Overview

 

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the delivery of patient care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosing, planning, implementation and evaluation, provided to the women and newborns during the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and neonatal stages of the childbirth process.  The L&D RN is responsible for directing and coordinating all nursing care based on established clinical nursing care in the Labor and Delivery Department setting, including, but not limited to, providing labor support and education, monitoring maternal & fetal conditions, and monitoring the mother`s and baby`s vital signs during labor & birth, and managing a variety of potential issues that may arise. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient patient care delivery and the achievement of desired patient outcomes. Serves as the Resource nurse role when oriented and as directed. Supports the organization’s vision and mission. Utilizes knowledge of patient's age, developmental status, spiritual and cultural diversity into the provision of patient care.  Contributes to the provision of quality nursing care through performance improvement techniques that demonstrate positive outcomes in patient care.  

 

The Labor and Delivery RN provides direct care, communicates with physicians / Nurse Director / Co – workers, as appropriate about changes in the patient’s clinical situation including results of diagnostic studies and is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in situation or response to treatment.

 

 

 

Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment & Care Delivery: Manage full-spectrum nursing care—including assessment, diagnosis, care planning, implementation, and evaluation—for women and newborns through the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal stages. Complete initial patient assessments within 2 hours of arrival.
• Labor Monitoring & Support: Provide dedicated labor support, monitor maternal and fetal vital signs and conditions throughout labor and birth, and manage emergent changes in patient status.
• Medication & Clinical Safety: Administer medications, IV therapies, and blood components safely. Utilize two patient identifiers, follow medication reconciliation policies, and perform necessary order verification and read-backs.
• Physician Collaboration & Communication: Communicate changes in clinical condition or diagnostic results promptly to physicians and leadership. Assist with bedside procedures, enforcing mandatory "time-out" safety protocols.
• Care Coordination & Handoffs: Conduct detailed bedside change-of-shift reports to ensure continuity of care, and participate in purposeful patient rounding.
• Infection Control & Unit Readiness: Maintain compliance with OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards, CDC infection control guidelines, and proper PPE protocols. Inspect emergency equipment (crash cart and defibrillator) per protocol.
• Discharge Planning & Mother-Baby Initiatives: Formulate goal-directed discharge plans and educate patients and families, including active support for exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin bonding initiatives.
• Patient-Centered Care: Integrate age-specific competencies, cultural diversity, and spiritual needs into individual patient care while upholding National Patient Safety Goals.

Qualifications Education & Licensure

• Education: Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing program certificate.
• Licensure: Current California Registered Nurse (RN) license required upon hire and must be maintained.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of successful experience in Labor & Delivery (L&D) or Couplet Care.

Certifications & Training

• BCLS, ACLS, and NRP (required from AHA) certifications required.
• Fetal Monitoring: Basic Fetal Monitoring certificate required upon hire if an Intermediate or Advanced Fetal Monitoring course has not been completed.
• Within 6 Months of Hire: Must complete Birth & Beyond and Intermediate/Advanced Fetal Monitoring certifications.

Skills & Competencies

Core Competencies: Demonstrated proficiency in leadership, interpersonal dynamics, effective communication, teamwork, quality improvement, outstanding customer service, and professionalism.

Excellent communication oral and written required.