RN - Birth Center Registered Nurse

Trinity Health•Dubuque, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center is seeking a Full-time Registered Nurse for their Birth Center. This position primarily involves night shifts (6pm-6:30am) and requires working every third weekend and holiday. The role focuses on caring for laboring patients, postpartum couplets, and surgical patients. Additionally, the nurse will be cross-trained to assist in pediatrics during high census periods. Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring, ACLS, and NRP is required within the first year of employment, along with Mandatory Reporter and BLS certifications. The Registered Nurse provides and directs safe, effective, and culturally competent care for women, newborns, and pediatric patients. This role utilizes evidence-based practice and critical thinking to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate outcome-based care. The nurse manages a diverse patient population across labor and delivery, postpartum, newborn nursery, pediatrics, and/or pediatric intensive care, with varying levels of acuity. The position involves supervising and coordinating care provided by LPNs, Patient Care Technicians/Assistants, and other team members, while ensuring clear communication with physicians, families, and the interdisciplinary team. The nurse adheres to MercyOne’s performance expectations and upholds the Mission, Vision, and Values of MercyOne.

Requirements

Associate degree in nursing required
Current Iowa RN license, (current Illinois (IL) license if working in IL) required.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire.
High language, intermediate to high math, high critical thinking ability.
Basic computer skills required.
Required to become Electronic Fetal Monitor certified within first year.
Required to obtain ACLS certification.
Required to obtain NRP certification.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts an initial assessment to gather data, including an initial assessment of new admissions within 30 minutes of arrival and completion of the admission assessment database within 24 hours.
Identifies patient problems and develops them into an outcome/goal-based plan of care, initiating the patient problem list and incorporating relevant obstetric, neonatal, or pediatric history.
Analyzes and interprets assessment data to identify desired outcomes/goals for mother and child, determining nursing interventions and prioritizing care needs.
Makes appropriate referrals to services such as Lactation Consultant, Social Services, Nutritional Services, and Spiritual Care.
Implements the outcome/goal-based plan of care by assigning and coordinating patient care based on acuity and team member competencies.
Organizes and prioritizes care for mothers, newborns, and pediatric patients, delegating tasks appropriately.
Implements the plan of care including procedures, treatments, physician orders, nursing orders, education plans, and medications.
Coordinates implementation with Case Manager, Social Worker, and other disciplines.
Assists in discharge planning, ensuring families have resources for newborn care, breastfeeding support, and pediatric follow-up.
Uses nursing judgment to determine frequency and components of reassessment, reassessing at regular intervals to monitor maternal recovery and newborn/pediatric progress.
Documents discharge instructions for mother, infant, and/or caregiver.
Evaluates patient progress and revises the plan as needed by evaluating maternal and pediatric response(s) to interventions and updating the plan of care based on ongoing reassessments.
Communicates relevant clinical information to optimize outcomes by communicating maternal and pediatric status to physicians and team members, reporting progress toward outcomes/goals and changes in condition promptly.
Maintains ongoing communication with the interdisciplinary team throughout the shift, at handoff, and during transfers.
Documents completely and accurately per policy.
Demonstrates clinical competence by utilizing Women & Children-specific policies and procedures, ensuring medication safety following the “5 Rights,” and demonstrating competency in electronic health record systems.
Processes and implements physician orders accurately.
Maintains communication with leadership regarding admissions, acuity, and significant events.
Completes assigned shift duties and resolves discrepancies.
Manages fetal and neonatal monitoring when applicable, demonstrating competency in interpreting fetal heart tracings and neonatal vital signs.
Responds appropriately to changes in maternal or neonatal condition and provides interventions for obstetric or neonatal emergencies.
Serves as a resource for other hospital services and participates in quality improvement initiatives.
Provides age-appropriate care based on principles of growth and development, collecting, analyzing, and applying age-specific data for newborns, children, and adolescents.
Performs tasks and uses equipment in an age-appropriate manner and communicates effectively with patients and families at their developmental level.
Adheres to safety and infection control standards by attending required safety programs, using appropriate PPE consistently, demonstrating emergency procedures for obstetric and pediatric emergencies, and maintaining a safe environment.
Maintains compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational standards by upholding Trinity Health's Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, and all applicable policies in a professional and ethical manner.