The nurse practitioner provides primary health care and emergency services to high-risk newborns and infants. Obtains history, performs physical exams, interprets labs, radiographic, and clinical data to assist in developing a plan of care for each infant under physician supervision. Performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in accordance with Excela Health's protocols and policies as consistent with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners. Collaborates with nursing and allied health staff to help in providing family teaching and coordinating discharge planning.
1. Regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance.
2. Ensures that the assessment of the patient and the direct and indirect patient care delivered is in accordance with appropriate licensing board, hospital policies, procedures, and protocols and all other professional standards of care.
a. Collects patient assessment data in a systematic manner, focusing on the physical, psychosocial, age, cultural and spiritual needs of the patient.
b. Perform daily physical exams on all SCH patients and as directed by the attending physician for the normal newborns.
c. Documents assessment data, history of present illness, and physical findings on the appropriate medical record within established time frame. Dictation of H & P and discharge summaries of patients as directed by the attending physician.
d. Involves the patient/family and other healthcare providers when appropriate.
e. Perform appropriate procedures as coordinated with the attending physician. These procedures include but are not limited to: umbilical arterial and venous catheterization, endotracheal intubation, peripheral arterial puncture, bladder taps, lumbar punctures, urethral catheterization, needle aspiration, chest tube placement.
f. Assist when possible with deliveries, newborn assessment and care.
3. Manages the physical and psychological problems of the patient.
a. Identifies normal and abnormal findings.
b. Implements an individualized plan of treatment, reassess and revises plan as needed.
c. Evaluates the physical and emotional responses to medications and treatments.
d. Prescribes immunizations per recommended schedules.
e. Seeks appropriate consultation.
4. Develops an educational process for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health, foster self-care and improves outcomes.
a. Participates in the assessment of the patient’s readiness to learn, identifying the educational barriers and tailor the educational process to meet the needs of the patient/family.
b. Ensures the process include education about safe and effective use of medications, pain and managing pain, available resources, obtaining further care and their responsibility for their care.
c. Acquires and distributes educational resources tailored to the patient's needs.
d. Provides appropriate instruction and guidance regarding immunizations.
e. Takes and integral role in the education of the nursing staff through formal and informal education opportunities.
f. Educate the nursing staff on all new procedures and protocols in the SCN and Newborn Nursery.
g. Provide the Neonatal Resuscitation Program as needed.
5. Communicates effectively with the physician and other healthcare providers to achieve desired outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care.
a. Initiates and maintains the Problem/Medication list at each encounter.
b. Complies with completeness, accuracy and timeliness of documentation at each encounter.
c. Assesses the patient and facilitates consultation when indicated.
d. Directs patient to appropriate level of care and communicates all pertinent information.
e. Assists in identifying and utilizing resources and/or social agencies for further treatment or rehabilitation.
f. Communicate daily updates on infant progress and Plan of Care to the families either in person or via phone to all families of infants in SCN.
6. Participates in Performance Improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care, customer service, or practice efficiencies.
a. Identifies initiatives to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, or efficiencies.
b. Assists in chart reviews/audits as needed for performance improvement data collection.
c. Supports initiatives implemented to improve patient outcomes and/or office efficiencies.
d. In collaboration with a Neonatologist and/or Pediatrician will review, revise and create protocols and procedures for the SCN and Newborn Nursery.
7. Demonstrates Leadership by utilizing the concepts inherent to the practice of the professional nurse.
a. Demonstrates an ability to solve problems independently utilizing critical thinking skills and seeks assistance form immediate supervisor when appropriate.
b. Delegates patient care appropriately.
c. Maintains accountability for actions taken.
d. Effectively functions as a resource person.
e. Acts as a patient advocate.
f. Performs effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students.
g. Assists in maintaining/decreasing organizational/departmental costs.
h. Completes all competency requirements annually.
8. Provides for patient safety in compliance with hospital and physician practices policies.
a. Adheres to infection control processes, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
b. Utilizes two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care.
c. Practices all National Patient Safety Goals.
9. Assists in the department's compliance with all regulatory agencies.
a. Participates in continuous survey readiness for inspections and survey's.
b. Participates in the non-punitive medication reporting system.
c. Ensures accountability for narcotics per regulatory/organizational policies.
d. Participates in office fire, safety, utility, hazard and disaster drills as required.
e. Attend and participate in Pediatric Department Meeting, OB Department Meeting and any other committee identified.
“Ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Physical Conditions chart; and the ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Conditions chart (see attached charts)”
1. Provide acute and long term care to infants admitted to the Special Care Nursery (SCN).
2. Attend high-risk deliveries: Meconium Stainted Fluid, Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR), <37 weeks gestation; Type I and Gestational diabetes; Prolonged Rupture or Membranes; Cesarean Sections; any other deliveries as identified by the Obstetrician.
3. Determine which neonates require admission to the SCN from labor and delivery.
4. To stabilize infants admitted to the SCN including all procedures.
5. Serve as liaison with Referring Tertiary Facilities while transferring infant to a tertiary facility and in arranging for admission to the SCN from an NICU.
6. Support and assist the RN Staff in the SCN as needed.
7. Assist in obtaining Lab samples and/or IV access in the ETU, Pediatrics and Outpatient Lab when needed.
8. Be available to assess pediatric patients in the ETU and Pediatrics and to communicate precise and accurate clinical data to the Attending Physician.
9. Collaborate with Case Management and other ancillary staff to provide optimal patient care and discharge planning.
10. Prepare monthly Moonlighter Schedule, obtain approval by Director of the Special Care Nursery and distribute to all departments an s necessary prior to the start of the month.
• Related training/experience within the past five years.
*Neo-natal Nurse Practitioner Certification
