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ABSTRACT
This article is presented as a resource of the normal physiologic and psy- tion of judgements, and decision-
for those who are using the nurse- chological aspects of the maternity making. Steps of the process may be
midwifery management process for cycle, the neonatal period, and the outlined in various ways but include
the first time. Inspired by both the inter- and postconceptual phases of the following actions:
importance of this process and em- the female life cycle.
pathy with students who are at- The nurse-midwife assumes direct 1. Investigating and obtaining all
tempting to learn it, the authors ex- primary responsibility for managing data needed for a comprehensive
amine the essential steps of the care of normal childbearing women evaluation of the clients status,
nurse-midwifery management pro- and their babies; and of nonpreg- including past and current his-
cess, and attempt to shed light on its nant women who need well-woman tory, physical examination, and
various facets. interconceptional or gynecologic laboratory findings.
care. At times, she comanages with 2. Making an assessment, or identi-
the physician the care of women fication of problems and needs
THE NATURE OF THE PROCESS
and/or babies with more serious based on an interpretation of the
The nurse-midwifery management health problems. The nurse-midwife data. Differentiating normal from
process is the way nurse-midwives must be able to recognize and diag- abnormal and identifying possible
care for clients. It uses a problem- nose what is normal (for which she causes of symptoms outside the
solving format refined by basic tenets can assume management responsi- normal range.
of nurse-midwifery philosophy and bility) as well as deviations from 3. Developing a comprehensive
practice. Nurse-midwifery is holistic, normal that require referral, consul- plan of care with the client/family
health oriented, and focused on a tation, or comanagement with the that is based on the needs identi-
philosophy of self-care. It is dedi- physician. fied, needs that may call for im-
cated to indepth study and support All of this is reflected in the nurse- mediate nurse-midwifery inter-
midwifes approach to care known ventions, consultations, collabo-
as the nurse-midwifery management rative management, and/or
Address correspondence to: Betty Hosford, process. Individuals who have referral.
CNM, University of Medicine and Dentistty of learned the management process 4. Implementing the plan of care
New Jersey, School of Health-Related Profes-
sions, Nurse-Midwifery Educational Program, have developed skills that include with the client and/or family with
100 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103. critical thinking, evaluation, forma- medical or other input as appro-
Comment. Without a complete Comment. What may be relevant S/he should try to avoid making pa-
data base the GGPD problem would for some clients may not be for thology her/his first consideration