Obstetrics Assistant I - Main Labor and Delivery - Full Time - Days

OB Care Associate

The OB Care Associate delivers the technical aspects of patient care, performs surgical scrub duties that include performance of specific tasks in surgical procedures or vaginal delivery to facilitate the efficient and safe progress of the case, assists with the maintenance of surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment, and clerical duties as delegated by and under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. The OB Care Associate effectively interacts with the patient, significant and other health team members, provides education to the patient and family in conjunction with the supervising RN and other ancillary departments to meet and exceed the needs of patients.

Responsibilities include:

Clinical:

Performs aspects of clinical care as assigned and instructed by the RN per Ohio Board of Nursing guidelines for delegation.

Demonstrates knowledge of tests, procedures, treatments, and any potential complications.

Reviews surgical preference lists to clarify surgical routine and update preference lists as needed. Utilizes resources to obtain needed supplies for the case.

Checks table(s) for complete readiness for each procedure that include C-sections, tubal litigations, D&Cs, circumcision and emergent Hysterectomies. Ensures all items needed for the case are present: Obtains Physician's special instruments and sutures prior to the start of the case.

Demonstrates knowledge and dexterity in handling of special supplies and equipment and assures its proper functioning. Knowledgeable of the specifics of the surgical procedure and able to perform these tasks in an organized and efficient manner.

Under the Surgeon's supervision, assists with suctioning secretions, holding retractors, assisting with skin closure, cutting sutures and irrigating wounds. At the end of the procedure, assists with site care, cleansing the operative site, assists and/or applies sterile dressing, assist with patient transfer to bed/stretcher, replaces soiled gloves with clean exam gloves, assists with transfer with adequate number of assistants present, responsible for knowing and using good body mechanics, disassembles table(s) contents and instruments, and places in proper receptacles for cleaning, and sends appropriate instruments to CSR and/or clean up room for terminal cleaning.

Assists with vaginal deliveries, set up sterile table for Physician that include instrumentation and sharps, place legs in stirrups, scrubs perineum, drapes patient.

Obtain suture and any other instruments that are needed after vaginal delivery.

Performs skills only after demonstrating competency as documented the Clinical Performance Record (CPR).

Performs tasks delegated by RN as follows (including but not limited to):

Vital Signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, & blood pressure)

Pulse oximetry (where applicable)

Capnography (where applicable)

Measures and reports patient intake and output

Makes observations as instructed by RN, reporting deviations.

Collects and transports specimens as directed by RN

Ensures appropriate processing of specimens

Weighs Patients

Applies hot/cold compresses, ace bandages, non-sterile dressings

Applies ant embolic devices including TED hose and SCD's

Documents according to policy

Provides and promotes individual patient and unit safety

Ensures beds and side rails are in appropriate position and locked at all times and that all necessary articles, including call light, are within reach.

Maintains safe patient handling guidelines according to policy 1.01.160

Applies safety devices and documents in medical record.

Assures necessary equipment is available.

Demonstrates safe handling of medical gases.

Answers call and bathroom lights promptly.

Performs purposeful patient rounding

Maintains organization of patient rooms and unit. Identifies and addresses potential fall hazards.

Removes any unused equipment from patient rooms

Implements and adheres to infection control policies

Safety hazards are promptly corrected &/or reported to the appropriate person.

Maintains and demonstrates awareness and knowledge of all fire safety equipment.

Maintains understanding of emergency reporting protocol.

Responds to unit emergencies, reporting to the charge nurse.

Cleans, stocks, and maintains unit and patient rooms. Reports to supervisor when special order items are low.

Demonstrates, maintains, identifies, and corrects any breaks in aseptic technique while setting up the case as well as during the surgical procedure.

Instruments, sharps, and sponges are counted according to policy.

Identifies and transfers surgical specimens according to Operating Room policy

Keeps operative field free of unused instruments, equipment, and sharps. Receives instruments from surgeon, keeps instruments clean by wiping blood and tissue from instruments, removes unnecessary articles from the operative field, follows universal precautions according to hospital policy.

Properly clean and prepares dirty surgical instruments for processing in central sterile.

Leadership & Accountability: Demonstrates leadership skills such as the ability to motivate, educate and mentor peers while effectively providing care for patients and family members.

Serves as a positive role model

Responds to scheduling responsibilities with timeliness

Participates in 75% of staff meetings.

Participates in unit-based activities/initiatives for performance improvement.

Participates in council activities and task forces to improve competencies of self, co-workers, and staff members related to patient care.

Supports self and peers in professional growth and development utilizing resources and opportunities within and outside of The Christ Hospital.

Participates in self and peer review activities to include the positive recognition of peers and staff on a regular basis.

Complies with organization and department policies and required training.

Completes all educational requirements to maintain competency related to specific population of patient and/or regulatory agencies. Submits required tests and paperwork in a timely manner.

Follows Time and Attendance Policy

Communication:

Orients patient & family to the hospital environment & services provided, facilitates communication throughout the entire hospitalization process as follows:

Ensures patient is comfortable and oriented to surroundings. Provides explanations of: call signal, visitors lounge, visitor policy, Dine on Demand, cafeteria and gift shop location and hours of operation, no smoking policy, and Patient Education Video Services.

Facilitates and maintains communication among all team members of pertinent patient information and patient care needs.

Ensures appropriate patient care signage is posted as needed.

Demonstrates appropriate communication skills in procedures, during OR cases, births, and during the death & dying process.

Ensures communication is made to Physician prior to the start of the case if any supplies and/or equipment are unavailable.

Effectively communicates with all health team members in a timely and courteous manner.

Shares pertinent information with Charge Nurse.

Effectively communicates pertinent information to relief personnel so as to provide safe continuity of care.

Age Specific Competency:

Demonstrates ongoing competency in clinical performance for age-related care

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

EDUCATION: High School Graduate / Diploma or GED equivalent

One of the following criteria must be documented:

1. Active STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) certification or proof of a successful completion of a state sponsored Medicaid Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program.

2. A nursing student who has successfully completed one medical-surgical rotation or another acute care experience.

3. Prior training experience, preferred in a hospital or medical setting, that is evaluated by the Manager, Staff Development Educator, and Human Resources.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 6-12 months in a healthcare setting preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Critical thinking in routine and stressful situations. Ability to manage a rapidly changing and varied work environment related to changing patient needs. Ability and willingness to work within a team and accept delegated duties.

LICENSES REGISTRATIONS &/or CERTIFICATIONS :

Certification in AHA Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers within 6 months of hire before patient contact