RN - NICU Registered Nurse

Full-time night shift position in the Birth Center at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, primarily working 1800–0630 with every third weekend and holiday rotation. This role involves caring for pediatric patients up to age 18, laboring patients, postpartum couplets, and surgical patients, with cross-training in the Level 2 NICU and opportunities to assist in the Emergency Department.

About the Role

As the only pediatric inpatient unit in the Dubuque area, staff provide family-centered care, including physical assessments, medication administration, care planning, and patient education. The team collaborates closely with physicians, respiratory therapists, and laboratory personnel to fulfill each patient’s plan of care. The schedule is self-directed with guidance from the unit-based staffing committee.

Pediatric staff are cross-trained to care for Level 2 NICU patients and postpartum couplets, with additional opportunities to assist in pediatric emergency care. All staff are certified in NRP and PALS onsite and must maintain BLS and Mandatory Reporter certifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of pediatric, neonatal, and maternal patients, including admission assessments within 30 minutes of arrival and completion of all database components within 24 hours.
• Develop and implement outcome-based care plans, incorporating obstetric, neonatal, or pediatric history, and prioritizing care for both mother and child.
• Coordinate and delegate patient care based on acuity and team member competencies, including tasks for LPNs, Patient Care Technicians, and other team members.
• Administer medications, treatments, and physician orders, ensuring adherence to the “5 Rights” of medication safety.
• Monitor and interpret fetal heart tracings and neonatal vital signs, responding appropriately to changes in condition and providing interventions during emergencies.
• Communicate patient status, progress, and changes to physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and families, ensuring accurate and complete documentation.
• Assist in discharge planning, providing resources for newborn care, breastfeeding support, and pediatric follow-up.
• Provide age-appropriate care, applying principles of growth and development for newborns, children, and adolescents.
• Adhere to safety and infection control standards, including proper use of PPE and emergency procedures for obstetric and pediatric emergencies.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, laws, and regulations, including Trinity Health’s Integrity Program and Standards of Conduct.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and serve as a resource for other hospital services.

Requirements

• Associate degree in nursing (required).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (preferred).
• Current Iowa RN license (required; Illinois license if working in IL).
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (required).
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three months of hire.
• Certification in NRP and PALS (provided onsite).
• Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (required within the first year), ACLS, and NRP.
• High language proficiency, intermediate to high math skills, and strong critical thinking ability.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Exposure to hazardous substances, infectious or communicable diseases, and potential injury from patients or equipment.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of 50–100 lbs (76–100% of the time).
• Standing, walking, or moving about for 76–100% of the time.
• Ability to comply with organizational policies and procedures.