Role of Registered Nurse in Maternity Nursing - Essay Example

Unlike some of the other specialties in nursing which are moving out of the hospital into the community, maternity nursing is predominantly hospital-based (Davis, n.d.). Maternity RNs typically care for women who are in labor, have complications of pregnancy, or have recently delivered. Therefore, they must use professional judgment, critical thinking, and have fast decision-making skills (Davis, n.d.). As part of their role, they work closely with women, their families, and other health care professionals and are on call 24 hrs a day for 7 days of the week.

Some of the important responsibilities of Maternity RNs include (Davis, n.d.):  1. Conduct an assessment of each mother and baby and develop an individualized plan of care.2. Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure that each patient gets integrated care during their hospital stay.3. Implement the plan of care by monitoring the mother and baby. Maternity RNs also evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care and make modifications to meet the changing needs of the mother, newborn, and the family.4. Educate patients about their care and address other topics that are related to women’s health and newborn care.5. Provide psychological and emotional support to patients and their families.

A Registered Nurse in maternity nursing is required to perform a variety of roles: Antepartum Nurse: As an antepartum nurse, the RN briefly interacts with patients having normal pregnancy at routine checkups. However, their role becomes critical when patients have complications of pregnancy requiring bed rest and hospitalization. Their role typically includes comfort promotion which includes “measures to relieve discomforts caused by physiological changes of pregnancy” (Simpson & Creehan, 2008, p. 113). They also counsel the family and encourage behaviors that enhance maternal and fetal well-being like quitting smoking and other harmful lifestyle practices.