maternity-support-worker/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — maternity support worker

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-9099.01 (Midwives).

Task statements

• [Core] Assist maternal patients to find physical positions that will facilitate childbirth.
• [Core] Monitor maternal condition during labor by checking vital signs, monitoring uterine contractions, or performing physical examinations.
• [Core] Provide comfort and relaxation measures for mothers in labor through interventions such as massage, breathing techniques, hydrotherapy, or music.
• [Core] Set up or monitor the administration of oxygen or medications.
• [Core] Assess birthing environments to ensure cleanliness, safety, and the availability of appropriate supplies.
• [Core] Assess the status of post-date pregnancies to determine treatments and interventions.
• [Core] Collect specimens for use in laboratory tests.
• [Core] Conduct ongoing prenatal health assessments, tracking changes in physical and emotional health.
• [Core] Develop, implement, or evaluate individualized plans for midwifery care.
• [Core] Establish and follow emergency or contingency plans for mothers and newborns.
• [Core] Estimate patients' due dates and re-evaluate as necessary based on examination results.
• [Core] Evaluate patients' laboratory and medical records, requesting assistance from other practitioners when necessary.
• [Core] Respond to breech birth presentations by applying methods such as exercises or external version.
• [Core] Identify, monitor, or treat pregnancy-related problems such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-term labor, or retarded fetal growth.
• [Core] Identify tubal and ectopic pregnancies and refer patients for treatments.
• [Core] Inform patients of how to prepare and supply birth sites.
• [Core] Monitor fetal growth and well-being through heartbeat detection, body measurement, and palpation.
• [Core] Maintain documentation of all patients' contacts, reviewing and updating records as necessary.
• [Core] Obtain complete health and medical histories from patients including medical, surgical, reproductive, or mental health histories.
• [Core] Perform post-partum health assessments of mothers and babies at regular intervals.
• [Core] Provide information about the physical and emotional processes involved in the pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum periods.
• [Core] Provide necessary medical care for infants at birth, including emergency care such as resuscitation.
• [Core] Provide, or refer patients to other providers for, education or counseling on topics such as genetic testing, newborn care, contraception, or breastfeeding.
• [Core] Refer patients to specialists for procedures such as ultrasounds or biophysical profiles.
• [Core] Suture perineal lacerations.
• [Core] Test patients' hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood glucose levels.
• [Core] Compile and evaluate clinical practice statistics.
• [Core] Counsel women regarding the nutritional requirements of pregnancy.
• [Core] Incorporate research findings into practice as appropriate.
• [Core] Provide information about community health and social resources.
• [Core] Recommend the use of vitamin and mineral supplements to enhance the health of patients and children.
• [Core] Treat patients' symptoms with alternative health care methods such as herbs or hydrotherapy.
• [Core] Provide patients with contraceptive and family planning information.
• [Core] Perform annual gynecologic exams, including pap smears and breast exams.
• [Supplemental] Complete birth certificates.
• [Supplemental] Collaborate in research studies.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
• Analyze quantitative data to determine effectiveness of treatments or therapies.
• Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
• Apply new technologies to improve work processes.
• Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
• Care for women during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
• Collect biological specimens from patients.
• Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
• Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
• Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
• Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
• Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
• Develop medical treatment plans.
• Diagnose medical conditions.
• Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
• Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
• Inspect facilities for cleanliness.
• Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients.
• Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
• Operate on patients to treat conditions.
• Position patients for treatment or examination.
• Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
• Prepare official health documents or records.
• Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
• Record patient medical histories.
• Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
• Stock medical or patient care supplies.
• Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
• Treat medical emergencies.
• Treat patients using alternative medical procedures.