JOB SUMMARY: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse to join our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team. In this role, you will provide expert clinical direction and critical care nursing to vulnerable neonates and infants. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to deliver high-quality, family-centered patient care in full compliance with JCAHO, licensing, accrediting, and state regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate demonstrates clinical excellence, effective communication, strong leadership, and an ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement and patient safety.

Clinical Care & Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive initial nursing assessments upon admission and complete ongoing reassessments based on direct observation and chart review.
• Formulate, document, and revise individualized patient plans of care at least every 24 hours to ensure continuity of care and appropriate goal setting.
• Recognize subtle behavioral and physiological signs of potential emergencies or clinical changes in neonates, initiating immediate, timely interventions.
• Perform accurate, legible, and timely nursing interventions and document clinical outcomes in accordance with established standards of practice.
• Ensure unit readiness by verifying adequate supplies, functioning equipment, and medications at the start of each shift.

Patient & Family-Centered Care

• Integrate patient age, developmental status, cultural diversity, and spiritual values into direct bedside care.
• Assess the educational needs of parents and significant others, delivering structured discharge instructions and documenting comprehension prior to transfer or discharge.
• Communicate with patients, families, physicians, and staff in a professional, courteous, and empathetic manner.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Practice National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG), JCAHO guidelines, HIPAA protocols, and hospital infection control policies.
• Utilize proper body mechanics, safe patient handling devices, standard precautions, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate actively in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) programs and problem-solving methodologies (e.g., PDCA) to elevate clinical standards.
• Identify, report, and correct workplace hazards to maintain a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors.

Education, Experience & Licensure

• Education: Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Licensure: Current and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of California.
• Experience: Must have at least 1 year experience in Acute care.

Certifications

• Current BCLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
• Current NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program - AHA) certification.
• Current NIHS Stroke certification (maintained per hospital guidelines).
• Birth & Beyond Breastfeeding Certificate (must be obtained within 6 months of hire and maintained).

Required Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication written and oral required.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, teamwork, quality improvement, and clinical leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing patient acuity, and accept constructive feedback constructively.
• Familiarity with hospital emergency codes and emergency preparedness procedures.