Nurse-midwives as faculty preceptors in medical student education.

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are specialists in normal obstetrics and women's health care. In this capacity, CNMs have been actively involved in the education of nurses and student nurse-midwives. Nurse-midwives also have been consultants and mentors for medical students and residents during their clinical experiences. However, the nurse-midwife's contribution to the formal medical education process has not received the appropriate formal recognition that it deserves, nor has this contribution been utilized to its maximum potential. This article describes the development, philosophy, and implementation of an educational program utilizing nurse-midwives as the primary clinical preceptor for the obstetric rotation for third-year medical students. The long-range impact of this educational experience on the nurse-midwife/physician relationship is also explored.

Development of an academic nurse-midwifery service program. A partnership model between medicine and midwifery.

Academic nurse-midwifery services have shown themselves to be strong collaborators with medical education. The development and functioning of an academic nurse-midwifery service program built on a partnership model between medicine and midwifery are highlighted. Organizational relationships, philosophical approach, and practice dimensions including responsibilities for clinical practice, medical student, and obstetrical resident education are explored. As the obstetrical patient pool diminishes in academic service settings, this model may prove useful.