All in a Day's Work: Kathrine Simon, Certified Nurse Midwife

Kathrine Simon, a Certified Nurse Midwife who owns North Metro Midwives in Golden Valley and "catches" babies at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, talks about her job.

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: November 11, 2009 - 12:11 PM

Q: What's a typical workday like for you?

I am either scheduled to work at the clinic where I usually see 15 to 20 women a day for obstetric or gynecological visits (birth control, well-women exams, medications, depression treatment and some dermatology) or on call. In the last five years, I was honored to "catch" 174 babies.

Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?

I am a primary women's healthcare provider working in collaboration with other medical providers. I provide women with education about health, nutrition and wellness screenings tailored to their needs.

Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?

Most of the day I work with women and their families. I also interact with other members of the health care team: obstetricians, perinatologists, other doctors, nutritionists, educators and public health workers. Q: Why did you become a certified nurse midwife?

My great grandmother was a traditional midwife to European immigrants. From an early age, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse. My children were born into the hands of a certified nurse midwife and it was during that experience that I knew I wanted to be one.

I'm very passionate about women's and children's healthcare issues. I have an opportunity to be a voice for women and enjoy talking about women's healthcare and choice for women during labor and birth. Q: What do you like about your work?

I love every aspect of my work: watching women learn about their bodies, passing that wisdom to their daughters, being an agent of healthcare reform and change, being present at the start of a family. Every Christmas holiday, I receive cards with pictures from our families and it reminds me of why I am a certified nurse midwife.

Recent Jobs: Healthcare Careers stories

Associate With Success - November 11, 2009

Associate With Success - Professional associations outside your healthcare specialty may benefit you in many different ways. More

Occupational Therapy Assistants Help Patients Return To Life - November 11, 2009

Occupational Therapy Assistants Help Patients Return To Life - Occupational therapy assistants help patients with the physical and emotional aspects of recovery from injuries, surgery and strokes. They may also work in mental health and chemical dependency recovery programs, helping clients navigate everyday challenges. More