RN (FLEX) - Neonatal ICU - The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center

Assists in coordinating, developing, implementing and evaluating nurse care and practice within a specific unit. Maintains standards of nursing care and practice by directing and guiding unit personnel. Collaborates with nurse manager and educator with orientation of professional and ancillary nursing personnel assigned to unit. 

• Has thorough knowledge of the pathophysiology and developmental growth of the neonate.
• Conducts a complete assessment and reassessment of the neonate according to policy (patient acuity).
• Delivers patient care based on neonate’s gestational age and stage of development.
• Utilizes the nursing process in providing nursing care based on the identified needs/problems.
• Monitors vital signs as per policy (patient acuity).
• Understands and performs pain assessment and reassessment using age-appropriate tools.
• Cares for the neonatal patient utilizing the NICU policies and procedures.
• Participates in policy and procedure development and revisions.
• Participates in unit based performance improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates and states use of and functions of NICU equipment.
• Explains use and necessity of high-tech equipment to parents.
• Actively participates in parent teaching in the care of the neonate and fostering family-centered care.
• Assesses parent-infant interaction and makes appropriate referrals to support services when necessary.
• Participation in multi-disciplinary meetings and parent conferences.
• Aware of current trends in neonatal nursing.
• Provides safe and effective respiratory care to the neonate.
• Demonstrates the ability to care for a ventilated patient.
• Provides nursing care for the neonatal/pediatric patient receiving inhalation medication via nebulizer.
• Provides nursing care for the neonatal/pediatric patient on high frequency ventilation.
• Safely administers and monitors blood/blood products to the neonatal/pediatric patient.
• Properly inserts and removes nasogastric tubes.
• Starts, assesses and monitors IV infusions (peripheral and umbilical).
• Safely administers medications with knowledge of neonatal/pediatric medication and their common side effects. Prepares and administers ordered medications as per physicians order.
• Accurately calculates medications using mgs/kgs/dose/day.
• Demonstrates the ability to titrate intravenous medications according to the patient's hemodynamic status.
• Draw blood gases from indwelling arterial catheter.
• Performs venipuncture for blood sampling.
• Obtain blood via finger or heel stick.
• Management of neonate receiving phototherapy (bili-lights and bili-blankets).
• Supports breastfeeding mothers and neonates.
• Provide safe and effective pre and post op care of the neonate pedaitric patient.
• Monitors lab values and provides care accordingly.
• Monitor nutritional needs.
• Involved in palliative care and initiates bereavement when indicated.
• Aware of Code Pink infant safety policies and procedures.
• Assists the medical team with bedside procedures.
• Monitors and accompanies infants transported off of the unit for diagnostic procedures or tests.
• Demonstrates knowledge about neonatal infections, RDS, and other disease processes that affect the neonate.
• Attends deliveries on Labor and Delivery of high-risk neonates or when requested. (Write NA if non-applicable).
• Performs transitional duties; assists with the initiation of skin to skin and newborn care after NSVD and C-Sections.
• Participate in clinically appropriate continuing education activities.
• Delegates’ responsibilities to PCA/PCT to ensure tasks are completed; provide assistance as needed.
• Performs skin assessment per policy; utilizes BRADEN Q scale, participates in turning, positioning and skin care.
• Aware of developmental milestones and any deviations.
• Aware of NICU developmental care.
• Actively involved discharge planning.
• Initiates and assists with neonatal resuscitative measures.
• Sets up emergency equipment as needed.
• Ensuring regulatory requirements are met and maintained. Follows infection control standards of care
• Conducts individual and group discharge education and breastfeeding classes.
• Provide low-risk neonatal care to infants in the well-baby nursery including newborn assessments, daily care, audiology, phototherapy and other procedures as ordered.
• Collaborates with social work/case management for appropriate referrals to ACS, external agencies, etc.
• Monitors and performs essential tests on newborns.
• Performs duties of transitional nurse: assisting with skin to skin initiation ns newborn care after vaginal and cesarean delivery.
• Participates in clinically appropriate continuing education activities.
• Delegates responsibilities to PCA/PCT to ensure tasks are completed; provide assistance as needed.
• Maintains current nursing knowledge to assure a safe working environment
• Maintains competency and updates knowledge of standards of practice in scope of practice as per AWHON.
• Participates in assigned departmental or organizational committees, meetings and/or conferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the RN scope of practice.

Education:

Internal & 1199 SEIU:

• Graduate of accredited nursing program(s).
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.

Non 1199 SEIU Candidates:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or equivalent to BSN program.
• Master's degree in Nursing, preferred. 

Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year neonatal or pediatric experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Critical thinking, math, and computer skills; Works as a team player. 
• Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions.
• Excellent oral and communication skills. 
• Decision making and problem solving. 
• Able to read, write, see and hear English.

Licenses, Certifications:

• Current NY State RN License required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification (NRP) required.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required.
• WHO 20 hour Breastfeeding Course (Women and Children Division) or equivalent training required.
• Certified Lactation Counselor preferred
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant preferred
• Neonatal Critical Care Certification preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment requiring prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. 
• Position will be required to stoops, bends, lifts, carry items weighing up to 35 pounds for routine performance of essential functions.
• An individual in this position may be exposed to: Adverse indoor environmental conditions, Blood borne pathogens, Blood and body fluids, Physical hazards (e.g., needle pricks, etc.), communicable diseases, chemical hazards, radiation, and repetitive motions.
• Full range of body motion, able to lift up to 100 pounds, if necessary, to assist lifting and moving patients.
• Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand and eye coordination.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
• Frequently sitting at desk working on computer
• Ability to flex working hours.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

BHMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.