Maternal-Child Health Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the focus on Maternal-Child Health Nurses has never been more significant.

As healthcare practices advance, the demand for proficient individuals who can provide, enhance, and safeguard our maternal-child health services grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Maternal-Child Health Nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of maternal-child nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Maternal-Child Health Nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Maternal-Child Health Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Maternal-Child Health Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in providing health care to pregnant women, newborns, and children.

They often work in maternity wards, neonatal units, pediatric departments, and community health centers.

Their duties and responsibilities may include:

• Providing prenatal care and education to expectant mothers on topics such as childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and newborn care
• Monitoring the health of pregnant women, including taking vital signs, performing laboratory tests, and assessing fetal development through ultrasound
• Assisting doctors during childbirth and providing postnatal care to mother and baby
• Carrying out newborn screenings, vaccinations, and health checks
• Providing care and treatment for sick or premature newborns
• Assessing and monitoring the health and development of children, from infancy through adolescence
• Providing health education and preventive care advice to parents and families
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to plan and coordinate care
• Documenting patient care and maintaining patient records
• Adhering to infection control protocols to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for patients

 

Maternal-Child Health Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Maternal-Child Health Nurse to provide primary care to mothers and children.

The candidate will ensure the well-being of mothers and newborns, offer parental education, and monitor the health of both mother and child during and after pregnancy.

A successful candidate will have experience in obstetrics, neonatal care, and general pediatrics, and will be passionate about promoting healthy habits in new families.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care to mothers and infants.
• Educate and guide new parents on baby care including feeding, bathing, and safety.
• Monitor and track the health and development of both mother and baby.
• Administer vaccinations and conduct regular health checks and screenings.
• Support and counsel mothers dealing with postpartum depression.
• Coordinate and provide family planning services.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
• Keep detailed records on patients’ health conditions and treatments.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a registered nurse with a focus on maternal-child health.
• Degree in Nursing and a valid license to practice.
• Specialized training in maternal-child health nursing.
• Knowledge of prenatal and postnatal care, neonatal resuscitation, and lactation support.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate and patient with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make decisions quickly.
• Current CPR and first aid certification.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maternal-Child Health Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or Health Clinic. Shift work may be required and can include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nursing Supervisor or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $61,000 minimum to $92,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Maternal-Child Health Nurse Do?

Maternal-Child Health Nurses are specialized registered nurses who focus on providing healthcare services to women before, during, and after pregnancy, and to the newborns.

They work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, maternity and pediatric wards, or even in community health centers.

Their job includes assisting doctors in delivery procedures, taking care of pregnant women by monitoring their health and that of their unborn babies, providing health education regarding nutrition and child care, and counselling families on family planning options.

After delivery, they monitor the health of both mother and baby, and provide postnatal care instructions.

They also administer immunizations, conduct newborn screenings, and follow up on the baby’s growth and development.

These nurses are instrumental in identifying health issues in mothers and children early, and in providing or referring for appropriate treatment.

Their role extends beyond physical care and includes emotional support and reassurance for women and their families during the challenging stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

 

Maternal-Child Health Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A competent Maternal-Child Health Nurse will need to have a combination of clinical nursing skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to provide patient education.

These include:

• Advanced clinical knowledge in maternal and child health nursing to provide comprehensive care to mothers and their children.
• Excellent observational skills to monitor the health conditions of patients and identify any signs of distress or disease.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, family members, and the healthcare team, explaining medical conditions and treatment plans clearly.
• Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with patients and their families, providing emotional support and reassurance during challenging times.
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly assess and respond to sudden changes in a patient’s condition.
• Teaching skills to provide education to mothers about neonatal care, breastfeeding, nutrition, and other aspects of maternal and child health.
• Physical stamina to work long shifts, often on their feet, while providing high-quality care.
• Patience and compassion to deal with the stress and emotional challenges that come with caring for mothers and babies.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

 

Maternal-Child Health Nurse Experience Requirements

Maternal-Child Health Nurses typically need to have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and should pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to be registered nurses.

Gaining 1 to 2 years of experience in a general nursing role is highly beneficial before specializing in maternal-child health.

After gaining basic nursing experience, prospective maternal-child health nurses can undergo specialized training in areas such as obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatal care.

This can be gained through a hospital’s maternity or pediatric unit, providing hands-on experience caring for mothers and children.

For those aiming for advanced roles, a Master’s Degree in Nursing, specifically in Maternal-Child Health Nursing, is often required.

Nurses with more than 3 years of specialized experience may pursue roles as Nurse Educators, Nurse Managers, or Nurse Practitioners within maternal-child health nursing.

Additionally, obtaining certification through the National Certification Corporation, such as in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, or Maternal Newborn Nursing, can further enhance credibility and pave the way for more advanced roles.

As for those with over 5 years of specialized experience, they may be ready for leadership roles within a hospital’s maternity department or a public health organization focusing on maternal-child health.

They may also be prepared to conduct research or teach at the university level within this specialty.

 

Maternal-Child Health Nurse Education and Training Requirements

To become a Maternal-Child Health Nurse, individuals must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, although some RN programs may allow nurses to work in entry-level positions with an associate degree.

During their degree programs, students receive training in pediatrics, obstetrics, and family health care.

They learn about various aspects of mother and child health, including prenatal care, postpartum care, newborn care, and women’s health.

After earning a BSN, individuals are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN).

Upon becoming a registered nurse, those interested in maternal-child health nursing can then seek out positions in obstetrics, gynecology, neonatology, and pediatrics to gain the necessary experience.

Specializing in maternal-child health nursing often requires additional training and certification.

This might include becoming a certified pediatric nurse, a certified neonatal nurse, or a certified lactation consultant.

Some maternal-child health nurses also choose to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a focus on maternal-child health nursing.

This advanced education can prepare nurses for roles in leadership, research, and advanced clinical practice.

Continuing education is also crucial in this field, as nurses need to keep up with the latest developments in prenatal care, neonatology, pediatrics, and women’s health.

Many professional organizations offer courses, seminars, and workshops to help nurses stay current in their field.

 

Maternal-Child Health Nurse Salary Expectations

A Maternal-Child Health Nurse can expect an average salary of $66,640 (USD) per year.

The salary may significantly fluctuate based on factors such as the level of experience, additional certifications, geographic location, and the healthcare facility they are employed at.

 

Maternal-Child Health Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maternal-Child Health Nurse need?

Maternal-Child Health Nurses need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and their families.

They should also possess excellent clinical skills to provide comprehensive care to mothers and children.

It’s essential that they have critical thinking and problem-solving abilities for making quick decisions during emergencies.

A high degree of empathy, patience, and cultural competence is also required given the emotional and sensitive nature of their work.

 

Do Maternal-Child Health Nurses need a degree?

Yes, Maternal-Child Health Nurses need to have a degree in nursing.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), they should pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Some Maternal-Child Health Nurses also choose to further their studies by pursuing a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in maternal-child health nursing.

 

What should you look for in a Maternal-Child Health Nurse resume?

In a Maternal-Child Health Nurse resume, you should look for a degree in nursing and an RN license.

Additionally, look for any certifications related to maternal-child health, such as Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Certified in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (C-ION).

Experience in maternal-child health nursing, especially in hospital settings, is also a valuable attribute.

Look for skills like patient education, family support, emergency response, and clinical skills in the resume.

 

What qualities make a good Maternal-Child Health Nurse?

A good Maternal-Child Health Nurse is compassionate, patient, and has excellent communication skills.

They need to be able to empathize with their patients and deliver care in a sensitive and supportive manner.

They should also be detail-oriented to keep accurate records and meticulously monitor the health of both mother and child.

In addition, they need to be resilient and adaptable, able to handle high-stress situations and fluctuating work hours.

 

What are the daily duties of a Maternal-Child Health Nurse?

A Maternal-Child Health Nurse typically starts the day by checking on their assigned patients, assessing their health condition, and making notes for the doctor.

They administer medication, assist with feeding and personal hygiene, and educate mothers about postnatal care and infant health.

They also assist doctors during examinations and procedures, and respond to emergencies.

They spend a significant part of their day in patient counseling, family support, and case management.

They also need to document all care and treatment provided.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve exposed the depth and meaning of being a maternal-child health nurse.

And guess what?

It’s not just about offering medical care.

It’s about promoting health and well-being, one family at a time.

With our comprehensive maternal-child health nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this fulfilling career journey.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every moment spent caring is a significant contribution to society.

Let’s foster a healthier future. Together.

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