Registered Nurse - NICU​/Req

Job Description – NICU Registered Nurse

Objective: A Registered Nurse (RN) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides nursing care for preterm and/or newborn infants in distress or transitioning from intrauterine to extrauterine life, guided by unit policies and procedures.

• Nursing Process
  • Applies nursing process in direct patient care.
  • Provides accurate assessment and documentation of physiological, psycho-social, cultural, developmental, socioeconomic, and spiritual needs within the time frame appropriate for level of care.
  • Maintains logical care plan progression with shift evaluations of patient progress in relation to the plan.
  • Provides information to patient/family regarding educational resources and directs educational process.
  • Begins discharge planning on admission with appropriate referrals and updates as required by the patient.
  • Adheres to admission and transfer criteria and to all current policies and procedures; seeks clarification as needed.
  • Evaluates and documents outcomes of medical, nursing, and ancillary team interventions.
  • Incorporates time management skills in care delivery.
• Nursing Care Delivery Process
  • Demonstrates knowledge of current nursing practices and procedures.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and use of resources and forms; understands hospital structure and administrative resources.
  • Interprets rules and regulations and demonstrates knowledge of legal aspects of nursing care and patient rights.
  • Acts as liaison between medical staff and patient care team.
• Technical Equipment
  • Able to operate technical equipment in area of care safely, efficiently, and accurately.
• Environment
  • Maintains a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment; assesses safety/cleanliness and reports needed changes.
  • Uses resources, equipment, and supplies efficiently with cost awareness; reports hazardous conditions.
  • Uses clean and aseptic techniques; applies Exposure Control Plan and Standard Precautions; understands emergency codes.
• Leadership/Professionalism
  • Supervises care provided by others; assumes responsibility for quality of care; provides accurate patient care reports.
  • Maintains professional relationships and adheres to privacy laws and Code of Conduct; complies with Compliance & Integrity Program policies.
  • Completes mandatory training within assigned time frames; demonstrates ethical decision making and a culture of safety.
• Communication
  • Communicates effectively with patients, families, visitors, and physicians; solves problems and manages crisis related to physicians, patients, families, and staff.
  • Follows the Chain of Command and Conflict Management process; accepts constructive criticism.
• Age Specific & Cultural Requirement
  • Demonstrates knowledge of special needs and behaviors of age-specific and cultural groups; participates in related education and training.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in required age-specific and cultural competencies.

• Participates on unit or hospital-based committees.
• Other duties as assigned, within compliance with Title 22, The Joint Commission, and CMS.

• Knowledge: supports and adheres to AVH values and mission; complies with accreditation standards; supports quality management and performance improvement guidelines.
• Skills:
  
  follows telephone etiquette/standards; demonstrates teamwork; safely and effectively uses all equipment to carry out duties.
• Abilities: adheres to AVH policies; organizes work and priorities; performs duties under pressure; contributes to patient/customer satisfaction; maintains confidentiality; follows safety rules and hospital/department policies; interprets and follows Joint Commission requirements.

• Education – Licensure, certifications, and health standards are current; participates in mandatory/optional educational activities; demonstrates competency with hospital information technologies; completes written and practical competencies annually.
• Experience – Two years acute care nursing preferred; new graduate training provided as appropriate.

• Required:
  
  California Registered Nurse license; BCLS; ACLS, PALS, and/or other specialty certifications as required for some areas.
• Desired:
  Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification; BSN or MSN preferred; additional neonatal certifications (RNC-NIC, CCRN-Neonatal); STABLE program certification.

• Work is often performed under stressful, emotional, and physical conditions; may be exposed to infections, chemicals, and radiation; may involve heavy lifting or exertion; frequent standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs frequently.

Note:

A detailed description of physical requirements is maintained in the Employee Health Department.