Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, NNP - Neonatal ICU (NICU)

Company Description

It takes a lot of very smart, hard-working and talented people to provide the level of care that we give to our patients. Tufts Medical Center is an internationally respected academic medical center and we pride ourselves not only on the sophistication of the care we deliver, but the compassionate way in which we provide it. And that starts with our employees.

Job Description

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing primary care for a caseload of patients.  As an advanced practice nurse, the NNP has received specialized training and education in the management of the acute care.  The NNP is uniquely qualified to meet the responsibilities of the role which include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment 
• Prescribing and performance of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• Supervise protocols and insure compliance of studies.
• Development, evaluation and modifications of treatment plans as patient condition warrants.
• Review/prescribe therapeutic orders for patients.
• Participate in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as indicated by patient condition.

The NNP practices in collaboration with the attending physician and other members of the multidisciplinary team to insure optimal patient outcomes.  The NNP works in conjunction with the primary nurse to provide patient and family centered care, providing psycho-emotional support, educational support and discharge planning that is individualized and comprehensive. Additionally, the NNP will be able to provide clinical consultation and participate in medical and nursing research. The NNP will participate in continuing education, quality improvement initiatives, clinical outcome evaluation and monitoring.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Clinical Practice: 

• The NNP applies advanced nursing knowledge and experience to provide care to a caseload of patients assigned to the NNP, in collaboration with the attending physician. This care involves comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common problems encountered throughout the disease process.  The NNP provides comprehensive symptom management throughout the illness trajectory with specific attention to goals of care.    
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care that is appropriate to the age of patients served in the clinical area.    
• Performs procedures and treatments using nursing judgment and according to established practice guidelines and professional standards.    
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of pharmacology/medications in ordering and administering drugs and monitoring the patient’s response. Medication orders reflect this knowledge.    
• Remains knowledgeable about equipment and utilizes equipment in a safe manner.    
• Writes clear, comprehensive initial and follow up notes.
• Orders appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests.
• Plans effectively for any necessary home care and follow-up.
• Initiates referrals and consultations with appropriate specialists as indicated.
• Facilitates family and team meetings as appropriate to patient care needs.

Collaboration:  

• The NNP consistently demonstrates skill and judgment necessary to direct the medical/nursing plan of care building collegial relationships among the team of his/her colleagues and peers to maximize patient care and outcomes.     
• Delegates responsibilities to others with an understanding of their roles, knowledge and capabilities.    
• Facilitates cooperative and collaborative relationships among the various disciplines and departments to ensure effective quality patient care delivery.   
• Maintains a collaborative work relationship with peers and colleagues in order to create a positive work environment.
• Serves as a nursing leader and role model to all team members.
• Performs role in a consistently professional manner.

Climate:  

• The NNP influences others by establishing a climate for optimal patient care, mutually supportive collegial relationships and professional development.    
• Holds self-accountable for professional practice.    
• Presents self in a calm and professional manner.    
• Participates in performance improvement activities utilizing performance improvement principles to support and improve patient care.    
• Attends and actively participates in staff meetings.  Accepts responsibility for reading staff meeting minutes when not able to attend.    
• Keeps current with literature regarding changing practices, interventions and research in patient care.    
• Assumes responsibility for seeking out educational and professional opportunities for personal learning needs and growth.    
• Assumes responsibility for meeting mandatory education requirements and unit specific education and competencies.    
• Acts as a preceptor to new NPs and graduate NP students as requested.
• Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Qualifications

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.    
• Ability to provide primary care for a caseload of patients according to practice guidelines and hospital policies, procedures and protocols.

EDUCATION:

• MSN required 
• BLS Certification required
• Must have Neonatal NP Certification

EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 years  nursing experience

LICENSES, ETC.:    

• Current Massachusetts Registered Nurse License to practice in expanded role (APN). 

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. This includes:

• Knowledge of growth and development
• Ability to interpret age specific data and response to care
• Provide age specific communication

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking
• Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfer patients and equipment
• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
• Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, sick patients, bodily substances, noise and possible exposure to radiation, lasers, electric shock, etc.
• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases and other transmissible infections
• Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
• Handle emergency and crisis situations
• May have contact with hazardous materials

Additional Information

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

COVID-19 POLICY:

Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medical Center, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption.