Job Overview

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

12 Hour Night Shift

Description:

Dubuque, located right on the Mississippi river, is known for its historic charm and has a cost of living approximately 12% below the U.S. average. The Dubuque Community School District is highly regarded, and the city offers private schools plus colleges like Loras College and Clarke University. Families enjoy cultural attractions such as the National Mississippi River Museum, arts festivals and an abundance of parks and trails.
As the region’s leading hospital, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center offers the only Level II NICU and the most comprehensive cardiology center in the tri‑state area. It holds Magnet designation (fifth consecutive cycle), CMS 5‑star quality rating and national recognition including Fortune/IBM Watson’s 100 Top Hospitals. It’s a Wellmark Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity and earns American Heart Association awards —Stroke Gold Plus, Mission: Lifeline NSTEMI and STEMI Gold. It recently celebrated 100 years of American Heart Association membership.

Full time position in the Birth Center at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. Primarily night position; this position is also required to work every third weekend and every third holiday. Care for the laboring patient in addition to postpartum couplets and surgical patients. Will be cross trained to assist in pediatrics during times of high census. Required to become Electronic Fetal Monitor certified within first year, in addition to ACLS and NRP; Mandatory Reporter and BLS also required.  

POSITION PURPOSE:
Provides and directs safe, effective, and culturally competent care for women, newborns, and pediatric patients. Utilizes evidence-based practice and critical thinking to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate outcome-based care. Manages a diverse patient population across labor and delivery, postpartum, newborn nursery, pediatrics, and/or pediatric intensive care, with varying levels of acuity. Supervises and coordinates care provided by LPNs, Patient Care Technicians/Assistants, and other team members, while ensuring clear communication with physicians, families, and the interdisciplinary team. Adheres to MercyOne’s performance expectations and upholds the Mission, Vision, and Values of MercyOne.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate degree in nursing required

2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

3. Current Iowa RN license, (current Illinois (IL) license if working in IL) required.

4. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required.

5. Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire.

6. High language, intermediate to high math, high critical thinking ability.

7. Basic computer skills required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Conducts an initial assessment to gather data.

• Makes an initial assessment of new admissions within 30 minutes of the patient’s arrival to the unit.

• Completes all areas of the admission assessment database within 24 hours of admission.

2. Identifies patient problems and develops them into an outcome/goal-based plan of care.

• Initiates the patient problem list and incorporates relevant obstetric, neonatal, or pediatric history into the plan of care.

• Analyzes and interprets assessment data to identify desired outcomes/goals for mother and child.

• Determines nursing interventions to achieve those outcomes/goals.

• Prioritizes care needs for both mother and infant.

• Identifies and makes appropriate referrals (e.g., Lactation Consultant, Social Services, Nutritional Services, Spiritual Care).

3. Implements the outcome/goal-based plan of care

• Assigns and coordinates patient care based on acuity and team member competencies.

• Organizes and prioritizes care for mothers, newborns, and pediatric patients.

• Delegates tasks appropriately to other team members.

• 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.

• Reassesses at regular intervals to monitor maternal recovery and newborn/pediatric progress.

• Documents discharge instructions for mother, infant, and/or caregiver.

4. Evaluates patient progress and revises the plan as needed

• Evaluates maternal and pediatric response(s) to interventions.

• Updates the plan of care based on ongoing reassessments.

• Revises problem list and outcomes/goals as conditions change.

5. Evaluates patient progress and revises the outcome/goal-based plan as needed.

• Evaluates patient response(s) to interventions.

• Review/modifies/revises the outcome-based plan of care based on ongoing reassessments.

• Updates the problem list and outcomes/goals.

6. Communicates relevant clinical information to optimize outcomes

• Communicates maternal and pediatric status to physicians and team members.

• Reports progress toward outcomes/goals and changes in condition promptly.

• Maintains ongoing communication with interdisciplinary team throughout the shift, at handoff, and during transfers.

• Documents completely and accurately per policy.

7. Demonstrates clinical competence

• Utilizes Women & Children-specific policies and procedures to guide practice.

• Ensures medication safety following the “5 Rights.”

• Demonstrates 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.

8. Manages fetal and neonatal monitoring when applicable

• Demonstrates competency in interpreting fetal heart tracings and neonatal vital signs.

• Responds appropriately to changes in maternal or neonatal condition.

• Provides interventions for obstetric or neonatal emergencies.

• Serves as a resource for other hospital services and participates in quality improvement initiatives.

9. Provides age-appropriate care based on principles of growth and development

• Collects, analyzes, and applies age-specific data for newborns, children, and adolescents.

• Performs tasks and uses equipment in an age-appropriate manner.

• Communicates effectively with patients and families at their developmental level.

10. Adheres to safety and infection control standards

• Attends required safety programs.

• Uses appropriate PPE consistently.

• Demonstrates emergency procedures for obstetric and pediatric emergencies.

• Maintains a safe environment for mothers, infants, and staff.

11. Maintains compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational standards

• Upholds Trinity Health’s Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, and all applicable policies in a professional and ethical manner.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Performs duties that may involve exposure to hazardous substances and is subject to normal risks associated with handling of narcotics. In patient care areas, may perform or demonstrate patient care tasks which may expose the clinical nurse to infectious or communicable disease, or possibility of injury from irrational or confused patients and visitors or from instruments or equipment.

2. Lift/Carry; Push/Pull 76-100% of the time, avg 50-100 lbs.

3. Stand; Walk/Move About 76-100% of the time

4. Must possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.