If an obstetric patient presents to the hospital with an obstetric related complaint, what is the role of the registered nurse in performing a nursing assessment?
On July 27, 2007, the Board of Nursings Nurse Practice Committee reviewed the role of the registered nurse in assessing obstetrical patients who present to the hospital with an obstetric-related complaint. The Nurse Practice Committee determined that it is within the scope of practice of the qualified obstetrical registered nurse to perform a nursing assessment of the obstetrical patient per hospital protocol and/or policy provided: The registered nurse is educated and demonstrates current competency in obstetrical nursing; The registered nurses education and competency are documented in the facilitys records initially and on an ongoing basis; The registered nurse communicates with (e.g. telephone, e-mail, etc.) the attending physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to report the assessment and physical findings; The registered nurse obtains an order from the attending provider to admit the patient to the hospital or discharge the patient home. The registered nurse practi
