Nurse-Midwifery Practice Earns National Honor

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s Nurse-Midwifery practice is among the best large practice groups in the country, according to the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

The School’s Nurse-Midwifery practice was recognized as the best practice for the highest rate of first trimester patient entry into care among high-volume certified nurse-midwifery practices (500 or more births per year), with 74 percent of clients entering into prenatal care within the first trimester.

“Our nurse-midwifery practice make a difference in traditionally underserved communities as well as among private patients throughout Middle Tennessee,” said Bonnie Pilon, D.S.N., R.N., senior associate dean for Faculty Practice.  “It is gratifying to know that our approach may help others across the nation improve their own health care delivery services.”

The nurse-midwives see patients at two community sites. Last fiscal year, the practice delivered 799 of the 2,900 babies born – roughly 28 percent – at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and this year, the practice is on track to deliver more than 1,000 babies at VUMC.

“We made some great decisions focused on increasing access to care, and they have paid off in the long run,” said Tonia Moore-Davis, M.S.N., C.N.M., clinical practice manager for the Nurse-Midwifery practice. “Dividing the practice into two locations allowed new prenatal patients to be seen by a faculty certified nurse-midwife within 14 days rather than four weeks.”

The group also reached out to different communities in Nashville, such as the Somali Community Center, Shade Tree Clinic and various Hispanic groups to underscore the importance of early prenatal care.