise to consider your desire before starting the program. Please feel
free to discuss this issue by calling Parkland School of Nurse-Midwifery and
talking to a CNM.
What if I don't want to be a nurse-midwife, but I want to obtain nurse-midwifery
care for myself?
Nurse-Midwives practice all over the country. You may wish to call the American
College of Nurse-Midwives at (202) 728-9860 for the name of a nurse-midwife
close to you or visit their website at www.midwife.org. If you live within the
Dallas area, you can call Grace Burke, ThD, CNM (214 590-8383) regarding information
about care provided by the nurse-midwives at Parkland Memorial Hospital.
Are you the only program in the United States for Nurse-Midwifery?
No. There are approximately 50 programs throughout the United States. To obtain
a list of programs accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, call
(202) 728-9860.
What if I were a midwife in my native country?
In order to be accepted to Parkland School of Nurse-Midwifery, you must be a
registered nurse in the United States. Assuming that criterion is met, we would
be delighted to discuss the program with you. Other programs specially designed
for internationally educated midwives exist, and you may wish to contact the
American College of Nurse-Midwives at (202) 728-9860 or their website at www.midwife.org.
What if I already am a Certified Nurse-Midwife?
Great. Job opportunities frequently exist for employment at Parkland Memorial
Hospital. Please call nurse recruitment at 214-590-8000. You also may wish to
directly speak with Grace Burke, ThD, CNM, MS at
(214) 590-8383 about details.
Can I work if I go to school? What about Financial Aid?
Parkland School of Nurse-Midwifery is a small private program. Students currently
do not qualify for Stanford or guaranteed student loans. However most students
can obtain personal loans, some of which may even be paid back by federal sources
in medically underserved area. Most full-time students
cannot work for any meaningful time while in school and must depend upon savings
or loans.
It is important to note that federal traineeships exist. To date, every class has received federal traineeships, usually in the amount of several thousand dollars. This money does not need to be repaid.
Moreover, Parkland Memorial Hospital has an unique plan of supporting students throughout school in return for commitment to work at PMH for a period of time thereafter. Contact Grace Burke, ThD, CNM at (214) 590-8383 for more details.
Scholarship funds are competitive and available annually from the American College of Nurse-Midwives for all student midwives as well as Parkland Health & Hospital System (for Parkland nurses).
What if I am having problems obtaining an advanced health assessment course?
Courses should be available state wide at any university or college with graduate
nursing program. If you have any difficulty, please contact PSNM directly
Send Email to: Webmaster@parknet.pmh.org