Pharmacology for New Mexico Licensed Midwives

Description

The relicensing process for midwives in NM requires at least 2 hours of continuing education specifically in pharmacology as well as two hours of continuing education in IV therapy – for good reason. Used appropriately drugs can save many lives and serve to reduce suffering, used improperly they can cause long-term damage, loss of life, and loss of the midwife’s ability to continue to practice.

Midwives frequently consider pharmacologic therapy as separate, or least very different, from the other aspects of care we provide, but in this course you will learn practical ways to bring the midwifery model of care to your use of pharmaceuticals in your practice. Including

• How to deeply embed informed consent practices into your interactions with clients
• Techniques for providing care that is gentle, holistic, and culturally appropriate
• How to get more information when you need it
• How to avoid making potentially deadly medication errors
• How to appropriately store and organize your medications and reduce your on-call stress related to keeping your supplies and equipment fully stocked and in working order

You will walk away with so many resources and practical tools for bringing excellent and compassionate care to your clients as you see them though the many challenging situations you will face together.

This course will specifically cover:

• How midwifery care and pharmacology intersect and how you can bring the midwifery model of care, that we all treasure, to the use of medications
• You will also learn the basics of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics (don’t be intimidated if these words are unfamiliar to you, by the end of the course they will make perfect sense!). You will also learn critical information about each of the medications on the NM formulary including
  • Indications
  • Dosing
  • Administration
  • Contraindications
  • Possible adverse reactions and side effects
  • Appropriate storage and disposal
  • And how to document their use

The second course in the series is IV Therapy for New Mexico Community Birth Providers.

This class qualifies for 2 MEAC contact hours or 0.2 CEU credits