Birth Assistant CPM

1) Birth Assistant will be expected to read and understand the Center's policies and

procedures manual.

2) It will be the Birth Assistant's responsibility to keep the answering service informed

as to how she can be reached.

3) Scheduling. A monthly schedule will be made at least one week prior to the beginning

of the month. The birth assistant staff is responsible for covering all shifts and

holidays, in whatever fashion they agree. The Director must approve schedules.

4) Intrapartum care. Once called to the Center, the Birth Assistant will, at the direction of

the CNM, provide or conduct

a) Labor support (i.e., fluids, positioning, tub bath, sibling support).

b) Supplies and/or equipment as needed to complete the set-up of the room for

birth.

c) Monitoring of vital signs and fetal heart tones.

d) Delivery assistance as needed

e) Assist with resuscitation if needed.

f) Assist with third stage or other maternal emergency as needed (fundal

massage, administration of oxytocic, prepare IV therapy, call physician or

ambulance).

g) Birth Assistant may care for client in early labor at the Center under the direction

of the CNM.

5) Immediate postpartum care.

a) Vital signs.

b) Ongoing assessment of fundus and bleeding.

c) Assist mother with comfort measures.

d) Assist mother and newborn with establishing breastfeeding.

e) Cord blood to lab if indicated.

6) Postpartum period until discharge

a) Ongoing assessment of mother: bleeding, voiding, fluids and eating, mothering

adjustment, physical needs.

b) Ongoing assessment of newborn: respiratory status, color, temperature,

neurological status, feeding, activity.

7) Discharge

a) Review early home care instructions.

b) Assist family in preparations for going home.

c) Schedule home visit.

d) Accompany family to car and assist with proper installation of infant car seat.

e) Terminal cleaning and restocking of birth room. This must be done before birth

assistant leaves the Center.

8) Ongoing postpartum follow-up

a) Perform home visits as needed.

b) Consultation with CNM for problems.

9) Continuing competency

a) Maintains current certification in CPR and neonatal resuscitation.

b) Attendance at Center staff in-service programs and emergency drills.

c) Birth Assistant will be expected to participate in transfer review meetings and to

assist in providing in-service programs to the staff.

10) CQI. The Birth Assistant will be responsible for continuous quality improvement

activities as assigned by the Director.

11) Staff Meetings. The Birth Assistant will attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.

Quality Assurance:

Participates in quality assurance program, chart review, peer review and patient satisfaction interviews as assigned by the Medical Director of Midwifery.

Provides continuing education to staff as assigned by the Director of Perinatal Education/Birth Center Operations

Maintains clinical competency through the participation in continuing education, continuing competency assessment or retesting.

Maintains license as a nurse and/or certified as certified professional Midwifery

Maintains CPR and NRP

Experience/Training:

Current licensure or certification to practice in State of Illinois.

Knowledge of standards of current birth practices in out of hospital settings.

Two or more years of clinical experience preferred.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Current and valid CPR card.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, bend and stretch.
• Ability to travel and maneuver between site locations if needed.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds.
• Ability to type for long periods of time.