NICU Head Nurse - Nurse Practitioner

Nagarjuna Hospital; Andhra Pradesh; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident Fund and group health ins.

Paid leave and holidays as policy

Sponsored training and certifications

Career growth into senior nursing lead

Job summary

Nagarjuna Hospital is seeking an experienced NICU Nurse Lead to oversee all nursing care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for preterm and critically ill newborns. You will ensure safe staffing, supervise ventilation care, monitor vitals, and coordinate admissions with neonatologists and the maternity unit.

The role requires a BSc Nursing or GNM with Post-Basic BSc Nursing, plus 7+ years in NICU nursing and NABH exposure.

Qualifications

• Formal nursing qualifications including BSc/BSc Hons or GNM with Post-Basic BSc.
• Postgraduate neonatal specialization preferred and NABH hospital experience is a plus.
• Clinical leadership and senior ward management experience required.
• NRP and BLS certifications preferred; ongoing professional development encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Lead all nursing care in the NICU for preterm and critically ill newborns.
• Maintain safe nurse-to-baby ratios and oversee ventilation care.
• Monitor vitals, fluid balance, glucose, weight, and feeding.
• Mentor staff, plan rosters, and oversee training in NABH-aligned SOPs.
• Ensure infection control, resuscitation readiness, and family-centred care.
• Coordinate admissions/transfers and discharge planning; support parents.

Skills

NICU nursing

Staff supervision

Emergency response

Infection control

Family communication

Education

BSc Nursing

GNM with Post-Basic BSc Nursing

MSc Nursing or Neonatal Fellowship

NRP/BLS certification

Tools

Hospital IT systems

MS Office

Job description

Role & responsibilities

• Lead all nursing care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for preterm, low-birth-weight and critically ill newborns, reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer.
• Ensure safe nurse-to-baby ratios on every shift, with closer staffing for ventilated and critically unstable babies.
• Oversee nursing care for babies on mechanical ventilation, CPAP, HFNC, phototherapy, exchange transfusion, central lines (UVC/PICC) and TPN.
• Ensure accurate monitoring and charting of vitals, fluid balance, blood glucose, weight and feeding.
• Lead the nursing response to neonatal emergencies and ensure resuscitation readiness at all times, including attendance at high-risk deliveries.
• Enforce strict infection prevention hand hygiene, line and ventilator care bundles, asepsis, cleaning and visitor control — and track sepsis and CLABSI rates.
• Promote developmental and family-centred care: Kangaroo Mother Care, expressed breast milk and lactation support, minimal handling, and noise and light control.
• Ensure safe medication practice, including weight-based dose calculation, double-checks and infusion pump safety.
• Plan rosters; supervise, mentor and appraise NICU staff nurses; arrange training and certification in NRP, NALS/PALS and neonatal procedures.
• Implement and audit SOPs in line with NABH standards; report incidents and take part in neonatal death and morbidity reviews.
• Manage equipment readiness (ventilators, warmers, incubators, monitors, phototherapy units, infusion pumps) and stock of drugs and consumables.
• Coordinate admissions, transfers and inborn/outborn transport with neonatologists and the maternity unit; plan discharge and follow-up, including ROP and hearing screening.
• Counsel and support parents through the NICU stay, and handle family concerns with compassion.
• Report monthly on occupancy, outcomes and quality indicators.

Preferred candidate profile

• B.Sc. Nursing, or GNM with Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing; M.Sc. Nursing (Child Health / Paediatric Nursing) or a Neonatal Nursing fellowship preferred.
• Valid registration with the AP Nurses & Midwives Council / Indian Nursing Council.
• 7+ years in NICU nursing, with at least 2 years as ward or shift in-charge in a Level II/III NICU.
• Experience in a NABH-accredited hospital preferred.
• NRP and BLS certified; NALS/PALS preferred.
• Hands-on skill with neonatal ventilation, CPAP, central lines, TPN and neonatal transport.
• Calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and able to lead and motivate a team.
• Compassionate communicator with anxious parents and families.
• Fluent in Telugu and English; Hindi an advantage.
• Comfortable with hospital information systems and MS Office.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience (band to be added by HR).
• Provident Fund and ESI / group health insurance as applicable.
• Paid leave and holidays as per hospital policy.
• Sponsored training and certifications (NRP, NALS/PALS, BLS).
• Career growth into senior nursing leadership roles.