LPNs in OB?

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Specializes in OB.

Just wondering if any OB units are using LPNs in their staffing mix? If so, what is their scope? Can they be the second nurse in for deliveries? What about attending sections as the "baby nurse"? I am in Indiana, so if anyone knows specifically what Indiana's rules are, I would appreciate it. (I've searched the state website and can find nothing specific.)

Thanks!

Specializes in OB NICU.

I work in NE Indiana and the large hospital (Parkview) I use to work for quit using LPN's in OB in 2000. I now work at a smaller community hospital and we have one LPN in our OB unit. She mostly does nursery and she does unit assistant types of things ie: setting up for deliveries,vitals etc. She can be the baby nurse at c-sections if we need her to since she is NRP certified, but our section rate is so low we don't use her much for that. She is also a Lactation Consultant so that is probably why she is able to stay in OB. I don't think they would hire another LPN because their scope of practice is too limited.

I have worked in a couple small OB units in community hospitals in the Army. We use LPNs in OB mainly for baby transitioning whether it's lady partsl or scrubbing in for a c section. Our LPN's will also help with general nursing duties like starting IV's. There is usually one on per shift.

I am actually applying for a LPN position at one of the two hospitals in the city where I live! The LPN work in the role of the surgical tech during c-sections, assist with lady partsl deliveries, and do patient cares. The LPNs are required to be certified in NRP and Fetal monitoring. Sounds like my dream job and am trying to do everything I can to stack the cards in my favor.

Specializes in L&D.

I live in Louisiana and we have several LPN on our unit. The nursery nurse is the baby nurse at our hosp, and I think they use mostly RN's but not sure. LPNs on L&D scrub for sections, and do everything the RNs do(well aside from hanging blood, IVP).

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