Senior Registered Nurse - Neonatal ICU

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The RN is a licensed professional who uses the Parkland nursing professional practice model to coordinate patient care delivery, that focuses on a particular patient population(s)/specific health condition, by the health care team. Using the nursing process, the RN assesses the patient, identifies nursing diagnoses based on responses to health problems, develops and implements an individualized plan of care, and evaluates the patient's response. The RN utilizes knowledge of patient needs and the healthcare environment to assist patients to transition through the healthcare encounter without any preventable complications or delays. The RN delegates interventions to health care personnel based on the Texas Nursing Practice Act, each patient's condition and the competencies of the employee.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education

• Must be a graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

Experience

• Must have two years of nursing experience in a level III or higher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
• Prefer experience in an acute care setting.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have current RN license or valid temporary permit with the Texas Board of Nursing or a valid Compact RN license.

• Must have current healthcare provider BLS Healthcare Provider certification from one of the following:

• American Heart Association

• American Red Cross

• Military Training Network.

• Must have Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification on hire or reclassification into the role.

• May be required to have additional specialty certifications.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Provides care to assigned patient population in accordance with the current State of Texas Nursing Practice Act, established protocols, multidisciplinary plan of care, and clinical area specific standards.
• Provides continuous assessment, consults with other team members as required and provides nursing care which demonstrates patient centered/patient valued care.
• Exercises independent judgment in providing nursing care.
• Must be able to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and hospital staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• May be required to communicate effectively, via the overhead paging system.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to provide direction to non-nursing staff, serve as a preceptor, and serve on rotation as a Charge Nurse.
• Must be able to prepare and conduct in-service educational programs.
• Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.
• As applicable, will be required to demonstrate acceptable knowledge of nursing standards of care for specialty care area.
• Must demonstrate analytical, facilitation, problem solving, negotiations and conflict resolution skills

Responsibilities

• Serves as a patient advocate, by focusing on patient needs, patient rights, confidentiality, and religious and cultural preferences. Maintains positive working relationships with all Parkland internal and external customers, employees, etc. Serves as a resource for patients and other healthcare team members. Serves as a resource for specific clinical patient care issues. Provides patient care educational information and training to patient and family members. May participate in community outreach activities (such as health fairs, community collaborations or outreach clinics) as assigned.
• Maintains and implements knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact or govern nursing practice, and ensures the hospital and Parkland are in compliance. Maintains and updates knowledge of sanitation, infection control, safety, supplies, equipment, appropriate utilization of supplies and materials.
• Performs appropriate patient assessments including continuous surveillance. Recognizes changes in a patient's condition and provides appropriate interventions as necessary. Consults with other team members as required, notifies providers to report changes in patient condition and implements orders in a timely manner. Exercises independent judgment in providing safe nursing care to the critically ill/stable patient.
• Appropriate positioning, assessment and management of pain as developmentally appropriate for gestational age and provides emergency resuscitation management of an infant. Maintains appropriate infant security standards within the department.
• Completes appropriate documentation. Maintains accurate and timely entries and notations in patient care records and hospital documents. Ensures that all records and documents meet the standards, goals, and objectives of the NICU and Parkland.
• Works with other staff in providing direction to non-nursing staff. Participates in information exchanges with nursing and other Parkland staff that support the standards, missions, goals and objectives of the NICU and Parkland. Seeks and utilizes direction from more experienced staff and team members as needed. Provides appropriate hand off any time care is relinquished. Serves as Charge Nurse on rotation as necessary.
• Serves as a preceptor or trainer to newer nursing staff members.
• Identifies ways to improve work process and improve patient and customer satisfaction utilizing therapeutic communication with family including recommendations for support groups, providing information and resources. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the NICU and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in nursing practice by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals and actively participating in professional organizations. Maintains State of Texas Licensure as a Registered Nurse, plus any additional required licensures/certifications. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Any duties deemed competent