Nurse Midwives

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (19%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 8 (38%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (43%)

• Document patients' health histories, symptoms, physical conditions, or other diagnostic information.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Explain procedures to patients, family members, staff members or others.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Document findings of physical examinations.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write information in medical records or provide narrative summaries to communicate patient information to other health care providers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prescribe medications as permitted by state regulations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop and implement individualized plans for health care management.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Order and interpret diagnostic or laboratory tests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Consult with or refer patients to appropriate specialists when conditions exceed the scope of practice or expertise.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in midwifery.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Establish practice guidelines for specialty areas such as primary health care of women, care of the childbearing family, and newborn care.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan, provide, or evaluate educational programs for nursing staff, health care teams, or the community.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct clinical research on topics such as maternal or infant health care, contraceptive methods, breastfeeding, and gynecological care.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, or newborn care to patients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor fetal development by listening to fetal heartbeat, taking external uterine measurements, identifying fetal position, or estimating fetal size and weight.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide patients with direct family planning services, such as inserting intrauterine devices, dispensing oral contraceptives, and fitting cervical barriers, including cervical caps or diaphragms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Initiate emergency interventions to stabilize patients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Educate patients and family members regarding prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, or interconception care.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform physical examinations by taking vital signs, checking neurological reflexes, examining breasts, or performing pelvic examinations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide primary health care, including pregnancy and childbirth, to women.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct student nurse midwives, medical students, or residents on the birthing process.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Manage newborn care during the first weeks of life.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about nurse midwives and AI