Registered Nurse - CDH NICU, Full-time, Nights, Sign-on Bonus - job 1 of 2

To qualify for the Registered Nurse role in the CDH NICU at Northwestern Medicine, candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and possess a current Illinois Registered Professional Nurse license. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to team collaboration are essential. Additionally, if you have an Associate Degree in Nursing, you're welcome to apply, provided you commit to obtaining your BSN within three years of employment.

As a Registered Nurse in the CDH NICU at Northwestern Medicine, you will be responsible for conducting patient assessments, developing care plans, and directly managing nursing care for acutely ill neonates. You'll work closely with patients and families, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with the healthcare team. Documentation of patient responses to interventions and participation in shared governance are also key responsibilities.

Northwestern Medicine is dedicated to taking care of its employees, offering a competitive benefits package for Registered Nurses, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and lifecycle benefits. We believe in a supportive environment that encourages professional growth while ensuring that our nursing staff feels valued and secure.

At Northwestern Medicine's CDH NICU, we prioritize professional development through various channels. Nurses are encouraged to participate in committee work, unit projects, and shared governance activities. Our supportive environment also allows Registered Nurses to utilize research findings to guide their practices, ensuring that they remain knowledgeable and effective in their roles.

Registered Nurses in the CDH NICU at Northwestern Medicine typically work full-time night shifts. This schedule provides a unique opportunity to care for patients in a quieter environment while also accommodating personal schedules. If you're looking to make an impact during nighttime hours, this position may be perfect for you!

When answering this question, focus on specific roles and responsibilities held in NICU settings. Discuss the types of cases you managed, any special procedures you performed, and how this experience prepares you for the role at Northwestern Medicine.

Share examples of past experiences where you successfully managed challenging situations. Highlight your critical thinking skills, teamwork, and ability to follow protocols while remaining calm—key attributes in NICU nursing.

Discuss your strategies for effective communication, emphasizing empathy, clarity, and professionalism. Highlight how you tailor communication to suit the needs of families in stressful situations, particularly in the context of NICU care.

Talk about your dedication to evidence-based practice and how you leverage research findings in your care delivery. Explain your involvement in care planning and evaluating patient outcomes to improve nursing interventions.

Reflect on the joys and challenges of NICU nursing, such as making a difference in the lives of vulnerable patients and the gratitude expressed by families. Your passion for this specialty can shine here.

Mention professional development activities such as attending workshops, pursuing certifications, or reading medical journals. This shows your commitment to lifelong learning and improving your practice.

Provide a specific scenario that showcases your clinical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Detail how you approached the case and the positive outcomes that resulted from your interventions.

Give examples of past conflicts and how you navigated them professionally. Emphasize your communication skills, willingness to listen, and how you prioritize patient care over personal differences.

Discuss your experience with EHR systems, focusing on how you use them to document patient care effectively. Mention your comfort level with technology and adapting to new systems, showing you are tech-savvy.

Express your admiration for Northwestern Medicine's patient-first mission and how it aligns with your nursing philosophy. Highlight specific attributes of their NICU that attract you, such as their commitment to professional growth and high standards of patient care.