Obstetric Assistant

Job Description

Job Summary:

• An integral member of the obstetrical team who assists the staff in the care of the obstetrical patient by performing delegated tasks to provide basic nursing care to patients and support for surgeons throughout operative procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identifies safety needs of the patient in Labor and Delivery.
• Identifies and reports breaks in sterile technique.
• Introduces self and explains role as a member of the surgical team.
• Plans patient care in Labor and Delivery with other members of the surgical team utilizing the surgeon’s preference card.
• Identifies immediate and long-term consequences of surgical intervention.
• Understands the legal ramifications of surgical intervention.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Demonstrates integrity in technical and aseptic practice.
• Adheres to established policy based on AORN Standards of Care.
• Prepares and knows the specific use of all equipment and supplies used for the surgical procedure.
• Differentiates sterilization methods for equipment and instruments necessary for specific surgical procedures.
• Maintains accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments at all times.
• Obtains necessary equipment and supplies according to the surgeons preference card prior to the case starting.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the procedure.
• Identifies and is familiar with anatomy and physiology.
• Participates effectively in identification of unsafe patient care practices and assumes responsibility for intervention.
• Obtains medications from RN as verbally ordered by the surgeon and verifies order with physician.
• Clarifies any uncertainties regarding surgical plan of care.
• Displays dexterity in the use of surgical instruments and knowledge of the step by step procedures in specific surgical case.
• Demonstrates initiative in learning new surgical procedures and equipment relating to L&D and the surgical patient.
• Demonstrates self evaluation skills and takes responsibility to seek supervision and guidance as appropriately needed.
• Offers help and responds willingly to requests for assistance from coworkers, nurses and management.
• Keeps staff and management informed of procedure changes affecting the L&D schedule.
• Reports pertinent information to the appropriate person.
• Makes frequent rounds on patients to assure safety and comfort.
• Anticipates work load to assure that routines and supplies are maintained to expedite patient care.
• Carries out procedures according to standards.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment and disturbing incidents that occur in patient rooms and on the unit.
• Charges supplies appropriately, prevents waste of supplies.
• Cleans specified equipment and areas as assigned.
• Removes trash and used equipment.
• Maintains patient records and charts to ensure an accurate record of the patient’s medical treatment including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respiration and pulse.
• Provides personal care assistance to patients, including bathing, dressing, eating, bedpans and transportation.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and unit care data.
• Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings.
• Orders supplies and equipment as delegated by Nurse Manager.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assists with special projects as assigned.
• Accurately interprets and communicates Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
• Exhibits flexibility, adapting readily to changes in the work environment or work schedule.
• Maintains a positive attitude, even during periods of stress.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development.
• Complies and adheres to all CSV policies.
• Maintains positive attendance and communicates in advance any absence from work.
• Adheres to all patient and environmental safety policies and procedures.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Certification:

• BLS certification required.

Skills and Experience:

• Completion of competency based skills checklist.
• One year Nursing Assistant experience preferred and/or completion of Nursing Assistant course within one year. Two years hospital experience preferred.

Work Environment:

• Bloodborne pathogen C
• Works irregular hours.
• Multiple simultaneous activities around patient care.
• Exposure to infectious diseases and x-rays.
• Subject to varying unpredictable situations.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to handle emergency/crisis situations.
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking.
• Has knowledge of and uses good body mechanics.
• Occasionally lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients or equipment.
• Hearing and visual acuity within normal limits.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor coordination required.