(RN) Registered Nurse - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH)

Detailed Overview

Under the direction of the Manager, Clinical Services, provides and co-ordinates nursing care to newborns and their families in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the nursing philosophy of Fraser Health.

Promotes Family-Centered Care, Best Practices and actively participates in the development of a quality workplace environment.

Responsibilities Conducts comprehensive nursing assessments and identifies risk factors in newborns on admission and at regular intervals.

Provides primary care providers, specialists and members of the interdisciplinary team with assessment data outcomes and initiates discussions to determine optimal care planning for newborns.

Diagnoses actual or potential problems and strengths, plans interventions, performs planned interventions and evaluates outcomes.

Writes timely and accurate reports of relevant observations including patient and family teaching and evaluation of nursing care.

Provides accurate reports to oncoming staff at shift change or to next care provider when transfers of care occur. Participates and attends high risk deliveries, implementing the principles of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Provides direct nursing care to newborns based on nursing knowledge and in compliance with established standards and hospital guidelines by performing such duties as assessing newborn care needs, identifying problems, planning, implementing, evaluating and documenting nursing care.

Modifies care as needs change, initiates immediate treatment if required and communicates changes to the appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

Collaborates with primary care providers and specialists in planning and evaluating the care provided. Collaborates with other care providers and completes referrals to additional support services as needed such as nutrition, physiotherapy, social services, pharmacy and others.

Maintains complete and accurate computerized and paper records by methods such as documenting nursing observations and assessments an inputting data in accordance with unit, hospital guidelines and Fraser Health policies.

Promotes Family Centered Care and Best Practice principles and is respectful for and sensitive to beliefs, values and traditions of all cultures, races and religion.

Acts as an advocate to protect and promote the patient's rights to autonomy respect, privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

Participates in the Professional Practice Council process on the unit council level and as an active member on nursing and hospital committees and councils for improvement of patient care and / or work environment.

Participates in the collegial sharing of information among staff and in the orientation and ongoing education of health care providers and students by providing information and acting as a preceptor and or mentor as appropriate.

Participates on designated program and professional committees by methods such as attending meetings, providing input and promoting the NICU Program.

Participates in the review and revision of program guidelines by methods such as attending meetings and providing input to the Manager, Clinical Nurse Educator or Patient Care Coordinator to promote improvements to patient care and the efficient and safe operation of the NICU.

Participates in quality improvement and research activities in collaboration with other members of the interdisciplinary team by methods of collecting data, interpreting data and providing input for further analysis as required Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for women, families, visitors and staff by adhering to established organization standards related to infection control, WHMIS, fire and other emergency practices and procedures.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduate of an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

One year's recent experience in a neonatal tertiary unit and completion of a post basic Neonatal Nursing Program, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current Basic Rescuer (Level C) and Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) Certificates. Skills and Abilities Ability to apply newborn theory and expertise in the nursing care of neonates.

Ability to recognize acuity changes and make appropriate clinical decisions. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to teach families. Ability to operate related equipment including a computer.

Ability to organize and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment. Ability to deal with and promote change.

Ability to deal with others effectively. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.