Duties As a registered nurse specialist in inpatient obstetrics, provides specialized obstetric nursing care tonormal/high-risk obstetric patients. High-risk patients are characterized by the presence of real or potentialcomplicated fetal or maternal conditions requiring continuous observation and intervention to preventcomplications and maintain/restore maternal and fetal health. Provides comprehensive nursing care ofobstetric and normal newborn patients. 1. In the absence of a physician, independently determines and implements proper emergency interventionswithin scope of practice after identifying and interpreting maternal and/or fetal distress. Within givenparameters, applies the knowledge of the pathophysiology of maternal or fetal disorders, identifies potentialcomplications of pre-existing medical conditions and identifies or minimizes impact by developing orimplementing strategies to prevent further compromise. Expertly recognizes and executes nursingresponsibilities related to technologies utilized in caring for the normal/high risk obstetrical and newbornpatient. Administers complex medications by any route as ordered within the guidelines of nursing practice.These routes include oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intra-dermal, topical, rectal, nasogastric, andrespiratory. Administers potent intravenous (including intraveneous push) drugs such as labor inductionagents, anti-hypertensives, insulin, blood products, and magnesium sulfate. Has knowledge of adverse effectsand precautions, and initiates response measures as required. Examines and assesses obstetric patients andnewborns. Uses seasoned judgment in selecting the course of action in implementing physician orders andinterpreting their appropriateness to the patient's present condition. Performs treatments such as oxygenadministration, amnioinfusion, placement of fetal scalp electrodes, and conduction of contraction stress tests.Performs the circulation role in the operating room for planned and emergent cesarean-section, dilatation andcurettage, cerclage insertion, and cesarean-hysterectomy. Provides nursing care to patients undergoingsurgical procedures and during post-anesthesia recovery. Assumes Acting Head Nurse duties as needed. 2. Assists physicians and anesthesia providers with complex procedures such as insertion of internal monitors,placement of epidural catheters, placement of invasive monitoring lines (e.g., arterial, cordis), and induction ofgeneral anesthesia. Maintains invasive lines and dressings in accordance with infection control policies andprocedures. Assesses patient response through sophisticated clinical observations as well as detailed dataanalysis and accurately reports information to the physician to ensure the highest level of patient care.Discontinues invasive lines under established guidelines. 3. Utilizes the nursing process to formulate a nursing plan of care relative to patient's physiological,psychological, and sociological condition in order to provide ongoing and in-depth assessment of patientproblems, strengths and limitations. Monitors patient condition through data collected by continuousobservation and precise calculation of fluid levels and vital signs through the use of complex monitoringequipment. Applies in-depth knowledge of a large number of laboratory and other diagnostic studies.Interprets findings and reports to the physician those findings which indicate a required change in care. Basedon periodic changes in maternal and fetal condition and response, determines validity/feasibility of previouslywritten orders, writes nursing orders, and implements, evaluates and documents the effectiveness of allnursing orders. Continuously revises care plan accordingly. Develops meaningful goals to assist the normal or high-risk obstetrics (OB) patient and family to attain an optimum level of physiological and psychosocialbalance within the limitations imposed by any complications or illnesses. Frequently uses crisis interventiontechniques to provide constant support to the patient and family in a high stress situation and environment.Gives information on disease process, pre and post operative care, diagnostic procedures, use of equipmentrelated to disease/care, expected and possible adverse reactions to medications, health maintenance, andillness prevention. Makes referral of patients/family members to allied health care providers such as thecommunity health nurse, social work, community agencies. 4. Serves as project officer/unit coordinator for a variety of activities designed to improve nursing care to thenormal/high-risk obstetric patient (e.g., research, grief support, and educational programs). Performsassignments of an advanced nature that require considerable extended experience or training. May serve as ateam leader and charge nurse and would make decisions regarding priorities for patient care for shiftassignments and assign duties and delegates patient care to other registered nurses, licensed practical nurses,operating room technicians, and nursing assistants, with consideration of the difficulty and requirements of theassignment and the qualifications and capabilities of the individual. Serves as a resource and role model for other maternal/child nurses and health care providers, includingexperienced and fully trained registered nurses and resident physicians. Provides orientation and on-the-jobtraining for nursing and allied health personnel. Serves as a preceptor for all levels of nursing students andnewly assigned graduate nurses in the Department of Nursing Preceptorship Program. Leads patient careconferences and conducts classes as part of continuing in-service training in the Maternal-Child Section, suchas electronic fetal monitoring, lactation support, grief support, intraoperative care, ante-partum, intra-partum,postpartum, and normal newborn transition care. Directs one or more unit programs such as staff education,patient education, revision of unit Standing Operating Procedures and quality improvement. Performs other duties as assigned.