Train the Trainer

New RMC Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Program

To support the successful and scalable adoption of respectful maternity care practices, AWHONN offers the RMC Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Program, which equips internal RMC champions to lead education and culture change within their own facilities. Each site is encouraged to select 1–2 participants to attend. Our inaugural cohort will launch in 2026.

Learn More at the RMC Train-the-Trainer Program – Information Session

February, 19th | 1pm EST

Join us for an informational session introducing AWHONN’s inaugural Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) Train-the-Trainer Program, a national initiative designed to equip hospitals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to lead sustainable culture change in respectful maternity care. This session will highlight program goals, expectations, and the support participating hospitals will receive as they prepare internal champions to advance respectful, equitable, and patient-centered maternity care within their organizations.

Participants will learn about the application process, selection criteria, and how this program aligns with AWHONN’s commitment to ensuring respect for every patient, every interaction, every time.

Presenters:

Shawana Burnette, DNP, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, CLNC, FAWHONN
Kendra Bailiff MSN, RNC-MNN
Sarah Copple, MSN, RNC-MNN, C-ONQS
Marc Hancock, Director of Product Sales and Client Relations

2026 Call for Sites: Inaugural AWHONN RMC Train-the-Trainer Program

Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is defined as the provision of care that maintains privacy, confidentiality, and dignity; is free from harm or mistreatment; and supports informed choice during labor and birth. RMC is a fundamental human right, ensuring that all birthing individuals receive respectful, equitable, and high-quality maternity care (Bohren et al., 2020).

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is pleased to launch the inaugural RMC Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Program and is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as trainers at their maternity care sites.

The first cohort will include a diverse selection of facilities across the United States—representing a variety of birth volumes and maternity care settings (e.g., birth centers, rural hospitals, critical access facilities). Space is limited.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be full AWHONN members in good standing.

Applicants must demonstrate formal approval and support from their facility’s leadership team.

Applicants must submit one letter of reference from a professional colleague (e.g., manager, educator, peer, or physician partner) who can speak to their leadership, commitment to RMC, and readiness to serve as an implementation leader.

Work Setting

Eligible applicants must work in or support Labor & Delivery, Intrapartum care, LDRP, or Post-partum/Newborn care units. Individuals that represent a variety of roles are encouraged to apply, including APRNs; managers and directors; nurse educators; nurse scientists or researchers; and staff nurses.

Trainer Responsibilities

Selected trainers will:

Attend a 2-day, in-person RMC Train-the-Trainer program in Fall 2026
Complete a three-month virtual orientation (monthly meetings) prior to the in-person session
Lead implementation of staff training on RMC at their facility
Participate in six monthly virtual support meetings following training
Facilitate ongoing follow-up activities
Serve as internal RMC champions within their organization

Timeline

February 19th at 1pm EST – Information session
April 15, 2026- Application submission deadline
May 15, 2026: Notification of selected sites
July-September 2026: Virtual training sessions
- July 9th 1pm EST
- August 13th 1pm EST
- September 10th 1pm EST
- October 7 & 8, 2026: In-person, 2-day training (location TBD)
Post-training: Six months of monthly meetings and tailored support

Train-the-Trainer Call for Sites

Inaugural Pricing for Facility Participation in the RMC Train-the-Trainer Program

To determine the total facility cost, combine the Annual Facility Fee with the Materials and Administrative Fees. Then calculate the number of seats needed for the RMC Participant Workshop, which is recommended for all team members who provide patient care. Please note that participating trainers (1–2 per site) are responsible for their own travel expenses for the in-person training session.

AWHONN will provide a custom quote for sites, please contact productsales@awhonn.org. Invoices will need to be paid in full upon acceptance into the RMC Train-the-Trainer Program.

Annual Facility Fees

Fees are based on annual birth volume and include:

Expert guidance in developing and executing a facility-wide RMC implementation strategy
Preparation and support for designated staff to become Instructor Trainers for the RMC Participant Workshop
Allocated seats for the RMC Participant Workshop for facility staff
Access to data collection tools and a benchmarking database to track progress and outcomes
Membership in AWHONN’s national RMC online learning community and peer network
Six months of structured implementation coaching and ongoing support from AWHONN
Access to standardized implementation materials, templates, policies, and resources from the RMC Implementation Toolkit
Participation in pre-training virtual foundational sessions for RMC trainers and an in person immersion training session for RMC
Alignment with the national RMC Framework and support for future RMC Designation readiness