Neonatal Transport RN - Days

Provides professional nursing care for assigned patients according to established standards and practices; functions within the guidelines of the protocols for the transport program. Duties include assessment of patients, developing, implementing, and evaluating plan of care; identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of emergency care for acutely ill neonates in collaboration with the neonatologist; responsible for obtaining pertinent maternal and neonatal histories, performing physical examinations of the neonate, and formulating differential diagnoses and care management plans; provides family-centered care, including psychosocial support, education, and transfer planning in conjunction with referral staff; maintains effective communication with referral staff and families; educates referral staff through informal teaching; initiates and participates in educational, research, professional, and organizational activities that contribute to improving patient care, the transport program operation, and the individual's own professional development. Position requires a high quality of care in order to meet the hospital's core mission.

Qualifications

2 year / Associate Degree in Nursing from a state-accredited school (Required)

4 Year / Bachelor's Degree In Nursing (Preferred)

Work Experience

2 - 3 years Experience in a Level III NICU within the last 5 years (Required)

Licenses and Certifications

Required Certifications/Licensures: Registered Nurse (RN) with current Georgia license, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS)

Preferred Certifications/Licensures: AACN or NCC Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Certification

Essential Functions

Collects data in a systematic and ongoing process

Issues are identified and diagnoses are developed based on assessment data.

Prioritizes data collection based on the patient's condition and needs.

Identifies expected outcomes and plan based on diagnoses or issues.

Develops an individualized plan with strategies that address diagnoses.

Provides for continuity through a plan that directs other members of the team.

Implements the plan in a safe and timely manner.

Documents implementation and includes changes or omissions of the identified plan.

Consults with healthcare providers and makes referrals as appropriate.

Utilizes appropriate community resources and systems to implement the plan.

Documents and submits required information and data in a timely fashion.

Clearly and accurately documents designated processes, policies, products, service offerings, etc.

Ensures that documentation is tailored to expected readers / users.

Uses correct terminology.

Conforms to required style and format.

Develops expected outcomes that provide direction for continuity of care.

Involves patient/family and other disciplines to determine expected outcomes.

Modifies expected outcomes based on changes in the assessment of the patient.

Includes the patient and others involved in the care in the evaluation process.

Evaluates the plan in relation to patient responses and expected outcomes. Documents the results of the evaluation.

Accountable for individual practice and delegation to provide optimum care.

Practices with compassion and respect.

Primary commitment is to advocate for the patient, family and community.

Assures patient safety through competency and growth of self and others.

Contributes to a healthy work environment through shared decision making.

Collaborates with other health professionals to meet healthcare need.

Directs the coordination of care across setting and among caregivers.

Engages in teamwork as a team player and a team builder.

Serves in key roles at work through shared decision making.

Defines a clear vision including goals and plans and measures progress.

Promotes nursing through participation in professional organizations.

Provides patient care activities.

Obtains pertinent maternal and neonatal histories with emphasis on risk factors and their implications for problems.

Performs pertinent physical examination using techniques of observation, inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion.

Assesses patient weight for use in calibration of medication and fluid management.

Formulates differential diagnosis and a plan of management of existing and potential problems in collaboration with the Neonatologist.

Performs necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as indicated for identification and management for problems as indicated by protocol, including (but not limited to): peripheral percutaneous arterial sampling; umbilical venous and arterial cauterization; airway management, including assessment, stabilization, bag-mask oxygenation and ventilation, and endotracheal intubation; needle aspiration of pleural space and chest tube placement; interpretation of routine laboratory and radiographic data; blood drawing (venous and arterial) and insertion of peripheral IV's; clinical management for resuscitation of the neonatal patient, including necessary pharmacological support; performs in accordance with standing orders, and accurately documents delivery of care.

Communicates information about the patient's 'working' diagnosis, plan of management, and prognosis to the referring physician, parents, and other members of the health care team; obtains informed consent from parent(s)/guardian(s).

Provides ongoing monitoring, assessment, and appropriate interventions in transit; ensures patient safety in the transport process.

Operates transport equipment accurately and efficiently.

Demonstrates knowledge of operation and troubleshooting of all transport equipment.

Ensures proper functioning and availability of equipment before transport. Participates in the ongoing evaluation of transport equipment needs. Reports and documents transport equipment repairs as needed to biomedical engineering, and the transport coordinator.

Demonstrates knowledge of ambulance operating procedures and safety practices.

Performs special assignments or projects as needed.

Assists with medical procedures in the NICU department on request.

Performs the following transport quality improvement activities: maintains, supports, and documents evidence of a planned, systematic quality improvement program that includes effective mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the patient care provided by the transport service; ensures appropriate and adequate response to findings from quality improvement activities; maximizes the efficient use of resources available to provide neonatal transports; identifies opportunities to improve care.

Acts as back up to the NICU charge nurse when needed.

Assists with gathering data for NICU quality initiatives.

Accepts responsibility in ensuring that transport bags and supplies are properly stocked and orderly.

Assists with or performs monthly terminal cleanings of transport isolates on a rotating schedule.

Check transport drugs and sign narcotic log sheet on scheduled transport shift; ensure that expired drugs are replaced in a timely manner.

Provides leadership to team and is professionally accountable.

Initiates and participates in the implementation of change in transport nursing policy, procedures, and /or practice to enhance the quality of patient care

Participates with transport staff in problem identification, goal setting, and transport care delivery evaluation.

Uses previous clinical experience and knowledge to identify potential patient care problems related to transport.

Serves as a resource or consultant to nursing and medical staff in the NICU and other departments (such as ED, Peds and MBU) regarding neonatal transport.

Demonstrates continues professional growth through continuing education and review of current literature pertaining to neonatal transport; maintains licensure, certifications, and competency through required training and/or education.

Maintains professional relationships with community physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.

Participates in peer review of the transport team members and case reviews with the medical director.

Additional Duties

Adheres to the hospital and departmental attendance and punctuality guidelines.

Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the core values, mission and vision of the organization.

Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures.

Maintains current Knowledge in present areas of responsibility to include any specialty certification requirements (i.e., self-education, attends ongoing educational programs).

Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time.

Demonstrates competency at all levels in providing care to all patients based on age, sex, weight, and demonstrated needs. For non-clinical areas, has attended training and demonstrates usage of age- specific customer service skills.

Wears protective clothing and equipment as appropriate.