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MAJOR DUTIES:

1. In the absence of a physician, independently determines and implements proper emergency interventions within scope of practice after identifying and interpreting maternal and/or fetal distress. Within given parameters, applies the knowledge of the pathophysiology of maternal or fetal disorders, identifies potential complications of pre-existing medical conditions and identifies or minimizes impact by developing or implementing strategies to prevent further compromise. Recognizes and executes nursing responsibilities related to technologies utilized in caring for the normal/high risk obstetrical and newborn patient. Administers complex medications by any route as ordered within the guidelines of nursing practice. These routes include oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intra-dermal, topical, rectal, nasogastric, and respiratory. Administers potent intravenous (including IV push) drugs such as labor induction agents, anti-hypertensives, insulin, blood products, and magnesium sulfate; recognizes and responds to adverse effects, take precautions, and initiates response measures as required. Examines and assesses obstetric patients and newborns. Uses seasoned judgment in selecting the course of action in implementing physician orders and interpreting their appropriateness to the patient’s present condition. Performs treatments such as oxygen administration, amnioinfusion, placement of fetal scalp electrodes, and conduction of contraction stress tests. Performs the circulation role in the operating room for planned and emergent cesarean-section, dilatation and curettage, cerclage insertion, and cesarean-hysterectomy. Provides nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures and during post-anesthesia recovery.
2. Assists physicians and anesthesia providers with complex procedures such as insertion of internal monitors, placement of epidural catheters, and induction of general anesthesia. Maintains central lines and dressings in accordance with infection control policies and procedures. Assesses patient response through sophisticated clinical observations as well as detailed data analysis and accurately reports information to the physician to ensure the highest level of patient care. Discontinues invasive lines under established guidelines.

3. Utilizes nursing standards of practice to formulate a nursing plan of care relative to patient’s physiological, psychological, and sociological condition in order to provide ongoing and in-depth assessment of patient problems, strengths and limitations. Monitors patient’s condition through data collected by continuous observation and precise calculation of fluid levels and vital signs through the use of complex monitoring equipment. Applies in-depth knowledge of a large number of laboratory and other diagnostic studies. Interprets findings and reports to the physician those findings which indicate a required change in care. Based on periodic changes in maternal and fetal condition and response, determines validity/feasibility of previously written orders, writes nursing orders, and implements, evaluates and documents the effectiveness of all nursing orders. Continuously revises care plan accordingly. Develops meaningful goals to assist the normal or high risk OB patient and family to attain an optimum level of physiological and psychosocial balance within the limitations imposed by any complications or illnesses.
4. Uses crisis intervention techniques to provide constant support to the patient and family in a high stress situation and environment. Provides information on disease process, pre and post operative care, diagnostic procedures, use of equipment related to disease/care, expected and possible adverse reactions to medications, health maintenance, and illness prevention. Makes referral of patients/family members to allied health care providers such as the community health nurse, social work, community agencies.
5. As required, may assume Acting Clinical Nurse Officer- In-Charge duties as needed. Makes decisions regarding priorities for patient care for shift assignments. Assigns duties and delegates patient care to other registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, operating room technicians, and nursing assistants, with consideration of the difficulty and requirements of the assignment and the qualifications and capabilities of the individual. This includes abilities to assign an equitable workload for shift staff, make timely, appropriate decisions related to personnel and patient care management in a stressful environment, and use authority of the position to maintain a productive work environment. Performance of this work requires a basic knowledge of personnel practices and procedures, of the hospital, unit and individual medical services policies sufficient to proficiently execute these functions when required.

Degree: A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.).

Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States; and you must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination.

Foreign Degree: Graduates of foreign nursing schools must have completed the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Certification Program. The certification program consists of a credentials evaluation, the CGFNS Qualifying Exam, and evidence of passing one of the approved English Language Proficiency examinations. A copy of the CGFNS Certificate is required.

Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0610 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Education/Experience: A diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in Nursing from a professional nursing program and possession of at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level or above) which includes providing nursing care to obstetrical or gynecological patients, patient or staff education and administering medications.

OR

Education: A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field including but not limited to Nursing.

Exemption: You are exempt from the qualification requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0610 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.