TNP Lead Legislative Ambassador | TNP Legacy Member since 2014

TNP Education Committee, TNP CE Planning Committee, Perinatal Advisory Council Member, Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS) Implementation Mentor, Texas Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Assistant Professor & Simulation Coordinator, East Texas Baptist University CNM Hospitalist, CHRISTUS St Michael & CHRISTUS Trinity.

Meet Dr. Antay Waters, a dedicated NP passionate about advancing maternal health and nursing education. After earning a BA in History, she discovered her true calling in nursing while working as a secretary. Following her BSN, she furthered her education by obtaining an MSN in Nursing Administration, as well as qualifications as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Her clinical background in ICU, OR, and post-anesthesia care led her to focus on women’s health. As a WHNP and CNM, Dr. Waters provides comprehensive care across all stages of life, addressing disparities and improving access to quality care.

Two powerful principles guide Dr. Waters’ approach to healthcare, leadership, and life. The first comes from her faith foundation – Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” which strengthens her in challenging clinical situations and reminds her to advocate persistently for better maternal healthcare. Equally important is the mantra, “If there isn’t room at the table, build a bigger table,” which has shaped her leadership style and professional initiatives. Expanding the table only means more potential.

Expanding the Table in Maternal and Neonatal Care

As a DSHS Perinatal Advisory Council member, Dr. Waters helps shape maternal and neonatal care standards statewide, drawing from her clinical work at CHRISTUS St. Michael and her research on care deserts. Her experience as an ACOG Maternal Levels of Care Site Surveyor and Texas AIM Implementation Mentor informs her work on care designations and quality initiatives. She provides insights on implementing safety bundles and addressing systemic gaps, particularly in underserved areas. Her policy recommendations to DSHS aim to improve access and outcomes for all Texas mothers and newborns.

As a Texas AIM Implementation Mentor, Dr. Waters assists hospitals in implementing evidence-based practices to improve maternal health outcomes. This role builds on her clinical experience as a CNM and her research on maternal health disparities. She draws on her background with urban and rural healthcare settings to support facilities facing diverse challenges. By fostering collaboration, guiding improvements with data, and promoting standardized care, she ensures that all mothers in Texas receive high-quality care, regardless of location.

The State of Maternal Healthcare in East Texas

As a CNM and WHNP in East Texas, Dr. Waters witnesses the impact of maternity care deserts. Many women must travel long distances for obstetric care due to rural unit closures, provider shortages, and social factors such as transportation and poverty, which further limit access to prenatal care. These challenges contribute to higher maternal morbidity and mortality in underserved communities. While expanding the role of advanced practice providers has helped, broader solutions, such as strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure and addressing social determinants, are needed to improve maternal health outcomes in Texas significantly.

As an active member of TNP since 2014 and a lifetime Legacy member since 2016, Dr. Waters has significantly contributed her expertise to TNP over the years, serving on the Education Committee and the CE Planning Committee and as a Lead Legislative Ambassador.

Dr. Waters, thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for Texas healthcare!