The NEST program is a 24/7 remote operation staffed with experienced Labor & Delivery RNs who provide continuous remote monitoring of fetal tracings for obstetric patients across UMMS hospitals. Under the direction of the Nurse Manager, the RN collaborates with bedside teams across all UMMS L&D units to support early identification, communication, and escalation of concerning fetal heart rate and uterine activity tracings.
Both levels function as professional nurses within the obstetric service line, advancing evidence-based practice, supporting patient-centered care, enhancing patient safety, and contributing to quality, service, and operational outcomes.
II. Core Responsibilities Mutual (SCN I & SCN II)
Clinical Practice / Care Delivery
Monitor fetal tracings for physiological abnormalities.
Assess fetal monitoring tracings and review documentation of interventions performed by the bedside care team.
Communicate concerning fetal heart rate and uterine activity findings, poor signal quality, and other issues to the primary RN or charge nurse.
Follow established chain-of-command for escalation of concerning tracings.
Utilize the Electronic Medical Record to validate and support findings from the remote monitoring station.
Serve as a clinical and professional resource to Labor & Delivery nurses.
Utilize NICHD fetal monitoring terminology consistently and accurately in interpretation and communication.
Role model patient-centered care and effective interdisciplinary communication.
Service Quality / Safety
Model customer service behaviors and service recovery skills.
Monitor patient safety standards and contribute to development and implementation of improvement plans.
Participate in performance improvement and quality initiatives.
Participate in research activities as applicable.
Ensure patient safety through reporting of adverse events, near misses, and identification of risks.
Unit / Program Operations
Perform charge nurse role as scheduled.
Serve as a liaison to L&D units.
Role model and hold peers accountable to AACN Healthy Work Environment standards.
Support orientation and transition of newly hired RNs.
Working Conditions (Both Levels)
Weekend, shift work, holiday, on-call, and overtime may be required.
Work requires prolonged sitting or standing at a workstation and repetitive hand use.
III. SCN I Level-Specific Expectations
Role Focus:
Clinical and professional leadership primarily at the unit/program level.
Professional Development & Leadership
Serves as preceptor, coach, and mentor to new nurses and students.
Actively engages in advancing own clinical practice.
Mentors peers to achieve and maintain required competencies.
Contributes to unit-based peer review processes.
Leads unit-based professional development governance activities.
Coordinates unit-level education and competency validation.
Oversees unit orientation processes.
Participates in community health-related activities (e.g., health fairs).
