Labor & Delivery/Postpartum RN
Ellsworth, ME
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

OB Nurse Opportunity - Ellsworth, Maine

Location: Ellsworth, ME
Specialty: Obstetrics (OB)
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)
Facility Beds: 64 total; 4 Labor & 4 Postpartum beds
Annual Births: ~200
Nursery Level: Level III Nursery

Job Overview

• Immediate start needed.
• Primarily OB patients; occasional Med Surg overflow (~once every 2 weeks).
• Med Surg overflow patients are low acuity, alert and oriented, no telemetry, max 2 patients at a time.
• LDRP model: patients stay on the unit for Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum/Couplet care.
• Care includes well babies; no dedicated Nursery RN.
• Low volume of deliveries (~200/year).
• Rooming-in model for newborns.

Patient Types & Care

• Low risk OB patients; high-risk patients transferred out.
• Conditions encountered: postpartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, bilirubin babies, NAS babies, feeders/growers.
• Med Surg overflow: IV antibiotics, swing bed, rehab patients (no infectious or telemetry patients).
• Must be comfortable with all phases of labor and postpartum care, including newborn care.

Patient Ratios (per AWHONN guidelines)

• Laboring: 1:2
• Active Labor: 1:1
• Couplets: 1:3-4
• Med Surg overflow: 1:2-3

Required Experience & Certifications

• Minimum 2 years OB experience.
• First-time travelers accepted only with at least 3 years L&D experience.
• Certifications required:

  • BLS
  • ACLS
  • NRP
  • Intermediate or Advanced Fetal Monitoring
  • STABLE (must be completed within 30 days of start)

Skills & Responsibilities

• Experience with all phases of Labor and Postpartum care.
• Care of well babies including vital signs, thermoregulation, hypoglycemia, bilirubin management, NAS babies.
• Management of shoulder dystocia, epidural, nitrous oxide, intrathecal spinal analgesia.
• Assist in C-sections only to catch babies and provide neonatal care (no circulating duties).

Unit Support & Environment

• Staffing: at least 2 nurses overnight, sometimes 3.
• No CNA support.
• HUC available 4 days/week.
• Midwife provides most care; OB available on call.
• Charge nurse, phlebotomy, respiratory therapy (RT) 24/7, hospitalist 24/7.
• Charting system: Cerner.
• Floating: to Med Surg or ED for tasks only (no patient assignments).

Orientation & Scheduling

• General hospital orientation plus 1 shift on unit.
• Weekend rotation: every other weekend.
• No on-call duties.
• Holiday work: every other holiday.
• Time off requires manager approval.

Additional Information

• Scrub color: any professional color; procedural scrubs provided for OR only.
• Free parking available.

Summary

This position is ideal for an experienced OB nurse comfortable with LDRP care, newborn care, and occasional low-acuity Med Surg overflow patients. The unit offers strong support with midwives and OB backup, a manageable patient ratio, and a structured orientation. The role requires multiple certifications and a minimum of 2 years OB experience, with preference for nurses who have 3+ years L&D experience if a first-time traveler.