Pediatric Transport Nurse (RN), Full-Time

Responsible for delivery of care to critically ill/injured neonatal/pediatric patients with complex and changing needs using the nursing process. Transport nurses handle flight and ground transport requirements and retain authority, responsibility, and shift accountability for nursing care during transport. When not on transport, the nurse functions as a resource and offers assistance in any area where there is a Children’s Hospital patient.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates nursing expertise in caring for patients with complex and rapidly changing needs using the nursing process.
• Provides accurate assessment, anticipates potential problems, takes appropriate action, and performs interventions with proper documentation.
• Bases decisions on relevant scientific principles and established standards of care.
• Completes transport-related documentation, including unit-specific forms.
• Coordinates and collaborates with healthcare providers to stabilize acutely ill neonatal and pediatric patients at referring centers.
• Consults with referring medical providers and accepting attending physicians.
• Performs treatments and procedures in accordance with WVU Medicine Children’s Transport Program policies.
• With documented training, performs specialized procedures such as endotracheal intubation, umbilical vessel catheterization, needle thoracotomy, chest tube placement, mechanical ventilation, and intraosseous access.
• Administers medication following WVUH policies and procedures.
• Initiates direct communication with the accepting attending physician during transport to report clinical assessments and patient status.
• Identifies and addresses referral hospital education needs through informal or formal teaching.
• Evaluates and recommends changes to practice methods to meet patient needs.
• Maintains communication within the transport program, flight program, and with other agencies.
• Coordinates care with other healthcare professionals, demonstrating sound decision-making skills.
• Performs patient follow-up activities within 72 hours of transport.
• Maintains clear and effective radio and phone communications.
• Ensures safety of patients, EMS personnel, staff, and other healthcare providers.
• Cleans transport program equipment according to infection control policies and hospital guidelines.
• Participates in healthcare promotional activities sponsored by the hospital and transport program.
• Maintains and checks all essential equipment, ensuring it is in safe and operating condition.
• Restocks transport supplies after each transport and maintains established supply inventory.
• Maintains competency through participation in transport and nursing department activities.
• Completes annual mandatory clinical and operational competencies and maintains required certifications.
• Participates in the orientation of new transport crewmembers and acts as a formal mentor for nurses and respiratory therapists.
• Attends and participates in required educational and operational meetings.
• Develops and participates in continuing education activities.

Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse license issued by the state of practice or a multi-state license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications within 90 days of hire.
• Two (2) years of pediatric/neonatal intensive care unit nursing experience OR
• Two (2) years of pediatric/neonatal experience in ground or air transport or Emergency Department setting OR
• Four (4) years of pediatric/neonatal experience in ground or air transport in a military healthcare setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• West Virginia Mobile Critical Care Nurse (MCCN) certification within two (2) years of hire.
• S.T.A.B.L.E. Certification.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), or Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certifications.

Physical Requirements

• Maximum weight of 220 pounds suggested for safety and agility in helicopter and ambulance environments; quarterly weigh-ins required.
• Yearly Air Methods and Survival training as required by Healthnet.
• Frequent standing, walking, talking, hearing, and use of hands to handle or feel.
• Occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and smelling.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 100 lbs occasionally and up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Visual acuity corrected to 20/40 or better, including close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• No use of prescription or over-the-counter medication unless approved by Employee Health or Occupational Medicine.
• No medical condition likely to be aggravated by transport duties or that may endanger patients or other transport personnel.
• Hearing (aid permitted) – must perceive a forced whisper at greater than 5 feet in at least one ear.
• Regular Occupational Medicine evaluations and weigh-ins as deemed appropriate.

Working Environment

• Close collaboration with others.
• Protracted or irregular hours.
• Exposure to biohazards, infectious diseases, and deceased individuals.
• Use of hands in water and exposure to electrical hazards from patient care equipment.
• Transport care to outlying hospitals via ambulance and helicopter in inclement weather and life-threatening conditions.

Skills

• Sound interpersonal and professional verbal skills for interactions with healthcare team members and the public.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36