Obstetric Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of obstetric nurses remains undeniable.

As medical science advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, support, and safeguard our obstetric healthcare needs grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an obstetric nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of obstetric nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable obstetric nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Obstetric Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Obstetric Nurses, also known as OB nurses, specialize in assisting doctors in the care of pregnant women and in the delivery of babies.

They often provide prenatal care and testing, care for patients experiencing pregnancy complications, monitor mother and baby, and educate parents about newborn care.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of an Obstetric Nurse:

• Monitor the health condition of both mother and fetus during pregnancy and postpartum periods
• Administer medication and treatments to patients as prescribed by the physician
• Assist the physician during examinations and procedures
• Prepare patients for childbirth, teaching them about labor and delivery procedures and pain management options
• Support women during labor, monitoring contractions and helping in pain management
• Assist in the delivery of babies, performing interventions as necessary
• Provide care for women experiencing complications in pregnancy or childbirth
• Teach new parents how to care for an infant, including breastfeeding, diapering, and bathing
• Document patient’s symptoms and medical history for the doctor’s reference
• Advocate for the patient’s needs and liaise with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible patient care
• Educate parents about potential postpartum depression and other postnatal conditions

 

Obstetric Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Obstetric Nurse to provide expert care to expectant mothers and their babies.

The Obstetric Nurse will be responsible for monitoring the health of pregnant women, assisting during labor and delivery, and providing postpartum care.

The ideal candidate is a patient-focused professional who is committed to providing comprehensive care during the prenatal period, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patient conditions during every visit and chart observations
• Perform prenatal, natal and postnatal examinations
• Monitor and perform patient follow-ups
• Identify high risk pregnancies and make referrals as necessary
• Provide support and guidance to patients during labor and delivery
• Monitor fetal heartbeat and length and strength of contractions during labor
• Coach mothers during childbirth and provide postpartum care
• Educate patients and families on prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an obstetric nurse
• Valid nursing license
• BSc or other diploma from a nursing program
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures (sanitation, decontamination etc.) and willingness to follow them at all times
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care
• A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Responsible and compassionate
• Outstanding organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to handle and manage childbirth emergencies

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Obstetric Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Charge Nurse or Nursing Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $104,000 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 an Obstetric Nurse Do?

Obstetric Nurses, also known as OB Nurses, specialize in assisting doctors in the care of pregnant women and in the delivery of babies.

They often work in the maternity and labor wards of hospitals, birthing centers, and health clinics.

They are responsible for monitoring the health of the expectant mother and her developing baby, administering medications, assisting in labor induction, and providing support during labor and childbirth.

Obstetric Nurses also teach new mothers how to care for themselves and their newborns after delivery.

They provide advice on breastfeeding, infant care, and postpartum health issues.

They perform medical procedures, such as episiotomies and catheterizations, under the supervision of obstetricians.

They also monitor the mother’s vital signs and fetal heart rate during labor and delivery, and are trained to handle emergency situations.

In addition, Obstetric Nurses educate families about the birthing process and answer any questions or concerns they may have.

They may also provide emotional support to the expectant mother and her family throughout the pregnancy and birthing process.

 

Obstetric Nurse Qualifications and Skills

An Obstetric Nurse should have the skills and qualifications that are crucial in providing care for pregnant women, including:

• Thorough knowledge of prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and neonatal care to provide comprehensive healthcare to both mother and baby.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with the patient and her family, explaining medical procedures, possible complications, and the overall birth process.
• Exceptional empathy and interpersonal skills to provide emotional support to the patient during the pregnancy and childbirth.
• Ability to use medical equipment and technology used in obstetrics, such as fetal monitors and ultrasound machines, with precision and accuracy.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to respond effectively to complications during birth and manage emergency situations.
• Ability to work as part of a team, coordinating with doctors, midwives, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple patients and tasks effectively.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and respond quickly in emergency situations.

 

Obstetric Nurse Experience Requirements

Obstetric Nurses typically begin their education with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, followed by acquiring a registered nurse (RN) license.

During their studies, they will gain a considerable amount of theoretical knowledge and practical experience through clinical rotations in different healthcare settings.

Many aspiring Obstetric Nurses choose to complete additional rotations or internships in maternity wards or birthing centers to gain more hands-on experience with childbirth and maternity care.

Upon graduation, entry-level Obstetric Nurses may have 1 to 2 years of nursing experience, potentially in different areas of healthcare.

These professionals can gain specialized obstetric experience in roles such as Labor and Delivery Nurse, Postpartum Nurse, or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience likely have developed their skills and knowledge in obstetric and gynecological care, often obtained in maternity wards or women’s health clinics.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might have leadership experience and could be ready for a charge nurse or nursing manager position.

Further specialization and advancement in the field often require certifications such as Certified in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), which demand a combination of advanced education, clinical experience, and successful examination.

 

Obstetric Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Obstetric Nurses, also known as OB nurses, typically begin their education with a diploma, associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Aspiring obstetric nurses should focus their coursework on areas such as women’s health, neonatal care, and labor and delivery.

Gaining practical experience in a maternity ward or similar setting during their education is highly beneficial.

After completing the necessary education, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

To become an Obstetric Nurse, RNs must obtain additional certification from the National Certification Corporation (NCC) in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB).

This requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of specialty experience in the past two years and successful completion of a certification exam.

Obstetric Nurses are encouraged to pursue continuing education and advanced certifications in areas such as fetal heart monitoring or neonatal resuscitation to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Some may choose to further their education by obtaining a master’s degree in nursing or a related field, allowing for advanced roles such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist in obstetrics.

 

Obstetric Nurse Salary Expectations

An Obstetric Nurse earns an average salary of $67,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can vary based on factors such as years of experience, certification, geographical location, and the healthcare institution where they work.

 

Obstetric Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Obstetric Nurse need?

Obstetric Nurses must have a degree in nursing and also need to be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in their state.

They typically have to complete additional certification in obstetrics, such as the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification.

Some positions may also require a few years of clinical experience in obstetrics.

 

What are the daily duties of an Obstetric Nurse?

On a typical day, an Obstetric Nurse can expect to monitor the health of pregnant women, providing prenatal, postnatal and neonatal care.

They may also assist doctors during labor and delivery, administer medications and treatments, and educate new parents on infant care.

They often work closely with patients, providing emotional support throughout the pregnancy and birth process.

 

What skills are required for an Obstetric Nurse?

Obstetric Nurses need to have exceptional interpersonal skills as they are in constant communication with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

They should possess the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress situations, and have a thorough understanding of obstetric procedures and treatments.

They must also have excellent observational skills to monitor patient health and detect any complications early.

 

What qualities make a good Obstetric Nurse?

A good Obstetric Nurse is patient, empathetic, and has a passion for helping others.

They are also detail-oriented, ensuring that all patient information is accurately recorded and all procedures are performed correctly.

Good Obstetric Nurses are also great listeners, providing emotional support and reassurance to their patients.

 

Is there a high demand for Obstetric Nurses?

Yes, there is generally a high demand for Obstetric Nurses, largely due to the specialized nature of their work.

As the field of obstetrics continues to evolve and advance, the need for qualified and experienced Obstetric Nurses is expected to grow.

They play an integral role in healthcare, providing critical support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the realities of being an obstetric nurse.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting during childbirth.

It’s about aiding in the miracle of life, one birth at a time.

Armed with our tailor-made obstetric nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready for your next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every delivery, every care, contributes to the larger miracle of life.

Let’s aid in that miracle. Together.

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