Registered Nurse

Cahaba Medical Care Foundation

L&D Registered Nurse Position Description

Reports to: Chief Quality Officer

Purpose: Care for women and their infants during labor and childbirth. They are responsible for assisting, supporting, and educating women during the four stages of delivery: antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal.

Responsibilities:

Providing support for the mother during labor

Monitoring the fetal heart rate, and mother’s vital signs

Measuring the strength and timing of contractions

Administering medications and performing diagnostic tests

Consulting with physicians and other members of the care team

Assisting with inducing labor

Coaching the mother during delivery

Identifying and assisting with complications

Assisting with various procedures, including Cesarean sections

Monitoring and performing tests on newborns

Providing education and support to mothers and families after delivery

Sits with and monitors patient throughout (before/during/after) the labor

Monitors contractions and helps patient with breathing techniques

Performs basic IV and central line skills

Performs phlebotomy skills

Assists or performs various procedures including insertion of IUPC and fetal scalp electrode, speculum exam, digital cervical exam, bedside ultrasound for position, and fetal monitoring

Knowledge of hemodynamics

Administers pain medication as ordered; administers other meds to address specific medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes

Takes and records patient’s vital signs, ascertains if problematic

Reads fetal monitor & ascertains if there is a problem with baby’s heart rate

Identifies & manages life-sustaining physiological functions in unstable patients

Checks patient’s cervix periodically to monitor progression/lack of dilation

Ensures patient’s bed is kept dry & clean; cleans up bodily fluids expelled before & after the birthing process

Contacts anesthesia when/if patient is ready for epidural; contacts delivering physician at appropriate time, ascertains proper time

Cares for patients on Pitocin, MgSO4 & continuous lumbar epidural

Ensures patient is in proper position for delivery & all monitoring equipment is functioning properly

Aids doctor with drapes, gloves, gowns, etc.; hands doctor delivery instruments as needed during birthing process

Encourages patient to push at proper time(s)

Records time of birth

Immediate care of newborn (clean, weigh, etc.)

Gives Apgar scores

Keeps any family informed of progression of birth

Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting

Assists with quality projects related to obstetrics and women’s health

Demonstrates ability to competently assess and recover a recovering OB patient

Cares for infant following delivery including supporting rooming in, breastfeeding, and other new infant care issues

Qualifications:

Active Alabama Registered Nurse license

Experience in L&D (minimum of 2 years)

ACLS, ALSO, and PALS / NRP certified