Overview:

Provides professional nursing care by utilizing the nursing process to care for patient within an assigned unit.

Coordinates care planning with other disciplines

Under the supervision and administration of the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse of assigned Unit, the Staff RN is responsible for the nursing care in an assigned nursing unit or a portion of a nursing unit.

Responsibilities:
Directs and supervises nursing care of OB patients and their newborns.
Directs activities of LPNs
Promotes harmonious relationship within the nursing unit and with other departments.
Evaluates patients on admission, assesses patient and newborn needs throughout hospital stay. Keeps care plans current.
Helps with training of patients concerning care of self and newborn.
Has good relationship with physicians.
Has knowledge of problems pertaining to obstetrical patients and newborns, such as fetal monitoring, symptoms of fetal distress, signs of newborn stress and other complications.
Keeps nurse manager or charge nurse informed of nursing, patient and staff problems.
Actively participates in committees or projects for the improvement of nursing care.
Participates in educational programs for nursing service personnel, patients and student nurses.
Makes rounds with physicians.
Shows emotional stability in varying circumstances.
Start IVs and give medications.
Qualifications:

Required

Preferred

Education:

Associate’s degree from an accredited nursing school

Completes a 20 hour BFHI course within 6 months of hire, to include 5 hours of clinical competency with an IBCLC.

Completes 3 hours of ongoing education each year on human lactation and completes skills competencies in infant feeding.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school

Experience:

Two years of experience in nursing practice

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

Current RN Arkansas license with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

BLS certification

Neonatal resuscitation, and

ACLS certification with 8 hour OB modification, and AWHONN fetal monitoring class within 6 months

S.T.A.B.L.E. course recommended within 1 year

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must be able to communicate with physicians, all levels of hospital personnel, patients, visitors and families.

Pass pharmacology test given by NARMC with a score of 80% or above.

Post-orientation, demonstrate knowledge as to patient care, medications, ability to recognize emergency situations then take appropriate actions.

Knowledge of childbearing women and newborns.

Must demonstrate interest in obstetrical service.

Attend fetal monitoring course every 2-3 years per AWHONN recommendation

Inpatient Obstetrical National Certification recommended

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English