Job Summary

This position assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and documents nursing care of patients in accordance with organizational policies and in accordance with standards of professional nursing practice utilizing the framework for professional nursing practice and development. This position is accountable for the quality of nursing services delivered by self or others who are under their direction. This position utilizes specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skills necessary to assess data and plan, provide and evaluate care appropriate to the physical and developmental age of assigned patients. In addition, this position will provide care for the patient through the continuum of their pregnancy through delivery and post-discharge by facilitating outpatient appointments both pre and post birth. In order to meet the needs of this population, an maintain competency, this position will be on call 24/7 for 5 days and will be scheduled two shifts per week at a facility with higher volumes to maintain competency in nursing skills specific to labor and delivery. While on call the RN will respond and care for all pre and postnatal appointments as well as any outpatient testing, OB Triage or labor and delivery (inpatient) encounters.

Essential Functions

• Assesses patient physical, psychological, social, spiritual, educational, developmental, cultural and discharge planning needs. Reviews patient history and physical with patient/family and assures completion within appropriate timeframe. Reviews available information obtained by other health care team members. Reviews diagnostics and laboratory data and reports abnormal results to the physician(s) and other appropriate caregivers. Completes assessment and reassessments according to patient need and as outlined in policy.

• Formulates a plan of care, including the discharge plan, utilizing assessment data and patient, family and health team input. Initiates a plan of care based on patient-specific needs, assessment data and the medical plan of care. Goals for patient are realistic, measurable and developed in conjunction with the patient/family. Considers the physical, cultural, psychosocial, spiritual, age specific and educational needs of the patient in the plan of are. Plans care in collaboration with members of the multidisciplinary team. Reviews and revises the plan of care to reflect changing patient needs based on evaluation of the patients status.

• Implements the plan of care through direct patient care, coordination, delegation and supervision of the activities of the health care team. Provides care based on physician orders and the nursing plan of care, in compliance with policies and procedures, standards of care, and regulatory agency requirements. Delegates appropriately and provides nursing supervision in the provision of care to the laboring patient by other licensed nurses and other personnel. Promotes continuity of care by accurately and completely communicating to other caregivers the status of patients for whom care is provided.

• Evaluates the patient's and family's response to care and teaching, Works closely with physician and anesthesiology to ensure effectiveness of plan of care and pain management throughout labor and delivery, during the immediate postpartum phase and through transition up to four hours. Works with care team and revises the plan of care as needed. Evaluates patient progress towards goals and expected outcomes in collaboration with other health care team members. Evaluates patient's response and the effectiveness of patient teaching.

• Documents assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation in the patient record. Documentation is legible, timely and in accordance with policy. Documentation reflects objective/subjective data, nursing interventions and patients response to treatment. Notes physician orders accurately and in a timely manner.

• Provides care based on the best evidence available and may participate in research activities within clinical practice. Participates in unit or facility shared leadership. Interacts and participates in the education, role development, and orientation of facility personnel, patients, students, families and visitors. Promotes/supports growth of others through precepting and mentoring when appropriate.

• Contributes to society through activities that lead to excellent patient outcomes through timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and safe care. Actively participates in the improvement of national nursing quality indicators and outcomes. Such activities may include participating in professional organizations.

• In some roles, this position may supervise staff and work flow of the department.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a current, valid RN license in state of practice, temporary/interim RN license in state of practice, or compact RN licensure for current state of practice. BLS, ACLS, NRP, STABLE and Advanced Fetal Monitoring certifications are required. Additional certification or continuing education may be required based on area of practice.

Relates throughout the interview process the experience, training and education needed to perform the job. A minimum of one year of experience in the clinical area for which he or she is applying is desired. Must maintain clinical performance competencies appropriate to the area in which they work. Clinical performance competencies will also be demonstrated through annual validations. Must have strong current, evidence-based knowledge specifically related to labor and delivery of newborns including understanding normal labor, signs and symptoms of complications during labor, knowledge of and ability to perform necessary interventions, as well as knowledge regarding any potential postpartum complications and necessary interventions for both mother and newborn in the immediate postpartum period through transitional period.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree preferred. Professional certification preferred. Certified Lactation CounselorCar Seat Installation TechnicianAdditional related education and/or experience preferred.

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.