A day in the life of an obstetric nurse

Obstetric nurses (OB) have one of the most unique and rewarding jobs in healthcare. These nursing professionals are responsible for helping welcome babies into the world and taking care of them during their first few days of life. They care for the entire family during the miracle of childbirth and are instrumental figures in the lives of parents and babies alike.

So, what exactly is the average day in the life of an OB nurse like? Well, that is actually a rather difficult question to answer. Nothing in the maternity ward is ever really “normal” or “average.” In fact, every day is unique in this fast-paced and unpredictable environment. This is why these nurses are always on their toes as they may never know what to really expect. However, one thing is for sure when it comes to OB nurses – their job is extremely important and extremely rewarding.

Daily responsibilities of an OB nurse

OB nurses have a number of different day-to-day responsibilities. Nurses may walk through the birthing process with moms who are about to deliver and help parents adjust to their new roles after delivery. Here are the main responsibilities these nurses have.

Labor and delivery tasks

OB nurses are responsible for helping to take care of mothers when they are in the delivery room. Many times, this also means providing emotional support for an anxious or nervous partner. From the moment an expecting mother enters the hospital to the moment she is released to go home, the OB nurse is there to help. This includes:
– utilizing equipment to monitor fetal heart rate and contractions with frequent updates to the medical doctor;
– prepping the mom for delivery;
– gather sterile supplies for delivery needed;
– noting signs of potential complications and reporting them to the doctor;
– starting an intravenous;
– drawing blood;
– administering pain medication;
– labor coaching;
– going in the operating room with women who are undergoing Cesarean sections.

Post Delivery Responsibilities

Once a woman has welcomed a baby into the world, it doesn’t mean the responsibilities of the OB nurse are done. These nurses also help with recovery room tasks too. After the birth of the baby, these nurses will closely monitor both mom and baby for a few hours before they go to postpartum care. During this time obstetric nurses may help with the following tasks:
– assist mothers with breastfeeding or formula to ensure adequate nutritional needs;
– assessment of baby minutes after birth for adequate vital body functions;
– monitor and manage vital signs for mom and baby;
– monitor and manage complications due to pregnancy and delivery.

Postpartum Care

A few hours after giving birth, moms and their babies are typically transferred to postpartum care, as long as there is no indication of any major issues. During this time the OB nurses will be responsible for the following:
– assessing c-section incision site;
– administering pain medication;
– teaching about newborn care;
– applying ice packs;
– monitoring swelling and bleeding;
– helping moms move and start recovering;
– helping the mom get out of bed;
– helping with bonding between parents and babies;
– drawing blood for tests;
– administering any necessary shots.

These are all responsibilities that OB nurses may be responsible for each and every day in their jobs.

Source: citycollege.edu.

 

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Slovníček

unique – jedinečný, unikátní, ojedinělý
rewarding – uspokojivý, vděčný
to welcome – přivítat, uvítat
miracle – zázrak; div
instrumental – nápomocný, užitečný; instrumentální
alike – stejně (jako)
average – průměrný; obyčejný; prostřední
actually – ve skutečnosti, vlastně; dokonce
rather – dost; poněkud; trochu; spíše, raději
maternity ward – porodní oddělení
fast-paced – rychle se odvíjející, svižný
unpredictable – nepředvídatelný, nevypočitatelný
to be on one’s toes – být ve střehu
day-to-day – každodenní; běžný; stálý
to walk through – projít, procházet; zvládnout
to be about to – chystat se (něco udělat)
to adjust – přizpůsobit se; upravit, urovnat; seřídit, seřizovat
delivery – porod (vypuzení dítěte)
labor (labour) – porodní bolesti, porod (od počátku kontrakcí do vypuzovací fáze)
task – úkol, zadání, práce
anxious – nervózní, úzkostlivý; starostlivý; znepokojený
to release – propustit; vypustit; uvolnit
to utilize – využít, použít, upotřebit; zpracovat
to prep – připravit, přichystat
to gather – shromáždit, posbírat, sebrat
once – jakmile; jednou
formula – náhrada mateřského mléka; vzorec, formule
to ensure – zajistit, zabezpečit; garantovat
as long as – pokud, dokud
indication – náznak, předzvěst; indikace; svědectví
issue – problém; záležitost, situace; otázka
newborn – novorozenec, miminko
ice pack – ledový obklad
shot – injekce; očkování

 

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