Job Objective: In addition to the objective outlined in the AVMC Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description, the Couplet Care RN is responsible for providing nursing care for postpartum mothers and newborn infants guided by the policies and procedures of the unit. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing assessment of the newborn and mother, patient education regarding infant and postpartum care, and preparation for discharge.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Meets all the essential duties and responsibilities of the RN.
B. Additional duties and responsibilities of the Couplet Care RN:
1. Recognizes normal and abnormal physical, psycho-social, cultural, spiritual and learning needs of postpartum mothers, newborn infants, and their families.
2. Provides quality care with accurate assessment, interventions and documentation for low to high-risk postpartum patients.
3. Provides quality care with accurate assessment, interventions and documentation needed to meet the unique needs of the newborn infant.
4. Provides education to the patient/family regarding the postpartum process and newborn infant care.
5. Facilitates maintenance of parent-infant contact.
6. Assists mothers in the successful initiation and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding, and/or other feeding methods as indicated.
7. Provides age specific education for infants, adolescents and adults.
Non-Essential Duties:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Possesses all the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities of the RN.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the mandated reporting laws.
- Demonstrates knowledge of infant and child safety measures and abduction prevention program.
AVMC Values: All AVMC employees will effectively demonstrate these values:
- Patients Come First – We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing safety as a top priority.
- Accountability & Ownership – We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate, and recognize that what we do reflects on us.
- Teamwork – We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of everyone. Success is about the whole team.
- Integrity & Honesty – We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do the right thing when no one is looking.
- Excellence – We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top tier quality.
- Initiative & Innovation – Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us to improve the patient’s experience, solve our own problems, make timely decisions, and look for opportunities to add value.
- Tenderness & Compassion – We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for each other.
Education and Experience:
Education
Required:
· Graduate from a school of nursing.
· Complete twenty (20) hours of training in Breastfeeding and Lactation within 6 months of hire.
· Completes Couplet Care Core Competencies during orientation period.
Desired:
· BSN or MSN preferred.
Experience
· Two (2) years of recent clinical experience in Maternal/Newborn Nursing specialty area preferred.
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:
Required:
· Meets all required licensure and/or certifications of the Registered Nurse.
· Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification is required within 6 months from the date of hire to Couplet Care.
· Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is required for Couplet Care Charge Nurses.
Desired:
· ACLS certification is encouraged for all Couplet Care RNs.
· Certification in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN).
· STABLE Program certification.
AVMC Conduct/Compliance Expectations:
· Ability to adhere with AVMC Attendance and Punctuality Policy.
· Ability to adhere with AVMC Leaves of Absence Policy.
· Ability to adhere with AVMC Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy.
· Ability to adhere to the department dress code.
· Ability to organize work and establish priorities.
· Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties.
· Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards.
· Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters.
· Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff.
· Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVMC.
· Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patients, hospital and department information.
· Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations.
· Safely and effectively use all the equipment necessary to carry out duties.
· Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures.
· Conforms with required and appropriate accreditation and regulatory requirements.
· Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines.
· Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education.
· Display a willingness to work as a team player.
· Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times.
· Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVMC Board of Directors.
· Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its established policies.
· Ability to follow the Code of Conduct.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
· Work is often performed under stressful, emotional, and physical conditions.
· Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, twisting and reaching, and must be able to speak, see, and hear.
· Ability to frequently lift, push and pull up to 25 lbs.
· Ability to occasionally assist, as part of a team, in lifting, pushing and/or pulling patients for the transfer of care, requiring exertion of up to and over 50 lbs.
· Must be able to operate technical equipment in the Couplet Care area safely and in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.
NOTE: THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY PEOPLE ASSIGNED TO THIS JOB. THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR THE PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.