Doula

Lexington Medical Center•West Columbia, SC

About The Position

The labor doula provides emotional support and physical comfort measures during the childbirth process. The postpartum doula provides emotional and educational care to mothers and families during the postpartum period.

Requirements

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (May be considered if currently enrolled in GED classes)
Minimum Years of Experience: None
Substitutable Education & Experience: None
Required Certifications/Licensure: None
Required Training: Completion of Certified Doula Training workshop

Responsibilities

After completion of a labor support training seminar, the Doula will perform assigned labor support tasks under the direction and supervision of a designated Associate Registered Nurse.
Demonstrates competence to provide developmentally appropriate care/treatment for the following patient populations: Infant (Birth to 1 year); Child (1 year through 12 years); Adolescent (13 years through 17 years); Adult (18 years to 65 years); Geriatric (Over 65 years
Recognizes need for safety measures and takes appropriate action to prevent injury.
Organizes the patient's environment and assists with personal hygiene.
Assists patients in ambulation; positions patients for comfort.
Assists patient and/or family in using non-pharmacological measures for pain management.
Provides labor support in a non-judgmental manner.
Respects patient/family wishes for their childbirth experience.
Performs follow-up visit with patients.
Makes home visits as requested by patients
Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum period.
Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying.
Offers evidence-based information on infant feedings, emotional and physician recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary.
Will demonstrate those behaviors, philosophies and values which serve to uphold the ideals and enhance the image of Lexington Medical Center.
Maintains confidentiality of patients, personnel and system information.
Maintains and respects patients' privacy.
Respects patient "Bill of Rights".
Functions as patient advocate.
Maintains a courteous and professional manner in dealing with patients, visitors, medical staff and fellow employees.
Presents professional appearance in dress and grooming: Adheres to Dress Code; Maintains personal hygiene and cleanliness appropriate to contact with patients, visitors and co-workers.
Participates in peer review. Demonstrates responsibility for sharing with peer’s constructive feedback regarding their practice.
Attendance and participation in 50% of doula meetings. Demonstrates initiative in getting information regarding content of missed meetings, i.e. reading minutes.
Demonstrates receptiveness to change and maintains a positive attitude through the change process.
Works in a cooperative manner, which fosters favorable relations between employees and patients, patients’ families, visitors, fellow employees, and the medical staff. Accepts chain of command, supervision, and constructive criticism.
Exhibits commitment and pride through personal example by speaking positively about LMC, the department, employees, and guests.
Contributes to teamwork and creates harmonious, effective and positive working relationships with others by: Responding to requests in a cooperative and responsive manner; Speaking respectfully of/to other employees and guests by minimizing criticism and adversarial behaviors; Assuming responsibility without making excuses, offering assistance whenever possible without being asked; Respects, understands, and responds with sensitivity to employees and guests by treating others as one would wish to be treated.
Resolves conflicts and problems-solves by: Remaining calm when confronted; Listening carefully; Acknowledging that the problem is valid to the other person’s perception; Attempting to identify solutions and/or referring person to the appropriate authority; Attempting to deliver more than is expected.
Exhibits telephone courtesy by: Answering promptly with proper name and department. Speaking with a pleasant tone while focusing attention to caller. Transferring calls correctly and promptly. Attending to calls on hold in a timely manner.
Maintains confidentiality by: Discouraging gossip. Using discretion when discussing patient, work or LMC related information with others.
Utilizes the service recovery process to resolve complaints (GIFT).
Will contribute to the effectiveness of the patient care team through the timely completion of assignments.
Demonstrates ability to utilize time effectively.
Provides ongoing reports of patient progress and status in completion of work assignment to Associate Care Manager/Registered Nurse.
Demonstrates initiative in completing unassigned tasks which would be beneficial to units.
Contributes to recruitment and retention of Doulas.
Conservatively utilizes and appropriately accounts for supplies and equipment.
Participates in maintaining a safe and clean environment.
Demonstrates knowledge of use and care of equipment. Displays appropriate skills in the use and maintenance of assigned equipment. Recognizes and reports malfunctioning or unsafe equipment to appropriate persons. Follows through with appropriate disposition of used equipment.
Will communicate effectively with health care team members and patients, families and visitors.
Reports pertinent data to the Associate Care Manager/Registered Nurse.
Communicates effectively with hospital personnel. Reports observations relevant to patient needs to Associate Care Manager /Registered Nurse. Utilizes channels of communication according to hospital policy and directs question and problems to the appropriate persons at the appropriate time. Share information regarding supplies, equipment and unit problems or accomplishments. Communicates effectively with other health care team members by being able to use system supports for conveying information, i.e. computer, tube system, etc. Participates in care conferences with other health care team members.
Communicates with peers to share knowledge and skills.
Completes birth record in a timely manner.
Participates and contributes to the departmental and organizational PI process.
Participates in Performance Improvement activities.
Identifies ineffective routines, interventions, systems, etc. which do not contribute to desired or identifiable outcomes and takes action to change these practices.
Participates in interdisciplinary monitoring and evaluation of patient needs.
Contributes to the development and revision of standards as needs are identified.
Identifies and utilizes information from monitors and research to effect changes in practice.
Facilitates change in a positive manner.
Contributes and participates in the evaluation of new systems.