The department of Gynecology and Obstetrics has a commitment to women and their newborns that is unsurpassed! Visitors are always impressed by the team work they observe among the nurses, physicians, social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists, and other support staff. A synergy is created by the interdisciplinary communication and collaboration typical of our department. The value of this synergy is reflected in the plan of care and the decision-making process for each patient. The recognition of having been ranked number one in this specialty for thirteen consecutive years by US News and World Report has kept us humble. We work very hard to assure that Hopkins' nursing care meets the expectations of our patients as well as our colleagues.

Our facilities are excellent. The Labor & Delivery suite, ante partum and postpartum area, the prenatal diagnostic center and obstetrical ultrasound unit have all been renovated very recently. They help us remain on the cutting edge in the delivery of patient care. Hopkins is identified by the State of Maryland as a Level IV perinatal center for high risk obstetrics. Patients are transported to us from all over the state, and their families and doctors count on us to be there when patients need high-level care. A large proportion of our nursing staff have been proud Hopkins nurses over a long span of years. These long-term nurses bring unparalleled knowledge and expertise to the bedside. The support of clinical specialists, nurse educators, and senior experienced staff provides a rich resource to the development of nursing colleagues in the subspecialties. We have a cross-training program that supports obstetrical nurses in developing expertise over the entire continuum of care. Nurses receive exemplary training opportunities that help them achieve highly marketable skills and knowledge.

The Weinberg Cancer Center houses our gynecologic oncology service that provides women with both medical and surgical management of their care. An educational program has been developed for new nurses in the care of gynecology and gynecologic oncology patients to assure competencies in these areas. New nursing staff can always count on mentoring by senior staff with extraordinary expertise in this demanding subspecialty.

Nurses who join the staff in Gynecology and Obstetrics will have rare opportunities to learn from the best of the best in this subspecialty. Working side by side with those in the front ranks of research and science leads to many avenues for personal growth and advancement. The rewards in Gynecology and Obstetrics are great and the possibilities are endless.

Diann L. Snyder, RN, MSN
Director of Nursing
Gynecology and Obstetrics