Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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.