Obstetrician nurses assist in the care of pregnant women and delivery of infants.
Obstetric nurses assist doctors in the care of pregnant women and during labor and delivery. Some OB nurses will care for high risk patients, or circulate to assist in cesarean sections. To enter into this job field, a high school diploma is required, along with a training program that qualifies one to become a licensed practical nurse. To become a registered nurse, it's essential to complete a two or four year program, but either credentials as an LPN or RN will allow one to work as an OB nurse. OB nurses can make upwards of $54,000 a year, as of July 21, 2010, according to simplyhired.com.
Preparation
Obstetrician nurses are responsible for preparing hospital or birthing center rooms for the delivery of infants. They also prep patients that come in and are ready to deliver, as well as prepare all instruments that will be used in the delivery process. This includes sterilizing all instruments and tools.
Delivery and Newborns
OB nurses assist doctors in the delivery of babies. Additionally an OB nurse may be responsible for comforting nervous parents or other family members and making sure they know what is going on. Sometimes, complications can arise during labor and delivery, and assisting a new baby with respiration may be necessary. OB nurses care for infants immediately after birth, which includes making sure they are cleaned up, weighed, and measured. They also assist mothers postpartum and make sure they are comfortable and taking care of their new baby properly. They may assist with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, bathing the baby, or any needs the mother needs help with after the stress of delivery.
Telephone Triage
Sometimes, OB nurses will work the telephone triage area for the obstetrics and gynecology department. Duties in this type of position involve delivering test results to patients, advising patients in their care, answering patients questions, and scheduling patients for labor or surgery.
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