Labor and Delivery Nurse Skills Checklist | Process Street (2024)

Review patient's medical history

Before providing care, it is important to review the patient's medical history. This includes any previous pregnancies, medical conditions, medications, and allergies. Understanding the patient's medical history helps in identifying any potential risks and ensuring appropriate care during labor and delivery. The desired result is to have a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical background. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while reviewing a patient's medical history? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Assess patient's current health status

Assessing the patient's current health status is crucial for providing personalized care during labor and delivery. Through this assessment, you can determine the patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Additionally, you can evaluate the patient's pain level, mental state, and any specific needs. The desired result is to have a clear understanding of the patient's current health condition in order to provide appropriate care. What challenges, if any, might you encounter during the assessment? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Perform and evaluate diagnostic tests

Performing and evaluating diagnostic tests is essential for monitoring the progress of labor and assessing the wellbeing of both the mother and baby. These tests may include fetal monitoring, blood tests, ultrasounds, and urine analysis. By analyzing the results, healthcare providers can identify any complications or potential risks. The desired result is to have accurate and up-to-date information about the patient's condition. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while performing and evaluating diagnostic tests? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Develop labor and delivery care plan

Developing a labor and delivery care plan involves collaborating with the mother, doctor, and other healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan that addresses the specific needs and preferences of the patient. The care plan outlines the interventions, pain management options, and desired outcomes during labor and delivery. The desired result is to have a comprehensive care plan that ensures holistic and patient-centered care. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while developing a labor and delivery care plan? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Preparation of delivery room and equipment

Preparing the delivery room and equipment is crucial to ensure a safe and efficient labor and delivery process. This includes ensuring that the room is clean, stocked with necessary supplies, and that the medical equipment is in working order. The desired result is to have a delivery room that is ready to accommodate the needs of both the mother and the healthcare team. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while preparing the delivery room and equipment? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Assist doctor during a childbirth procedure

Assisting the doctor during childbirth procedures is a crucial role for labor and delivery nurses. This includes providing support to the mother, ensuring proper positioning, assisting with instrument usage, and monitoring the progress of the delivery. The desired result is to ensure a smooth and safe childbirth procedure. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while assisting the doctor during a childbirth procedure? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Monitor mother and baby vital signs during labor

Monitoring the vital signs of both the mother and baby during labor is crucial to ensure their wellbeing. This includes regularly checking blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and fetal heart rate. By closely monitoring these vital signs, healthcare providers can identify any signs of distress or complications. The desired result is to have accurate and up-to-date vital sign measurements. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while monitoring vital signs during labor? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Administer medication and epidural as needed

Administering medication and epidural as needed is a vital part of pain management during labor. This requires understanding the patient's pain level, reviewing the care plan, and following medication administration protocols. The desired result is to relieve the patient's pain and ensure their comfort during labor. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while administering medication and epidural? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Maintain patient records and document progress

Maintaining accurate patient records and documenting the progress of labor is essential for effective communication and continuity of care. This includes recording vital signs, medications administered, pain levels, and any interventions performed. The desired result is to have comprehensive and organized patient records. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while maintaining patient records and documenting progress? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Provide care and counseling to mother during labor and post-partum period

Providing care and counseling to the mother during labor and the postpartum period is key to promoting her physical and emotional well-being. This includes monitoring her comfort, providing emotional support, and educating her about breastfeeding, infant care, and self-care. The desired result is to have a mother who feels supported, informed, and empowered. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while providing care and counseling to the mother? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Perform newborn assessments

Performing newborn assessments is crucial to evaluate the baby's overall health and well-being after delivery. This includes checking vital signs, conducting a physical examination, and assessing reflexes and behavior. The desired result is to have a comprehensive assessment of the newborn's health. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while performing newborn assessments? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Approval: Newborn Assessments

Educate mother on postpartum care and neonatal handling

Educating the mother on postpartum care and neonatal handling is essential to promote the well-being of both the mother and the baby. This includes providing guidance on breastfeeding, newborn hygiene, safe sleep practices, and recognizing signs of postpartum complications. The desired result is to have an informed and confident mother. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while educating the mother on postpartum care and neonatal handling? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Prepare mother and baby for discharge

Preparing the mother and baby for discharge involves ensuring that they are both in stable condition, providing necessary instructions for post-discharge care, and arranging any follow-up appointments if required. The desired result is to have a mother and baby who are ready for a safe transition to home. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while preparing the mother and baby for discharge? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Coordinate patient discharge process

Coordinating the patient discharge process involves collaborating with other healthcare professionals, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared, and arranging transportation if needed. This includes reviewing the discharge plan, providing instructions, and answering any questions the patient may have. The desired result is to have a smooth and organized discharge process. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while coordinating the patient discharge process? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Communicate labor and delivery progress to family members

Communicating the labor and delivery progress to family members is crucial for their involvement and emotional support. This includes providing updates on the mother's condition, progress of labor, and any necessary interventions performed. The desired result is to have family members who are informed and reassured. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while communicating labor and delivery progress to family members? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Provide nursing care in case of emergency situations

Providing nursing care in emergency situations requires quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. This includes initiating appropriate interventions, communicating with the healthcare team, and ensuring the safety of both the mother and baby. The desired result is to have timely and effective nursing care during emergencies. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while providing nursing care in emergency situations? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Report and escalate issues to the nurse manager

Reporting and escalating issues to the nurse manager is important for prompt resolution and ensuring the safety and well-being of the mother and baby. This includes documenting incidents, notifying the nurse manager, and following the established chain of command. The desired result is to address issues in a timely manner and prevent any potential harm. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while reporting and escalating issues to the nurse manager? What resources or tools are required for this task?

Approval: Nurse Manager for Care plan revisions

Participate in professional development and training

Participating in professional development and training is crucial for staying updated with the latest evidence-based practices and improving nursing skills. This includes attending workshops, conferences, and in-service training sessions. The desired result is to enhance knowledge and skills in order to provide high-quality care. What challenges, if any, might you encounter while participating in professional development and training? What resources or tools are required for this task?