The safety of women undergoing surgical obstetric procedures depends significantly on the competence and experience of those responsible for care management. As such, the nursing care provided to women in the pre-operative and postoperative periods can’t be less important than that provided during the operative period.

When an obstetrical patient is considered critically ill, the best location for providing care is determined by a review of the variables impacting on the situation. For example:

• Availability of health care providers with experience and education in caring for critically ill obstetric patients.
• Availability of emergency equipment and supplies.
• Availability of 24-hour health care support systems, including but not limited to diagnostic testing services, and laboratory, respiratory, anesthesia, medical and surgical services.
• Availability of equipment required for cardiopulmonary arrest in pregnancy.
• Ability to provide perimortem cesarean delivery.
• Ability to provide cardiopulmonary bypass, if indicated.
• Nursing staff all BCLS certified as required in the care of pregnant women.
• Nursing staff is Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP) certified in the care of the newborn.
• Certified nurse midwives.
• Nursing staff with Paediatric Advanced Life Support certification (PALS).