Clinical Nurse; R​/N - Experienced; Neonatal ICU

Professional Nurse / Clinical Nurse (Neonatal ICU)

The Professional Nurse/Clinical Nurse (Neonatal ICU) is a professional who remains responsible for the assessment, planning and implementation of individualized, holistic and person-centered nursing care of a patient, their families, or the community, either performed directly or indirectly. The incumbent ultimately coordinates patient care within the multi-disciplinary health team and fulfills the role by using scientifically based nursing theories and processes, treating patients as physical, social and spiritual individuals, and using educational and technical means applicable to health care practice.

• Serve as a clinical resource in assisting personnel to assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and document nursing care in the unit.
• Ensure communication and interaction with family and health professionals regarding optimal patient care, thereby acting as a patient advocate when necessary.
• Ensure communication between nursing management and the unit to eliminate patient care problems and issues.
• Assess, plan, and implement advanced nursing care in a specialized field in accordance with standard nursing care procedures, as set out in the standards and SOPs as well as nursing care theory and medical direction.
• Initiate, direct, and maintain emergency treatment (RESUS) as indicated for any patient in any ward or department of the hospital.
• Diagnose and treat the emergency patient quickly, effectively, and efficiently within the available resources.

• Interview patients and families to obtain relevant general background information and problem identification; evaluate patient behavior and assess immediate and long-term needs.
• Participate as a professional member of the multi-disciplinary team in evaluating, developing, and implementing health care plans and treatment regimens; do rounds with physicians and medical practitioners to review patient condition, develop nursing care plans, and participate in the care of all patients in the unit.
• Evaluate patient care needs; initiate individualized nursing care plans; co‑ordinate patient services.
• Prepare day‑ and night‑shift documentation that reflects patient status, patient‑to‑staff ratio, and problems.
• Communicate with the unit manager so that he or she is informed of activities and problems.
• Perform any related tasks as requested.

Provide input and standards in formulating patient care policy and procedures in the hospital.

• Ensure the provision of a safe, clean, and secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Optimize and maintain quality, effective, and safe nursing care within the frame of the assigned budget.
• Evaluate, set standards, and monitor safe utilization of supplies and equipment.

• Actively participate as a member of a team to achieve goals.
• Co‑operate and collaborate with other hospital departments to provide appropriate support services.

• Co‑ordinate with the Clinical Facilitation Department and other members of the multi-disciplinary team to meet and acknowledge the ongoing educational needs of nursing staff, students, and patients.
• Co‑operate with Clinical Facilitators in planning, implementing, mentoring, and evaluating learning experiences and opportunities for nursing staff and students.
• Provide ongoing review, practice, and in‑service training of emergency procedures.
• Actively participate in in‑service training and orientation of new staff in the unit.
• Advise and inform staff on current and revised policies and procedures.

• Allocate staff members in a manner that promotes optimal use of staff to provide appropriate nursing care for the individual patient regarding their needs and the specialized skills needed by the nursing staff member through proper clinical judgment.
• Adjust staff levels to provide for acuity‑level needs.

• Actively pursue professional development to maintain a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge.
• Keep up to date with Netcare's evolving policies and procedures.

• Work effectively and cooperatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
• Develop collaborative relationships to help accomplish work goals.
• Maintain and encourage effective communication and interaction within the unit, with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, and with the public.
• Foster good interpersonal relations and public relations while interpreting and applying the philosophy, goals, and objectives.