Obstetric technicians prepare the delivery room and patient for delivery or surgery.
An obstetric technician assists physicians and nurses throughout the labor and delivery process. The requirements for an obstetric technician can vary from state to state. However, most states require an obstetric technician to have a high school diploma, nursing assistant certification and experience working in a delivery room. While the specific duties of an obstetric technician vary from employer to employer, the main duties of this job remain the same. The average annual salary of an obstetric technician is $38,000 as of June 2010, according to Indeed.com.
Delivery Room Prep
A common duty for an obstetric technician is preparing the delivery room for a patient. The exact type of prep work depends on the facility where the mother will be delivering. Obstetric technicians organize medical instruments for the doctor by placing them within easy reach. Prior to a delivery, an obstetric technician takes inventory to ensure all equipment and supplies are readily available in the delivery/operating room. The most important duty of an obstetric technician is to ensure all medical equipment has been sterilized and remains sterile throughout the delivery/procedure.
Patient Prep
Prior to delivery or Caesarean section surgery, an obstetric technician prepares the patient by washing and shaving the procedure region on the patient. Obstetric technicians help place the patient on the operating table and dress the patients in proper delivery garments. Throughout the procedure, the obstetric technician ensures the patient is comfortable and, if required, calms the patient until anesthesia has been given.
Clerical Duties
Obstetric technicians help compile medical records and fill out forms to support the administrative tasks of a medical facility. Record keeping may include double-checking insurance or filing medical records within the clerical office. Obstetric technicians often work with medical office assistants when completing paperwork.
Tags: obstetric technician, Obstetric technicians, delivery room, delivery room patient, duty obstetric
