RN- Labor and Delivery

The L&D RN is a Registered Nurse who is responsible for the professional nursing care of all assigned patients in accordance with the established standards of care and within the scope of the current Nurse Practice Act. The RN is responsible for maintaining the patient's medical record, paper and/or electronic, the proper documentation of nursing observation and actions taken. The RN plans, delegates, and coordinates the nursing care provided to the patient. Utilizing the nursing process and using evidenced-based practice, the RN is responsible for maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment, maintaining the patient's dignity and privacy at all times. This position requires a sound knowledge of all aspects of nursing care for the obstetrical patient, antepartum to postpartum including peri-operative and/or postoperative period.

Job Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and current licensure as a registered nurse by the Mississippi

State Board of Nursing

Current knowledge and skills appropriate to the age and type of patient population served

Participation in continuing educational programs on obstetrical nursing

Current Basic Life Support Certification (CPR)

Current Neonatal Resuscitation Certification (NRP)

Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS)

Chain of Command

L&D Surgical Tech L&D RN L&D Charge Nurse Perinatal Nurse Manager

House Manager Chief Nursing Officer

The L&D RN manages the L&D surgical tech, nurses' aides, nursing techs, or ward clerks that may be working in the unit.

Physical Demands

Occasionally = 1 - 33% of the workday

Frequently = 34 - 66% of the workday

Continuously = 67 - 100% of the workday

Standing or Walking - Continuously - The RN may be on her/his feet the majority of the day to perform direct and in-direct patient care.

Sitting - Frequently - The RN is required to sit at various desks for documentation via paper or electronically via computer or other tasks such as in-services.

Bending - Frequently - Bending is required in most job activities in patient care. The RN should be able to maneuver in small areas, such as around the birthing bed and fetal monitor, or during a delivery or c/section.

Climbing/Reaching - Occasionally - The RN should be able to climb a foot stool or small ladder when stocking supplies as well as reaching for supplies. The RN should be able to stand on foot stool at the patient's bedside if needed. Push/Pull - Frequently - The RN may perform push/pull motions when transporting patients and/or moving equipment on various surfaces. Handling/Lifting 0-24 lbs - frequently 25-100 lbs – occasionally

 The employee may be required to help lift and/or handle objects from 1 - 300 lbs. Assistance in moving patients and use of the pull/push activity is done frequently. For heavier activities, staff should always seek assistance and use ergonomic training. Manual Dexterity Hands Simple grasp - continuously Firm grasp - frequently Fine manipulation - frequently Feet Standing and/or walking - continuously or frequently Fine and gross motor skills are used in venous punctures, sterile vaginal exams, handling surgical instruments, information entry on computers, and adjustments on equipment and/or pumps. Foot controls are used with some equipment. Speaking/Hearing - Continuously Speaking - ability to communicate with patients, co-workers, physicians, and/or visitors Hearing - must have functional with or without correction Seeing - must have functional with or without correction Patient Population The Labor and Delivery department is available for any female patient of child-bearing age, who is determined by the physician to have a condition associated with pregnancy which requires close monitoring/observation. The nurse may provide nursing care to patients from newborn to adult. Mental and Emotional Demands/Requirements

The L&D RN must be able to: Manage stress appropriately Make decisions under pressure Manage anger, fear, and hostility appropriately Handle multiple priorities Work independently, concentration and memory to detail.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Provides professional nursing care utilizing the nursing process to all patients all age groups in order to assure high quality nursing care.
2. Documents appropriately on the patient's medical record, paper or electronically to reflect established standards of care, policies, procedures, and/or protocols. Completes documentation in a timely manner. Keeps minor nursing documentation deficiencies found during chart review below 25 per year.
3. Practices effective communication skills, verbal and non-verbal
4. Works with others on duty including but not limited to physicians, surgical techs, and an