OB Tech Careers at WVU Medicine - Princeton Community Hospital

Role Overview

The OB Tech at WVU Medicine's Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) plays a crucial role in supporting the nursing staff and ensuring a smooth and efficient operation within the Obstetrics Unit. This position combines unit secretary responsibilities with direct patient care assistance, making it a versatile and valuable member of the healthcare team. The OB Tech assists Registered Nurses (RNs) with various tasks, including patient transport, ambulation, and other patient care duties within their scope of practice. They also handle administrative tasks such as answering phones, maintaining patient records, and ordering supplies.

A Day in the Life of an OB Tech

A typical day for an OB Tech at PCH might involve: * Answering phone calls and intercom inquiries, providing helpful information and directing calls as needed. * Maintaining accurate patient census records, bed boards, and room assignments, ensuring efficient patient flow. * Logging mother and baby information, including tag numbers, to maintain accurate records. * Updating the communication booklet and transcribing meeting minutes to keep staff informed. * Assisting with ordering and stocking essential department supplies, including blankets and IV trays. * Entering vital signs and patient diet orders into the electronic medical record (EMR). * Completing online birth scores to track newborn health. * Maintaining a clean and organized environment in nurse stations and hallways. * Preparing rooms for deliveries and circumcisions, and cleaning up afterward. * Transporting labeled specimens to the lab for analysis. * Monitoring temperature logs to ensure proper storage of medications and supplies. * Assembling new patient charts and preparing charts for discharge. * Conducting monthly unit inspections and chart checks to ensure compliance with standards. * Collecting and reporting monthly OB statistics to the nurse manager. * Assisting with postpartum patient care, including newborn bathing and weighing. * Supporting infant feeding and diaper changes, documenting intake and output in the EMR. * Assisting with newborn photography. * Transporting patients to other departments with appropriate documentation. * Performing newborn hearing screens and recording results accurately. * Performing simple procedures like taking temperatures, pulse rates, and blood pressures. * Escorting mothers and infants to their vehicles upon discharge. * Making follow-up calls to patients and scheduling appointments.

Why Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) in Princeton, West Virginia?

Princeton Community Hospital offers a unique opportunity to work in a community-focused environment while being part of the larger WVU Medicine network. Princeton, West Virginia, provides a balanced lifestyle with access to outdoor activities, affordable living, and a close-knit community. Working at PCH allows you to make a direct impact on the health and well-being of the local population, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The region offers: * **Affordable Living:** Housing costs in Princeton are significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive place to live. * **Outdoor Recreation:** The surrounding Appalachian Mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. * **Small-Town Charm:** Princeton offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community. * **Proximity to Larger Cities:** Princeton is within driving distance of larger cities like Roanoke, Virginia, and Charleston, West Virginia, offering access to additional amenities and cultural attractions.

Career Path for an OB Tech

The OB Tech position can serve as a stepping stone to various career paths within WVU Medicine. With experience and further education, an OB Tech can advance to roles such as: * **Registered Nurse (RN):** By pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing, an OB Tech can become a Registered Nurse and take on more advanced patient care responsibilities. * **Certified Surgical Technologist (CST):** With additional training and certification, an OB Tech can specialize in surgical procedures and work in the operating room. * **Labor and Delivery Nurse:** Specializing in labor and delivery, RNs provide comprehensive care to women during childbirth. * **Charge Nurse:** An experienced RN can advance to a charge nurse position, overseeing the daily operations of the OB unit. * **Nurse Manager:** With leadership skills and experience, an RN can become a nurse manager, responsible for the overall management and performance of the OB unit.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for an OB Tech at WVU Medicine's Princeton Community Hospital is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. While the exact salary range may vary, a typical range for this position in the Princeton, West Virginia area is $30,000 to $45,000 per year. In addition to a competitive salary, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** With employer matching contributions. * **Life Insurance:** And disability coverage. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):** For healthcare and dependent care expenses. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** For confidential counseling and support. * **Wellness Programs:** And resources to promote employee health and well-being. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** For continuing education and professional development. * **Employee Discounts:** On various products and services.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. The organization fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement. WVU Medicine emphasizes patient-centered care, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care in a safe and compassionate environment. Employees are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to the organization's mission of improving the health of the communities it serves.

How to Apply

To apply for the OB Tech position at WVU Medicine's Princeton Community Hospital, please click on the "Apply" button located at the top of this job posting. Complete the application form in full and attach your resume and cover letter. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience, including any certifications or licenses you hold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. **What are the required qualifications for the OB Tech position?** * A high school diploma or equivalent and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire are required. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification and one year of patient care experience are preferred. 2. **What are the key responsibilities of an OB Tech?** * Key responsibilities include answering phones, maintaining patient records, assisting with patient care, ordering supplies, and maintaining a clean and organized environment. 3. **What is the typical work schedule for an OB Tech?** * The work schedule may vary depending on the needs of the unit, but it typically involves a combination of day, evening, and night shifts, as well as weekend and holiday rotations. 4. **What opportunities are there for professional development and advancement?** * WVU Medicine offers various professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs. The OB Tech position can serve as a stepping stone to other roles within the organization, such as Registered Nurse or Surgical Technologist. 5. **What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees are valued and respected. The organization emphasizes teamwork, patient-centered care, and continuous improvement. 6. **What is the dress code for OB Techs?** * OB Techs are typically required to wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes. Specific dress code guidelines will be provided during the onboarding process. 7. **What kind of training is provided for new OB Techs?** * New OB Techs receive comprehensive training, including orientation to the unit, instruction on specific tasks and procedures, and ongoing mentorship from experienced staff members. 8. **Are there opportunities for overtime?** * Opportunities for overtime may be available depending on the needs of the unit. Overtime is typically compensated at a rate of 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate. 9. **How does WVU Medicine support employee well-being?** * WVU Medicine offers a variety of wellness programs and resources to support employee health and well-being, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), health screenings, and fitness challenges. 10. **What is the patient population served by the OB unit at Princeton Community Hospital?** * The OB unit serves a diverse patient population from the Princeton, West Virginia area and surrounding communities. The unit provides comprehensive care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.