Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse – Neonatal ICU Trained will provide specialized care for critically ill or premature newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The nurse will be responsible for monitoring, assessing, and delivering high-quality care to neonates, including those requiring respiratory support, specialized nutrition, or advanced interventions. The nurse will work closely with neonatologists, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for critically ill infants.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Neonatal Patient Care:

   • Provide direct nursing care to critically ill neonates, including premature infants, full-term infants with complications, and those with congenital anomalies.
   • Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, including intravenous (IV) therapies, antibiotics, and nutrition (e.g., total parenteral nutrition (TPN)).
   • Provide respiratory support, including administering oxygen, managing mechanical ventilation, and using non-invasive breathing support (e.g., CPAP).
   • Monitor and adjust care for neonatal conditions such as respiratory distress, jaundice, hypoglycemia, sepsis, and congenital defects.

2. Neonatal Monitoring and Assessment:

   • Perform continuous monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, cardiac rhythms, and neurological status of neonates.
   • Evaluate growth and development of neonates and document physical assessments, including changes in condition.
   • Assess neurological status, including signs of distress, seizures, or abnormal reflexes, and report to neonatologists for further action.
   • Perform lab tests and blood draws as needed and interpret results to make clinical decisions.

3. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Support:

   • Administer and monitor mechanical ventilation (e.g., ventilators, oscillators) and provide respiratory interventions (e.g., surfactant therapy).
   • Assess cardiovascular status, monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and perfusion to ensure proper oxygenation.
   • Provide CPR and emergency resuscitation as needed.

4. Family Support and Education:

   • Offer emotional support to families dealing with the stress of having an infant in the NICU, helping them understand medical procedures and interventions.
   • Educate families on neonatal care practices, including feeding, infection prevention, and preparing for discharge.
   • Facilitate parent-infant bonding, encouraging parents to participate in care, including skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) when appropriate.

5. Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team:

   • Work in collaboration with neonatologists, pediatricians, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and social workers to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan for each infant.
   • Communicate effectively with the NICU team regarding patient progress, treatment changes, and concerns.
   • Participate in rounds, discussions, and case reviews to ensure optimal care is provided.

6. Infection Control and Safety:

   • Adhere to infection control protocols to minimize risk to vulnerable neonates, including hand hygiene, sterile techniques, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
   • Monitor for signs of infection, including sepsis, and promptly notify the neonatologist for further evaluation and treatment.

7. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, interventions, vital signs, lab results, and progress notes.
   • Document all patient interactions, interventions, and changes in condition in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
   • Ensure compliance with hospital policies, legal standards, and neonatal care guidelines.

8. Professional Development and Education:

   • Participate in ongoing education and training to stay up to date with the latest advancements in neonatal care, including neonatal resuscitation, respiratory management, and infection control practices.
   • Seek opportunities for advanced certifications in neonatal nursing, such as Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC) or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.

Qualifications: Education & Certification:

• Registered Nurse (RN) with current licensure in [South Africa].
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Certification (RNC-NIC) preferred or encouraged.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a registered nurse, with at least 2years in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) setting.
• Experience in caring for preterm infants and those requiring intensive care.
• Familiarity with neonatal respiratory support (e.g., CPAP, mechanical ventilation) and other critical care interventions.

Skills & Abilities:

• Neonatal assessment skills: Ability to assess and monitor neonates in critical care, including assessing growth, vital signs, and neurological status.
• Critical thinking and clinical judgment: Ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure, fast-paced situations.
• Strong communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively with parents, families, and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Technical proficiency: Knowledge of neonatal equipment, including incubators, ventilators, and monitoring devices.
• Compassion and emotional intelligence: Ability to provide empathetic care to both neonates and their families.
• Attention to detail: Thorough understanding of the neonatal care protocols, safety standards, and documentation requirements.