Labor and Delivery RN
Merced, California
Mercy Medical Center Merced

Labor and Delivery (L/S) RN

Location: Merced, California Contract Length: 13 weeks Shift: Days, 12-hour shifts (7a and 7p start times; be dressed, ready, and obtain report by start time) Hours: 36 per week

Required Qualifications

• 2 full years of experience (L/S nursing)
• Active BLS, ACLS, NRP, and AWHONN certifications
• AWHONN intermediate EFM
• Active California RN license
• Strong IV skills
• Comfort using evidence-based algorithms (travelers will meet with the perinatal safety officer)
• Ability to circulate C-sections

Unit and Assignment Details

• Unit: L&D, averaging 200 to 240 births per month
• Beds: 9 plus 7 triage beds
• Ratios: Follow AWHONN guidelines; 1:2 if patient is on magnesium
• Charge nurse: Yes, each shift
• Nurse aides: OB techs
• Floating: To postpartum
• Floor-specific orientation: 3 shifts on unit
• Online modules: Assigned during orientation, not before assignment
• Scrubs: Provided by the hospital
• Tele and vents: None
• Coverage: OB and anesthesia in house 24/7 (labor hospitalist); anesthesia on call 24/7 but not in house; RT and pharmacy 24/7
• Call: Not required, but available as an opportunity
• Scheduling: Manager cannot honor set or blocked scheduling
• Radius rule: A 50-mile radius rule applies

Weekends and Holidays

• Three weekend shifts in a four-week scheduled period (another section lists two weekends per four weeks; confirm with the recruiter)
• Holidays vary, and may be every other holiday

Patient Population and Expectations

• Common patients include high-risk transfers, antepartum patients (including magnesium), and a high Hispanic population; bilingual staff are welcome
• Epidural rates are lower than at many other hospitals
• The unit values a baby-friendly experience, including a baby nurse who helps with infant care
• Nurses must follow baby-friendly and golden hour practices, and often bathe babies in postpartum
• Hourly rounds, bedside report, and documentation are required
• A satellite Level 2 NICU is physically in the hospital but is not part of it; it attends deliveries as needed
• No circumcisions are performed
• The unit needs experienced nurses willing to teach and educate newer nurses