RN (Flex) - Pediatric Intensive Care Unit - The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center

Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, the staff nurse is responsible for the application of the nursing process and evidence-based knowledge, judgment and technical nursing skills in the delivery of nursing care to a patient, or a group of patients with medical and surgical conditions on an assigned shift.

• Demonstrates knowledge of pediatric weight-based medications, dosages, calculations and administration.
• Demonstrates knowledge about common respiratory, metabolic and hematologic illnesses.
• Conducts a complete assessment and reassessment of the patient as per routine.
• Understands pain assessment and reassessment using age-appropriate tools.
• Demonstrates familiarity with usage and functions of Pediatric equipment.
• Maintains a safe environment at all times
• Differentiates between normal and abnormal patterns of physical growth and age appropriate development.
• Awareness of pediatric policies and procedures
• Participates in policy and procedure development and revision
• Participates in unit based performance improvement initiatives
• Insert, remove and maintain nasogastric tubes and urinary catheters
• Start IV infusions (peripheral)
• Draw blood gases from indwelling arterial catheter
• Performs cardiopulmonary monitoring
• Cares for the ventilated patient, including tracheostomy care
• Perform venipuncture for blood sampling
• Obtain blood via finger or heel stick
• Provides family centered care
• Supports breastfeeding mothers, neonates and toddlers
• Monitor nutritional needs
• Aware of Code Pink infant safety policies and procedures
• Assist the medical team with bedside procedures
• Monitor and accompany children transported off of the unit, when necessary
• Management of bili-lights and bili-blankets (NICU)
• Works closely with Child Life Specialist and Department of Education teachers
• Accompanies patients to diagnostic procedures per policy
• Performs skin assessment per routine, utilizes BRADEN scale, participates in turning, positioning and skin care
• Prepare and administer medications as ordered; monitor for side- or adverse-effects
• Admit and orient the patient and family/caregivers to the unit
• Perform a complete medical history (past and present conditions)
• Administer blood and blood products as ordered
• Document per policy and procedure
• Educate patients and parents regarding the disease process, treatment plans and nutrition
• Assess immunization status, notify MD and administer vaccines as per routine
• Understanding child growth and development; notify the MD if milestones are not met.
• Delegates responsibilities to NA/PCT to ensure tasks are completed; provide assistance as needed
• Assess patients as per routine and notify MD of status changes
• Monitors patient’s vital signs
• Participates in assigned departmental or organizational committees, meetings and/or conferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the RN scope of practice.
• Maintains current nursing knowledge to assure a safe working environment.

Education:

Internal & 1199 SEIU:

• Graduate of accredited nursing program(s).
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.

Non 1199 SEIU Candidates:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or equivalent to BSN program.
• Master's degree in Nursing, preferred. 

Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year experience as a Registered Nurse pediatric or pediatric intensive care experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Critical thinking, math, and computer skills; Works as a team player. 
• Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions.
• Excellent oral and communication skills. 
• Decision making and problem solving. 
• Able to read, write, see and hear English.

Licenses, Certifications:

• Current NY State RN License
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• WHO 20 hour Breastfeeding Course (Women and Children Division), or equivalent training
• Pediatric Care After Resuscitation (PCAR) preferred
• CCRN (Pediatrics) or Pediatric Nursing Certification preferred
• Certified Lactation Counselor preferred
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment requiring prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. 
• Position will be required to stoops, bends, lifts, carry items weighing up to 35 pounds for routine performance of essential functions.
• An individual in this position may be exposed to: Adverse indoor environmental conditions, Blood borne pathogens, Blood and body fluids, Physical hazards (e.g., needle pricks, etc.), communicable diseases, chemical hazards, radiation, and repetitive motions.
• Full range of body motion, able to lift up to 100 pounds, if necessary, to assist lifting and moving patients.
• Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand and eye coordination.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
• Frequently sitting at desk working on computer
• Ability to flex working hours.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

BHMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.