An ob-gyn nurse fills a number of roles in childbirth and health care.
An obstetrics and gynecology nurse is a registered nurse practitioner who provides childbirth and gynecology health care to patients, specifically in areas related to pregnancy, menopause, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal infections and pap smears, according to the Health Communities website.
Education
The path to a career as an ob-gyn nurse, often begins with licensed practical nurse certification, typically a one-year academic program in which the participant learns to assist registered nurses in caring for patients. The LPN then participates in additional education that culminates in either a registered nurse license or a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Alternatives
A certified nurse midwife is also a registered ob-gyn nurse, supervising and delivering the care for women before, during and after the labor process. She provides newborn care and educates women on infant parenting, breastfeeding and family planning.
Responsibilities
An ob-gyn nurse may care for women with breast, ovarian, uterine or cervical cancer. She may perform physical exams, administer or clarify test results, diagnose and treat illness. At times, the nurse might receive training to conduct biopsies, insert contraceptive devices and assist in surgery.
Tags: ob-gyn nurse, care women, health care, registered nurse
