The nurse-midwife in a family planning clinic.

Abstract

In 1965 in response to the need for more personnel in the Family Planning Clinic at Kings County Hospital Center nurse midwives were asked to participate in a demonstration project. Because of their specialized skills they were adept at performing breast and pelvic examinations and quickly acquired competency in the manual skills needed to insert intrauterine contraceptive devices. It was learned that it is feasible and practical for the nurse-midwife to carry out the principles of family-centered maternity care and health supervision on an individual basis despite very large and constantly increasing patient loads. Physicians and clinic staff were most cooperative and encouraging and patients accepted ministrations of nurse-midwives with favorable reactions. Under medical supervision participation in the Family Planning Clinic has given nurse-midwives the opportunity to expand their skills and has extended postpartum care by providing the final link in total obstetric services contributing to overall efforts in family health.