Obstetrical Nurse Job Description
With jobs in nursing expected to increase from 14 percent to 23 percent through the 2016, obstetric, or OB nurses, have the opportunity to begin an exciting career in providing medical care to patients during labor and delivery.
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Brief Summary
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An obstetrical nurse works as part of the labor and delivery department. They handle basic nursing tasks including monitoring patients, keeping rooms and delivery areas sterilized, maintaining inventory of supplies, and providing postpartum care to patients.
Duties
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OB nurses perform initial evaluations on newborns. Working under the supervision of a nurse manager and physician, obstetrical nurses perform patient intakes including documenting the patient's medical condition. They attach monitors, provide pain medication and perform initial evaluations on newborns.
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Compensation
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As of 2009, obstetrical nurses earned an average annual salary of $60,277 along with health and retirement benefits.
Skill Requirements
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Obstetrical nurses must have the communication, assessment, and clinical skills necessary to care for patients during labor and delivery. This includes good communication skills, the ability to determine a patient's progress and the status of the fetus, as well as knowledge of surgical prep and delivery procedures.
Working Conditions
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Obstetrical nurses work in fast-paced clinical environments. They are often required to work long hours, rotating shifts and holiday hours.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Marie Tretiakova
