NURSE MIDWIFE

Job Description Summary

Provides perinatal care to patients which includes physical assessment, patient education, evaluation and management of problems in accordance with approved nurse midwifery guidelines. Provides inpatient evaluation and management of prenatal patients in OB ED, for management of women in labor, during birth and postpartum. First assist at cesarean births. One day per week of outpatient prenatal office coverage if needed.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - Patient Care Organization

a - Assumes management responsibility for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation for a plan of care for obstetrical and gynecological patients selected according to approved nurse midwifery

b - Collaborates with the health care team in planning and implementing care for obstetrical and gynecological patients.

c - Participates in ongoing review of nurse midwifery prescriptive practice.

d - Participates in Quality Management Program on a regular and continuing basis.

2 - Quality of Care

a - Assists in the development, implementation and revision of nurse midwifery guidelines and standards of care.

b - Evaluates individual health care status of patients, formulates a management plan and revises the plan as indicated.

c - Participates in continuous case review and appropriately communicates current data regarding all patients cared for by the obstetrical team.

d - Issues prescriptions and medication orders in accordance with SSH Nurse Midwifery practice protocols, and the rules set forth by the Board of Nursing.

e - Prior to leaving each shift, ensures documents are clear, complete, concise and organized manner demonstrating skill in the nursing process.

f - Seeks consultation according to nurse midwifery protocols from all members of the health care team involved in patient's care and makes appropriate referrals.

g - Provides consultation services as required by the health care team. Completes history and physical examinations and laboratory tests as appropriate. Continues assessment and teaching throughout pregnancy as indicated by documentation.

h - Manages normal labor and conducts delivery, including assessment of maternal and fetal status, identification of deviations from normal, management of third stage, management of episiotomy and perennial repairs. Identifies, manages and consults for obstetrical emergencies as indicated.

i - Manages maternal postpartum course including teaching, referrals, and follow-up.

j - Per week: Provides 12-hour on-call coverage to a caseload of obstetrical patients, including telephone triage. Provides 8 hrs of prenatal office coverage.
(Per per pay period: two 12-hour on-call shifts; two 8 hr days of prenatal office coverage)

3 - Coordination

a - Demonstrates appropriate collaborative and consultative relationships with other providers within the institution and community.

b - Demonstrates awareness of community resources and assists staff, patients and families to use them effective.

c - Serves on nursing and hospital committees and assumes responsibility for disseminating and communicating information to staff.

4 - Planning

a - Develops annual objectives and reviews these with the Medical Director of the Laborist and Midwifery Program at time of performance review and at appropriate intervals.

b - Assists in determining, evaluating, and/or implementing nurse midwifery practice goals and objectives.

c - Maintains interdisciplinary approach for planning and communicating information for appropriate patient care.

d - Maintains awareness of legislation that may affect the health care delivery systems and nurse midwifery practice.

5 - Research

a - Initiates and participates in nursing research at a level consistent with educational background which shall include data collection to measure CNM/Laborist effectiveness as a program.

b - Maintains understanding of current research in related clinical areas through relevant publications.

c - Contributes by either group or individual authorship to writing for publication.

d - Recommends innovative approaches to nurse midwifery practice based on selected research findings.

Technology and Learning

a - Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

b - Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

Graduate of an approved program of Midwifery. Master's Degree preferred.

Minimum Work Experience

3-5 years of previous nurse midwifery experience required.

Required Licenses / Registrations

CNM - Certified Nurse Midwife

This position is a licensed independent practitioner credentialed through the Medical Staff Services Office

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities

Demonstrates clinical expertise to function in an independent role.

Excellent interpersonal relationships and communication skills in order to collaborate with patients, families and staff.

Ability to work with frequent stress resulting from an active caseload, busy clinical settings and 24 hour on-call coverage.

Ability to be self-directive and demonstrate initiative in addressing responsibilities of position.