Summary Description

The OB Associated is a member of the patient care delivery team with primary responsibilities for technical, multi-skilled direct and indirect patient care activities. The OB Associate is assigned to work under the supervision of a registered nurse who delegate tasks based upon patient needs and OB Associate skills and abilities. The OB Associate will report all deviations from expected patient parameters to the registered nurse.

1. Collaborates and cooperates with care team members to ensure consistency and quality of care and promotes productive employee relations among staff members. Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and objective of continuous improvement; team work, and the mission, vision, and values of the DMS.*

2. Performs a variety of basic patient care activities in OB under the direction of a registered nurse which may include, but are not limited to, performing designated respiratory procedures (e.g., cough and deep breathing exercises, tracheotomy care and pulse oximetry); maintenance functional activities (e.g., assisting in bed/chair repositioning); specimen collection; phlebotomy; dressing changes; performing ECG's; initiation, set-up, maintenance or discontinuation of peripheral IV lines; urinary catheterization; blood glucose monitoring; etc.*

3. Assists the registered nurse by gathering data on patient conditions, direct patient observation, obtaining vital signs, recording oral intakes, monitoring input and output, weighing patients, recording/charting patient information and interacting with patient and family members. Reports information pertinent to condition and treatment of mother or baby to professional staff. Completes documentation in accordance with policy and procedures. Assists nursing personnel in responding to various emergency patient situations.*

4. Performs surgical scrub using aseptic technique on all procedures appropriate to labor and delivery, assisting the physician and/or nurse as necessary during the procedure. Maintains an accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments; assumes responsibility with staff nurse for ensuring that all are accounted for. Maintains a clean OR by setting up and breaking down the OR; maintains instrument sets and equipment. Washes and sterilizes instruments; notified appropriate personnel of inadequate supplies or defective instruments/equipment. Assists with circulation duties in the OR during procedures.*

5. Assists patients in activities of daily living by feeding, bathing, toileting and other personal hygiene regimes.*

6. Assists in the training/orientation of other associates and care team members as directed.*

7. Follows all departmental policies, procedures and objectives; continuous improvement initiatives; safety, environmental and infection control standards.*

8. Demonstrates sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy and expresses interest in patient progress. Answers questions from patients and their families and explains procedures and processes within the scope of their training/abilities. Maintain confidentiality.*

9. As required by unit needs, performs various support/services duties which may include, but are not limited to, ensuring adequate stock of patient care linens and other supplies; transporting patients, specimens and/or supplies; cleaning patient rooms, bathrooms and unit common areas; making beds; removing trash assisting patients with menu selection; passing and removing various pieces of equipment, etc.*

10. As required by unit needs, performs various support/services duties which may include, but are not limited to, ensuring adequate stock of patient care linens and other supplies; transporting patients, specimens and/or supplies; cleaning patient rooms, bathroom and unit common area; making beds; removing trash assistant patients with menu selecting; passing and pick-up of trays, snacks, water, and other fluids; setting-up of trays, snaks, water, and other fluids; setting-up and removing various pieces of equipment, etc.

11. Enhances personal growth through participation in workshops, educational programs, in-service meetings, and reviewing current literature. Shares joint accountability (with the institution) for maintaining competencies.*

12. Performs other duties as assigned.*

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED.

2. Completion of a two-year surgical technician training program or equivalent combination of training and experience. Or…

3. Graduation from a school of practical nursing. Or…

Completion of:

a. Certified nurse assistant program or equivalent training; or

b. A respiratory therapy technician training program; or

c. A medical assistant program; or

d. An EMT program; or

e. A phlebotomy training program;

And six months direct patient care experience.

Skills Required

1. Good analytical and observational problem-solving skills.

2. Mathematical ability to perform calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, etc.

3. Good reading, writing and comprehension skills in order to understand, effectively communicate and contribute to procedures, processes, orders, methods and standards.

4. A high level of interpersonal and verbal skill and team work commitment in order to effectively work as a team member in support of all services delivered on the patient unit and to effectively communicate with patients, families and other hospital personnel to address customer needs.

5. Ability to perform routine clerical functions such as answering telephone, taking messages and basic retrieval of computer information.

6. Visual acuity and manual dexterity.

7. Physical ability to regularly (80-90% of work time) walk and stand; lift soiled linens and move equipment as necessary; assist patients in repositioning, bed to stretcher transferring, basic activities of daily living and maintenance locomotion requiring lifting (very heavy 60 pounds), bending, pulling, pushing, standing and walking.

8. Ability to adapt to new technologies used in the work environment.