RN, NICU

Nestled on the Central California Coast, Adventist Health Sierra Vista has been providing care to our community since 1959. Our 162-bed acute care facility includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and county designated trauma center. San Luis Obispo offers the excitement of a lively community while being a fifteen-minute drive from the serenity of Avila Beach, known for their natural hot springs, and Pismo Beach, known for their sand dunes and eucalyptus trees. Featuring a charming downtown, comfortable coastal weather, idyllic views, and an active lifestyle San Luis Obispo offers much to be had.

Job Summary:

Provides for the planning, coordination, and provision of nursing care to patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on specified shifts. This position is responsible for care planning, medication administration, noting of physiological changes, and psychosocial needs of neonates, as well as the education/training of the patient and their family. Supervises and delegates care responsibilities to ancillary personnel commensurate with their scope of practice and will be cross trained and float to Peds. This position is represented by CNA.

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

• Associate Degree(A.S.) or equivalent: Required
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing: Preferred
• Two years NICU experience: Required
• Previous neonatal transport experience: Preferred
• Previous experience attending deliveries for neonatal resuscitation purposes: Preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current RN license in state of practice: Required
• Basic Life Support (BLS OR HS-BLS OR RQIBLS) certification: Required
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS OR HS-PALS OR RQIPALS) certification: Required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification: Required
• RNC or CCRN certification: Preferred
• Registered Nurse (RN) license in state of practice: Required

Essential Functions:

• Provides appropriate nursing interventions for both stable and critically ill newborns. Is competent in all routine nursing skills including: (1) medication administration, (2) intravenous therapy including blood products, (3) care & maintenance of indwelling catheters & drains and, (4) safe use of any medical equipment used in the neonatal intensive care environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge & skills in the care and management of the neonate requiring mechanical ventilation and other ventilatory support devices i.e. nasal CPAP, O2 cannula, Hi/Low flow suctioning, and ETT nasal/oral nebulized medication with hand held nebulizer. Demonstrates knowledge and skills in caring for the critically ill neonate with a variety of diagnoses--from the micro premie to the term infant. Care provided is developmentally and environmentally appropriate.
• Accurately interprets hemodynamic monitoring and effectively manages the neonate's hemodynamic status. Is able to identify abnormal lab values & notifies physician appropriately. Demonstrates appropriate clinical judgment in managing life threatening emergencies. Accurately interprets ECG rhythm and manages care of patients during life threatening emergencies in populations served. Demonstrates knowledge of lead functions and application, able to make recommendations for best monitoring based on patient presentation. Understands and follows chain of command per policy.
• Demonstrates knowledge & skills related to fluid & electrolyte management. Is knowledgeable in infant nutrition & feeding. Provides appropriate psychosocial support to families/caregivers throughout the newborn's hospitalization to include adjustment to the critical care environment with transition to home. Provides appropriate support for families working through the grieving process, including end of life experiences. Initiates a multidisciplinary, family-centered, goal oriented care plan for each neonate in collaboration with members of the health care team and provides care based on that plan. Educates families/caregivers regarding the newborn's care to include in-hospital care as well as care after discharge. Uses teaching methods appropriate to the condition, culture, and assessed learning-readiness of the parents/guardians.
• Completes legible, accurate and timely documentation of all nursing care provided, including evaluation of the neonate's response to medications, treatments & procedures. Consistently performs necessary unit specific safety & quality control checks (i.e. Shift and 24hr MD order checks, VO/TO Read Back, crash cart checks, urine QC, refrig logs & outdate checks).
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA, HI and OR) etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.