Location

Cheshire Hall & Cockburn Town Medical Centre

Job Title

Registered Nurse/ NICU Nurse.

Job Code

Reports to

Nurse Supervisor

No of Positions

Department

Nursing

Created

Directorate

Clinical

Last Update

Hours

44

Approved Date

1.   Job SUMMARY:

Provides professional nursing care to patients by working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Assumes primary responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care in accordance with established standards  and hospital policies. Takes charge of ward/department when required.

2.   DIMENSIONS:

Responsibility for Human Resources

Responsibility for Capital Resources

None

Effective and efficient use of resources

3.   RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Duties:-

• Works with healthy newborn babies, as well as newborns with various types of health problems, works closely with Neonatologist and Pediatrician and consults and coordinates with members of the health care team in assessment, Planning, Implementing and evaluating patient care plans.
• Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate electronic forms.
• NICU Nurses are required to document patient’s progress, check vital signs, temperature, pulse, blood pressure and fluids. Monitor IV lines, oxygen intake and the performance of a breathing tube. Insertion of intravenous lines for administration of fluid, blood or blood products and medications. Collects blood for investigations, follow-up on results and report abnormalities to physicians
• NICU Nurse is responsible for updating a patient chart, noting growth and progress of each newborn or infant in her care.
• Will be responsible for dealing with parents questions and concerns about their newborn and provide information about treatments and medical options and precautions as well as Educating patient’s family by demonstration technique
• Prepares, administers and records prescribed medications. Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments. Meets nutritional needs of babies, such as establishing of effective breastfeeding, oral, Naso gastric and TPN
• Open to constructive criticism and participates in unbiased discipline procedures when necessary.
• Liaising with agencies and other health and social care professional to ensure continuity of care.
• Engaging in professional development to meet post-registration education and practice requirements.
• Participating in the training and supervision of junior colleagues.
• May rotate among various clinical services of the institution

1. 2.       Policies & Procedures

2.1.   Creation of Documents

        Participates in, and leads where appropriate, the development, review and monitoring of

        nursing and departmental procedures, policies, and protocols and ensures compliance with

        same.

2.2.   Review & Maintenance of Policy & Procedures

Participates in the monitoring and review of nursing and departmental policies and procedure in conjunction with interdisciplinary team

2.3.   Adherence to Policy & Procedures

Adheres to and ensures that all staff under his or her supervision comply with hospital policies and procedures

1. 3.       Committees

3.1.   Membership of Other Committees

             Participates in designated hospital committees/teams as assigned

1. Quality and Best Practice

Practices in accordance with the standards of professional ethics and practice and within a client and family centred care model.

Determines nursing interventions based on evidence-based practice and clinical assessment data; prioritises identified needs; implements midwifery/nursing actions and evaluates patient outcomes

Engages and interacts with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patient’s care planning.

Maintain accurate documentation practicies and efficient reporting system. Makes use of clinical information system for up to date record management.

Performs nursing skills competently and independently. Maintains current knowledge of clinical nursing practice. Perform advances or specialised nursing according to training and experience as required

Maintains a safe environment for patients/family unit and staff through effective  infection control practices and knowledge of accident prevention and emergency procedures.

Ensure safe and appropriate use of equipment including quality testing, proper care and handling and prompt reporting and/or removal of any malfuntioning equipment.

Ensure proper documentation, storage and security of all medications and control drugs under your supervision.

Demonstrates continuous improvement and best practice in nursing practice

Performs other professional duties as may be assigned within his/her scope and ability

5.    Financial Practice

Ensure the effective and efficient use of human and capital resourcees within the sphere of responsibility  including the  monitoring and management of equipment, supplies and pharmacueticals

6. Continuing Education

Participates in induction and education programmes, guides practice and assists in assessing competence and educational needs of junior staff.

Attends inservices and participates in continuing professional development

7  Advisory

Consults and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members and other healthcare providers.

 Provides information and communicates with supervisor or manager.

4.  DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY:

Under supervision, provides and co-ordinates nursing care to patients within available resources making decisions within scope of practice, knowledge and experience.

5.  COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS:

 Internal:   

• Nursing team
• Medical team
• Allied health professionals
• Human resources
• Facilities and support services.

 External: 

• Patients
• Families and care givers
• Public
• Other relevant external agencies.

6.   KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR JOB

     Education

Required

• Graduate of an approved School of Nursing, holding a Bachelor's Degree in nursing, with current registration from country of training/origin.
• Evidence of ongoing relevent post graduate education and training.
• Current PALS/NRP certification.

Desired

• Holder of  Nursing Degree. 
• Current BLS certification

     Experience

• Recruited NICU nurses must have a minimum of  three years recent clinical nursing experience.

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with patients, families , the public, and the members of the interdiscilplinary team
• Excellent oral, written and computer skills, fluent in English

Demonstrated Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Have well developed stress manangement skills.
• Be flexible, case load may change on a day to day bases.
• Be skilled communicators and educators when teaching families how to care for ill infants.
• Willingness to work on shifts for extended hours if required.
• Ability to provide emotional and mental support to the family members of babies.
• Excellent interpersonal, decision-making and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to apply clinical knowledge and practice within a patient/family centred model of care
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team
  • Proficient in use of computer
  • Reliable
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Demonstrates a caring attitude to patients and colleagues
  • Ability to deal with and diffuse conflict situations.

• Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations

Preferred

• Competent in using a computerized patient care information system
• Awareness and understanding of  quality assurance objectives

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Self motivator
• Punctual
• Sound judgement and decision making skills
• Open, honest, hardworking and reliable
• Approachable, helpful and proactive
• Flexible to meet needs of service
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job