Overview

Provides care to post partum, labor and delivery, and nursery patients as assigned by the registered nurse.

Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing or a recognized surgery technician school. LPN’s must have current registration in Illinois for practice as a licensed practical nurse. Must have successfully completed OB OR Surgical Tech training at DMH. Must be CPR certified. Six months experience preferred. One-on-one care training required.

Responsibilities

• Admits patients, collects data (vital signs, admission, and assessment) initially and periodically within the clinical standards; reports significant variances to registered nurse.
• Establishes workload priorities and offers input into plan of care for patients; encourages patient participation in plan of care.
• Provides and documents care within standards of practice, policies, procedures and protocols consistent with the patient plan of care under the supervision of an RN.
• Identifies expected outcomes individualized to mother, baby and other patient needs under RN guidance.
• Demonstrates competency in all required areas, including department-specific, age-specific, OB OR specific, medication administration, and use of equipment.
• Assumes responsibility for professional development by:

• Maintaining ongoing continuing education,
• Contributing to professional development of peers, and
• Participating in CQI.

• Maintains sterile environment and applies sterile and safe techniques.

• Assists in preparation and draping of the patient.
• Wears lead aprons, eye protection and personal protection equipment.
• Reports unsafe conditions.
• Disassembles and decontaminates setup.

• Performs as a scrub nurse, anticipating surgeon’s needs throughout.

• Plans for procedures by reviewing case cart set-up.
• Sets up and passes instruments, sutures and supplies during surgical procedures.
• First assist physician with delivery of C-section infants.
• Set up and assist physician with vaginal delivery.
• Identifies specimens with the surgeon and the circulating nurse.
• Transports surgery patients.
• Utilizes supplies and equipment in cost-effective manner.
• Maintains and orders adequate supplies.
• Updates procedure/preference cards.

• When assigned one-on-one care to a patient that is perceived to be harmful to themselves or others, positions self in patient room at bedside to maintain constant visual observation of the patient and remain within arm’s length of patient. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.