Registered Nurse, Labor N Delivery - Per Diem (DAY) OR (NOC)

Obstetrical Nurse

The Obstetrical Nurse is responsible for the care of the obstetrical patient through all areas of patient care in the hospital setting, including inpatient and outpatient care. She/he must organize, implement and evaluate the patient's activities. She/he facilitates the operation of the Obstetrical Department through participation, contribution, and cooperation with peers, supervisors, and the Director of Patient Care Services.

Labor and Delivery Nurses are dedicated to OB. Mid Valley Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital therefore OB Nurses are also support staff to the Acute Care Unit and will regularly have a patient assignment in AC.

Other responsibilities may be assigned or delegated by the Department Manager or Director of Patient Care Services.

Position Accountabilities And Performance Criteria

Psychosocial needs and perceptions of patient and/or family expectations of present hospitalization are identified and documented.

Alertness and skill in recognizing and identifying symptoms. Symptoms are recognized and appropriate action taken (e.g. notify delivering physician, offer prn medication, etc.).

Set priorities and give care based on problem solving needs. Ability to complete work within scheduled time.

Understands the consequences of nursing action. Activities are carried out safely, correctly, and economically

Administer medications.

Perform blood transfusions.

Special treatments.

Provide bedside nursing care.

Serve meal trays.

Answer lights and telephones.

Admit, transfer, and discharge patients.

Provide and document patient teaching concerning routine hospital procedures and special procedures regarding their condition.

Be familiar with and having on hand all emergency drugs and supplies. Checks crash carts per p&p.

Maintain a clean and safe environment for all patients.

Communicates pertinent information to family or significant other when appropriate.

Mobilizes additional personnel when appropriate.

Perform the initial assessment of the patient by palpating the abdomen, performing a vaginal examination, and determining fetal position and descent within the first hour of admission. Notify the delivering practitioner.

Possessing knowledge and skill necessary to administer and monitor IV fluids including Pitocin, MgSO4, and medication to stop labor.

Explain the fetal monitor to patients, operate the monitor efficiently, document appropriately, and identify signs of fetal distress.

Obtains vaginal cultures per proper protocol.

Assist the delivering physician with:

1. Vaginal examination

2. Rupture of membranes

3. Obtaining vaginal cultures

4. External versions

5. Amniocenteses

6. Epidurals

Prepare for and assist with delivery by:

1. Prepping patient as indicated

2. Circulating for delivery

3. Cleaning instruments and unit

Recover patients following delivery:

1. Checking fundus

2. Monitor vital signs

3. Checking lochia

4. Helping mother bond with and breastfeed newborn

Care for the newborn:

1. Apgar scoring and immediate newborn care and vitals

2. Foot printing

3. ID band application

4. Applying eye ointment

5. Vitamin K injection

6. Monitoring vitals

7. Bonding with parents

8. Initiate breastfeeding within first hour after birth for stable infants of mothers desiring to breastfeed

9. All care necessary to monitor and care for newborn including resuscitation

Follow procedure and protocol in the instance of a stillborn.

Accurate and legible documentation completed each shift.

The skills checklist completed within the first 6 months of employment.

Computerized charting.

Interact with other team members to keep them informed of any changes in patient's condition.

Check narcotics with each shift change or as procedure dictates.

Assist in orientation of new employees.

Receive and record in the appropriate areas of the medical record all orders from the medical staff.

Keep the delivering physician informed of the patient's condition.

Takes an active part in the hospital-wide quality assurance program in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.

Reads and initials memos and administrative directives as posted.

Maintains a well-stocked and aseptic department by cleaning equipment and replacing supplies and medications.

Follows the normal chain of command.

Participate and document continuing education.

Attended NRP. Takes class every 2 years as recommended.

General Responsibilities

1. Reports for scheduled shift on time and prepared to assume responsibilities.

Reports to work in proper uniform/attire.

Leaves for meal break on time and returns on time.

Varies work schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Ensures the department manager has approved all scheduled overtime.

Seek supervisor approval before working beyond scheduled hours that will result in overtime.

Schedules all time off with supervisor's approval.

Strictly adheres to hospital attendance/tardiness policies 100% of the time.

Performs all duties as assigned.

Wears I.D. badge in a visible location at all times on hospital property.

Protects I.D. and access badge and reports any issues or loss immediately to supervisor or to the Human Resource Department.

2. Attends and participates in meetings and is responsible for information communicated at meetings and in email.

Attends all mandatory in service on a timely basis as scheduled.

Participates as an active team member at staff meetings.

Reads communications and acts upon in a positive and informative manner.

3. Responds to all training/recertification notices timely and completes required training and/or recertification prior to deadline or expiration.

4. Exercise a commitment to practicing behaviors that are in agreement with the spirit of cooperation and reflect the values described in the Code of Mutual Respect and Professionalism.

5. Assists all patients, family members, physicians, visitors, and employees in a professional and courteous manner.

Extends special attention and sensitivity to all patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.

Actively promote diversity and inclusion across organization for both patients and coworkers while avoiding any language or actions considered to be discriminatory or derogatory regarding race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.

Assists in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork with other departments and community partners.

Demonstrates a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.

Demonstrates the ability to participate in and/or implement team decisions.

Adheres to HIPAA and all applicable privacy laws at all times, only sharing information on a "need to know" basis.

6. Follows Infection Control procedures at all times.

Clinical Personnel: Strictly adheres to standard precautions by adhering to the usage of personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids.

Non-Clinical Personnel: Washes hands and other skin surfaces with soap and water thoroughly and often in an effort to control spreading of germs within the department and facility.

Adheres to isolation procedures at all times as applicable.

7. Adheres to the following environmental care standards.

Demonstrates adequate knowledge of safety policies and procedures, the use of MSDS sheets, hazardous material procedures, and safety codes.

Respond appropriately to any Codes while working any shift (Code Blue, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code Red, Code Orange, Rapid Response Team).

Demonstrates adequate knowledge of security issues, i.e. personal protection, protection of personal and hospital property.