Job Summary:
A registered professional nurse employed by Erlanger Health System is responsible for the practice of nursing according to the rules and regulations defined by the state's Nurse Practice Act, Erlanger's Models of Care/Practice, policies and procedures. The nurse is responsible for the delivery of patient care as assigned and for the supervision of other qualified staff to whom the nurse has delegated patient care in the exercise of his/her independent judgement. The nurse addresses physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs of the patient and family and coordinates the plan of care with other healthcare professionals. The nurse is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position. In addition, the nurse conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission, Vision, and Values of Erlanger Health System.
Education:
Required: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing. Completion of NICU Transport Team orientation course.
Preferred: Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and national recognized certification in area of practice.
Experience:
Required: Minimum 2 years of Level III or IV NICU experience.
Preferred: Prior experience in transport of the neo-natal/pediatric patient.
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Current licensure privileges to practice nursing in the state of employment.
Maintain current BLS, NRP, STABLE, and de-escalation training/certification.
The Nurse Licensure Compact will not change how to obtain or renew a Tennessee license. However, the Tennessee nursing license will be a single state license for Tennessee Residents or non-compact state residents. Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state must be obtained within three months of hire for non-Tennessee residents.
NICU Transport Team members will perform ground and air transports. To ensure the safety of patients and crew members a mandatory weight limit cannot exceed 225 pounds while dressed in all personal gear required for flight. This includes helmet, boots, and the required uniform. Each team member will be weighed bi-monthly on a designated date and by the designated individuals selected by NICU leadership or Lifeforce.Team members who fail to maintain the weight requirement will be immediately suspended from the team. During this suspension, a mandatory weigh-in will be required every two weeks from the date of suspension. If the team member fails to report for the bi-weekly weigh-in or does not meet the required weight limit within 4 weigh ins they will be removed from the transport nurse job role.
Nursing Position Summary:
The professional nurse provides safe and effective patient care by using evidenced based best practices. The professional nurse at Erlanger:
Utilizes hand off communication and bedside shift report to effectively communicate with other members of the healthcare team.
Maintains a safe therapeutic environment by understanding and complying with hospital policies/procedures, and identifying and communicating risks that have potential impact to patient safety.
Performs and documents comprehensive and holistic assessments while interpreting and responding to abnormal diagnostic data.
Anticipates potential emergency situations and intervenes safely and appropriately with assistance if needed.
Develops a relationship with patient/family that facilitates mutual involvement in the planning of care.
Demonstrates basic critical thinking skills.
Documents in a concise, accurate, and complete manner reflecting adherence to hospital, regulatory and legal requirements.
Completes population-specific mandatory education competencies as defined by the unit specific scope of service.
Provides culturally competent care to patients and families.
Demonstrates awareness of evidence based practice.
Utilizes appropriate time management and meets the expectations for punctuality and attendance.
Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to support the staffing needs of patient care areas.
Communicates effectively with patients, family members, and all members of the interdisciplinary team, seeking assistance for conflict resolution as needed.
Implements the plan of care and identifies resources to meet patient care needs.
Identifies and communicates changes in patient conditions that may impact unit staffing levels or the provision of safe patient care.
Contributes to a healthy work environment by exhibiting professional behaviors and seeking assistance in addressing interpersonal conflicts.
Takes responsibility for meeting education and mandatory programs by completing hospital and unit-based competencies.
Demonstrates knowledge of and contributes positively to unit based performance improvement outcomes.
In addition to the registered nurse job responsibilities of the bedside nurse, the NICU transport is responsible for the following:
Stabilization and transport of the critically ill premature, term and post term neonate via ambulance and helicopter
In consult with the attending neonatologist describe and initiate an assessment, monitoring, and intervention plan during transport that will address infant problems in a timely manner. To include the review of ABG's, lab values, and x-rays
Perform with a high level of autonomy and strong clinical judgement
Maintains annual air and ground safety training, in addition to yearly transport credentialing
Recognition and management of a wide variety of neonatal diagnoses and pathophysiology including anomalies, syndromes, birth traumas, and emergency conditions
Proficient in the use of all designated transport equipment and supplies for both ground and air transport
Proficient in the administration of rescue and stabilization drugs
Proficient in all modes of ventilation and advanced airway support
Proficient in advanced intravascular access, chest wall aspiration, arterial sticks, and urinary catheterization
Respond to neonatal codes in the unit, L&D and other areas if called, and proficient in performing neonatal resuscitation
Function as a team lead during transport
Function in the role as a NICU charge and procedure nurse, responding to calls with the Erlanger system if needed.
Attend high risk deliveries with the ability to assist or perform neonatal resuscitation or procedures as needed
Provide support, guidance and education for NICU staff for the admission process, high and low risk procedures and delivery attendance training
Work collaboratively with other transport team members and referring hospital staff
Assist in evaluation and implement measures to improve the transport process
Maintain a calm and professional demeanor in stressful situations
Accurate documentation of the transport process