Sculpting a nurse-midwifery philosophy. Ernestine Wiedenbach's influence

An educational project used in a professional-issues course for student nurse-midwives is described. The class project involved nurse-midwives portraying (in clay), and subsequently discussing, their individual practice philosophies. Background information on the importance of philosophy statements is provided. Included is the historic influence of a certified nurse-midwife foremother, Ernestine Wiedenbach, on the professional importance of articulating a guiding philosophy.