The exact requirements, titles, and scope of practice for midwives can differ significantly from states and regions within the United States. Some places recognize certified nurse-midwives, while others have independent midwifery practices. In Florida, the Florida Board of Nursing requires its nurse midwives to complete a master’s degree in nurse midwifery or a post-masters program in nurse midwifery before going on to earn national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Some midwives in...

Oxygen deprivation during the birth process is one of the most common birth complications. It is estimated that 3 out of 1,000 newborns are affected. Different tools can be used by medical professionals to evaluate the severity of oxygen deprivation, clinically known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), in newborn babies. HIE is a condition characterized by decreased oxygen and blood flow to the baby’s brain before, during, or shortly after birth that can lead to neurological...

As we have written about previously, there are approximately 6,800 prescription medications available in the United States. In addition, there are countless over-the-counter drugs, health supplements, herbs and other concoctions used by the public regularly to treat their health problems. Given these large numbers, medical professionals make mistakes in the ordering and disseminating of these drugs and other healthcare-related products.  There is also the risk of negative interactions between medications and other products. It is...

Emergency room healthcare facilities like hospitals or free-standing emergency medical departments provide immediate care to patients suffering from a wide variety of problems – injuries from car crashes, heart attacks, animal bites, broken bones and strokes. The pace of emergency rooms is generally fast and frantic as medical professionals triage injuries and illnesses. The current disturbing trend in hospital staffing shortages has also had an impact. Lack of communication and fragmented medical care by various...

Most surgeons are well-trained and able to provide a standard of care that is competent and meets applicable protocols. However, because of how closely they must work near a nerve or a nerve network, sometimes they damage a nerve.  Whether a doctor or medical professional is responsible for the harm arising from this nerve damage depends upon whether medical malpractice is involved. That is, did the physician meet the standard of care required? What Causes...

If a baby is born too early, a premature birth can result in serious injuries to the newborn baby. Premature birth can be caused by a number of factors, but there’s no question that premature birth can result in serious and life-long medical problems for the baby. In some cases, premature birth is related to the mother’s actions, such as tobacco or substance abuse, or it may be related to natural causes. Medical conditions in...

Intravenous therapy, otherwise known as “IV therapy,” is a very common medical procedure in hospitals, medical centers, and even home care. IV therapy involves placing an intravenous catheter – a thin, flexible tube – into a patient’s vein in order to supply saline, medications, nutrients, or other vital fluids. IVs are used during and after surgeries and also used in medical and non-medical emergency procedures.  A medical complication known as IV infiltration occurs when a...

Intravenous, or IV, therapy is used to administer antibiotics, medications, electrolytes and other fluids into the bloodstream. The procedure is straight-forward and relatively simple. The nurse or technician places a needle in the patient’s vein. A plastic catheter slides into place over the needle before removing it. A tube is connected to the catheter to deliver the fluid.  Intravenous (IV) Infiltration occurs when the catheter goes through the vein or slips out of the vein...