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Eunice (Kitty) Ernst, RN, CNM, MPH, DSc (hon) - Mary Breckinridge Chair of Midwifery

Who are some of the most important figures in the field of Nursing Midwifery today?

They are all important to me. If one wanted to interview a variety of nurse-midwives I would suggest the following: Ruth Lubic – an innovator with a long list of accomplishments
Judith Rooks – a researcher and historian – widely published
Joni Slager – developed and now manages a large hospital nurse-midwifery service
Susan Stapleton – founder and director of successful freestanding birth center – highly respected

What are some common myths about your profession?

The most common myth is that midwives only do home births.
That midwives practice without the collaboration of a physician.
That they are all hippies or old grannies.
That care by a midwife is not as good as that of an obstetrician and “I want the best.”

A Day in the Life of a...

Ever wonder what it's like to be a nurse midwife? A nurse with a doctorate? Or a holistic nurse? Find out with our A Day in the Life... series!

Go to class with Assistant Professor-CT and Director of Student Services Dr. Ruby Martinez.

Spend the day with Holistic and Rehabilitation Nurse, Barbara Klein-Robuck.

Learn what Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Nurse Maria Gatto does at work.

Deliver babies with Certified Nurse Midwife Eunice (Kitty) Ernst.

Share the struggles of an accelerated BSN nursing student with Erin Downing.

What’s the pay scale for someone just starting a career? How about for those at the mid and senior level?

The pay scale depends on the setting and the benefits included such as education time and expenses, holidays and vacations, sick leave, health insurance, malpractice insurance coverage, retirement funds and profit sharing plans. A beginning salary, depending on experience and work expectations, may range from $50, 000 to $75,000. The greater the income the nurse-midwife produces for the practice or the higher the responsibility, the higher the salary. It can go into six figures for high levels of productivity or senior level practitioners. It can also be lower for those establishing a practice.

Do you have any advice regarding how people can best get started and be successful in midwifery?

Education today is expensive but a solid education is a must. Choose the school for its curriculum, student support structures and financial aid available. Talk with current students and graduates to see if it is the right fit for you. Ask about results of national board exams. Be prepared to work hard and learn all that you can while in the program. Participate in the affairs of the professional organizations.

Midwifery is a service profession. I believe that once you are well educated and clinically competent, personality is the key to success.