Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - NICU

Beacon Health System; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System in South Bend, Indiana, seeks a dedicated nurse practitioner for its Neonatal Services Department. The role includes coordinating primary care for critically ill newborn patients and collaborating with neonatologists. Applicants should have a Master's degree, a current Indiana nursing license, and experience in a Level III NICU.

This position demands strong analytical and communication skills along with a commitment to providing outstanding care and support to families. A commitment to continuous education is also essential.

Qualifications

• Current valid state licensure in Indiana is required.
• Two years of successful nursing experience in a Level III NICU.
• Requires thorough knowledge of neonatal nursing policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary care to critically ill newborn patients under supervision.
• Participate in transports of high-risk infants as lead transport nurse.
• Assist parents of critically ill newborns by communicating care plans.

Skills

Neonatal nursing

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Graduate of an accredited Master’s program

Certified by NCC or NCBPNP/N

Job description

Reports to the Executive Director of Women’s and Children’s Services or designee. Responsible for the coordination and delivery of primary care to critically ill newborn patients under the supervision of neonatologists. Provides clinical and administrative assistance to Neonatal Services Department programs (i.e., transport, outreach education, research and staff education).

Mission, Values and Service Goals

• Mission: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• Values: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• Service goals: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Coordinates and Delivers Primary Care to Critically Ill Newborn Patients

• Completing an admission H & P, including maternal history, physical examination, determination of diagnosis, and a initial plan of care after consultation with the neonatologists.
• Maintaining an awareness of high‑risk antepartum patients and providing supportive nursing care when necessary before delivery.
• Attending high‑risk deliveries as necessary, providing initial stabilization, including any necessary procedures such as intubation, umbilical line placement and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Participating in transports of high‑risk infants as the lead transport nurse.
• Provides assistance and support to parents of critically ill newborns by communicating the plan of care and the infant’s progress.
• Conducting regular rounds of patients and participating in a daily progress note which is countersigned by the neonatologist. Collaborates with the neonatologist or the nurse practitioner to electronically implement orders.
• Participating in weekly inter‑disciplinary discharge rounds and assisting with referrals and information dissemination to appropriate agencies and personnel.
• Maintaining related records and statistical data and preparing reports as needed.
• Providing clinical care to high‑risk newborns, including umbilical arterial and venous insertions, PICC line insertions, intubations, lumbar punctures, needle aspiration of pneumothorax, pigtail chest tube insertion, arterial and venous punctures, and insertion of percutaneous intravenous central catheters under the direction of neonatologist or nurse practitioner credentialed to perform these procedures.
• Participating in educating and assisting staff nurses in the proper techniques crucial to the care of the newborn in the delivery room, the NICU or during the transport process.

Performs Other Functions to Maintain Personal Competence and Contribute to the Overall Effectiveness of the Department

• Assisting with research projects related to the care of high‑risk newborns.
• Completing other job‑related duties and projects as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department‑specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains licenses and certifications as required.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect the patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon’s Six‑Point Operating System (The Beacon Way)

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience – Required Credentials

• Graduate of an accredited Master’s program.
• Current, valid state licensure in the state of Indiana is required.
• The successful completion of a neonatal or pediatric nurse practitioner program with certification by the National Certification Corporation (NCC) or National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses (NCBPNP/N) is required.
• Two years of successful nursing experience in a Level III — NICU.

Knowledge and Skills

• Requires a thorough knowledge of neonatal nursing policies and procedures.
• Requires the analytical skills necessary to assess the patient and participate in follow‑up care planning.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to effectively interact with patient(s), family of patient(s), physicians, and nursing care professionals.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, and certain undesirable patient care activities. Also works in a classroom setting.
• Work is also performed in transport ambulances and referral hospitals in the patient transporting process.
• May be exposed to bio‑hazards.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.