RN-Maternity

Summary

Provides direct and indirect patient care in the maternity services department including labor, delivery, postpartum, triage and NICU. Communicates with physicians / Nurse Manager / charge nurse / co-workers, as appropriate about changes in patients clinical condition. Is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all Maternity Care departments. Primarily caring for the following patients : antepartum, laboring, delivery, cesarean, (including circulating), recovery, postpartum mother / baby care, newborn admissions, and triage. Ability to float to NICU as needed, taking care of NICU patients assigned appropriately. Is flexible and able to change assignments easily as admissions and deliveries occur.

• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes : antepartum, postpartum, and newborns.
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patients response to treatment and evaluate overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Ability to perform waived testing (point-of-care testing) per Clinical Laboratorys and the resident care units policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret results of waived tests; take appropriate action on waived tests results.
• Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patients age.
• Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
• Follows the five (5) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills.
• Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious / spiritual needs of patients and their families. Functions as liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Interacts professionally with patient / family and involves patient / family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical / health care errors.
• Demonstrates knowledge in fetal heart monitoring principles and practices.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patients needs.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to Nurse Manager, co-workers and physicians.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family; communicates with Social Service / Discharge Planner regarding both in hospital and post discharge needs.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Ability to use basic computer skills for charting and communication.

Education / Experience :