Certified nurse-midwives in private practice: a descriptive study

A descriptive study was conducted, consisting of written surveys mailed to private practices of Certified Nurse-Midwives, and follow-up with personal interviews with some of the respondents. The purpose of the study was to determine some characteristics of nurse-midwives' private practices, and to enumerate factors which serve as facilitators and barriers to private practice. Results indicate that one-third of the respondents feel that private nurse-midwifery practice will continue to grow. On a scale where 100 = extremely satisfied with private practice, the mean level of satisfaction was 75. Statistically significant correlations were obtained (p = $<$.05) between satisfaction and number of years certified, and time in current private practice. There was an inverse relationship between satisfaction and dependence upon hospital privileges.