Description
Provide specialized nursing care to premature and critically ill newborns in the NICU. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care; monitor and document status; operate neonatal equipment; administer medications and therapies; and support family education. Collaborate with the neonatal team and follow unit protocols; active RN license and NRP certification required.
- • Maintain accurate, detailed NICU documentation and electronic medical records.
- • Monitor, trend, and report neonatal vital signs, labs, and clinical changes.
- • Perform comprehensive neonatal assessments, including pain and withdrawal scoring.
- • Administer weight-based medications, TPN, lipids, and blood products; monitor for reactions.
- • Manage respiratory support including CPAP, HFNC, and ventilators; assist with surfactant administration.
- • Assist with procedures and monitor post-procedure status after intubation, line placement, or surgery.
- • Start peripheral IVs; manage UVC/UAC and PICC lines and infusion pumps per protocol.
- • Implement strict infection-prevention practices and central line maintenance bundles.
- • Maintain thermoregulation using incubators, radiant warmers, and skin-to-skin protocols.
- • Plan, initiate, and advance enteral feeds; perform safe gavage and oral feeding.
- • Coordinate human milk handling, fortification, and lactation support for families.
- • Track intake/output, daily weights, and growth to adjust care plans.
- • Provide phototherapy and monitor bilirubin levels and treatment response.
- • Recognize and respond to apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation events.
- • Participate in neonatal resuscitation at deliveries and unit emergencies per NRP.
- • Collect specimens and perform point-of-care tests; report critical results promptly.
- • Prepare and maintain sterile fields; ensure supplies and equipment are stocked and functional.
- • Collaborate with neonatologists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers.
- • Educate and support parents on infant care, equipment, CPR, and discharge readiness.
- • Document and communicate care plans during rounds and handoffs.
- • Precept new staff and students; delegate tasks to unlicensed personnel appropriately.
- • Participate in quality improvement, audits, and adherence to NICU policies and regulatory standards.
- • Coordinate consults and discharge planning with community resources and early-intervention services.
- • Serve as charge nurse or team lead as assigned to ensure safe staffing and workflow.
- • Safely transport infants within the facility and prepare for interfacility transport.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
