Registered Nurse NICU

Department Job Description Summary

Knowledge of medications and their correct administration for the neonates based on their diagnosis, age and weight.

Ability to assess the neonate at delivery and perform neonatal resuscitation.

Ability to perform head to toe assessment on neonates and reassessments as per policy.

Ability to monitor hemodynamic status of neonate and correctly interpret the findings.

Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring, identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately based on the Neonatal Resuscitation Program.

Performs and maintains IV therapy in neonates requiring medication administration, and fluid and electrolyte management.

Ability to monitor respiratory status of the neonate and maintain patent airway.

Co-ordinates and supervises neonatal care while promoting neonatal self-regulatory behaviors.

Absorbs and assists physicians with procedures in the NICU/Nursery.

Interacts professionally with the neonate/family and involves family in the plan of care.

Maintains a safe environment. Infant security policy, and infant/parent identification bands, incubator doors kept closed, monitor alarms are on and functioning correctly.

Demonstrates clinical knowledge of normal values for vital signs and lab work for the neonate.

Float within the Maternal Child Division willingly as per competency matrix.

Promotes and participates in hospital performance improvement activities including, but not limited to, data collection, participation in interdisciplinary team's and analysis and implementation of team findings.

Competent in insertion, assessment and discontinuation of catheters, tubes and/or drains.

Immediately responds to code blue in department, initiates CPR and demonstrates calm, professional manner during emergencies.

Demonstrates knowledge of the Neonatal/Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) for Nursery & Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation (N-PASS) for NICU. Proactive with providing comfort measures to the infant during painful procedures.

Assessment

Performs initial assessment of the neonates upon arrival to the unit.

Obtains and documents a complete nursing admission assessment.

Develops an interdisciplinary plan of care upon admission.

Performs and documents an accurate systems assessment at the beginning of each shift and reassessment completed as per policy.

Responds to diagnostic data and initiates appropriate action or intervention.

Affirms family education needs on admission and daily.

Affirms psychosocial needs specific to patient's age, growth, and development.

Planning

Initiates an interdisciplinary plan of care within eight hours of admission.

Establishes priorities for patient care based on the patient's problem list.

Implementation

Verbalizes understanding of patient diagnosis and interdisciplinary plan of care.

Safely and correctly initiates and documents nursing interventions in emergency situations.

Performs 24-hour chart check at the beginning of each shift.

Administers, observes, and documents intravenous therapy according to hospital policy.

Administers medications within 30 minutes of scheduled time. Observes and documents effectiveness; recognizes and reports adverse reactions immediately.

Provides individualized instructions as needed regarding the plan of care.

Demonstrates safe and correct use of unit specific equipment.

Adheres to standard precautions including hand hygene guidelines at all times.

Collections and labels specimens per policy when ordered by physician.

Performs bedside glucose monitoring according to policy.

Reports all abnormal findings immediately to physician.

Inserts intermittent or indwelling urinary catheter using aseptic technique.

Administers oxygen therapy according to physician order.

Transfers patients in/out of the unit in an efficient manner, by obtaining a complete and correct set of physician's orders.

Completes documentation of patient transfer summary and ensures appropriate completed referral forms accompany intra-facility transfers, including giving/receiving of report.

Evaluation

Documents/reports patient responses or outcomes resulting from: nursing interventions, treatments/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and patient/family education.

Evaluates and documents patient's progress towards established goals/objectives every shift.

Updates/revises patient care problem list and individualized patient care standards based on patient/family responses, progress towards goals, and/or change in medical status at least 24 hours + PRN.

Evaluates patient length of stay and related transfer/discharge planning needs based on anticipated problems, internal or community resources, and support systems.

Professional and Staff Development

Obtains 100% hospital mandatory required unit specific inservice annually.

Plans, presents, and documents unit inservice as required by level.

Documents competency in clinical skills annually.

Attends and actively participates in daily huddles.

Uses established lines of communication for resolution of problems and interpersonal conflict.

Is an active member of their professional organization.

Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge of FPQC's goals and ongoing initiatives on the Maternal Child Unit.

Participates in PI program by identifying PI indicators of major aspects of care at the unit level.

Documents and charges supplies used daily.

Engages in learning opportunities and applies knowledge to practice.

Actively participates in unit based council.