PRN RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - job 1 of 2

As a PRN RN in the NICU at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, your primary responsibilities will include delivering nursing care aligned with UAMS standards, collecting and documenting patient assessments, creating individualized care plans, administering medications safely, and providing comprehensive education to patients and their families. You will work in a collaborative environment, ensuring high-quality care while contributing to a supportive atmosphere for both infants and their families.

To be considered for the PRN RN position in the NICU at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, you will need to have graduated from an accredited nursing program, hold a valid RN license, and possess at least one year of nursing experience. Excellent communication skills and basic computer skills are essential, while NICU experience and certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) are preferred qualifications that can enhance your application.

The PRN RN role in the NICU at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers flexible scheduling to accommodate your availability. As a PRN position, you will work as needed, with a maximum of 1000 hours per floating year. This allows you to balance other commitments while contributing vital nursing care to the neonatal population at UAMS.

At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, professional development is highly valued. As a PRN RN in the NICU, you will have access to various career training and educational opportunities. UAMS is committed to supporting your growth as a nurse through mentoring, educational discounts, and a positive work environment that fosters learning and collaboration among healthcare professionals.

The patient care approach at the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is grounded in family-centered care principles. This approach emphasizes comfort, hope, and healing for infants and their families, ensuring that care is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. As an RN in the NICU, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, individualized care in a supportive and compassionate environment.

Handling stress in the NICU requires a calm and focused approach. Discuss your strategies for staying organized and managing time effectively, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication with your colleagues. Provide an example of a challenging situation and how you resolved it, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

In responding to this question, outline your specific experience in neonatal care, including time spent in the NICU and the types of cases you've handled. Highlight your skills in assessment, patient care, and teamwork, demonstrating your ability to adapt to the fast-paced environment of a neonatal care unit.

Successful NICU nurses should possess compassion, attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Be sure to discuss your alignment with these qualities and provide examples of how you've exhibited them in past nursing roles.

Discuss the various protocols and standards you follow to ensure patient safety, such as adhering to medication administration guidelines and confirming dosages. You can also mention your proactive approach in communicating with the healthcare team and advocating for patients and families.

Provide an example of a situation where you advocated for a neonatal patient, explaining the circumstances and the outcome. Focus on the actions you took, the support you gathered, and the impact your advocacy had on the patient and their family.

Explain your systematic approach to developing care plans. Discuss how you assess the patient's needs, collaborate with fellow healthcare professionals, set realistic goals, and involve the family in the care planning process. Providing a specific example would highlight your organizational skills and thought process.

Effective communication with families is crucial in the NICU setting. Share your strategies for providing clear, compassionate updates and addressing the emotional needs of families. Provide an example of how you've helped a family navigate a challenging situation, ensuring they felt supported and informed.

When discussing decision-making in the NICU, emphasize the importance of evidence-based practices, collaboration with the healthcare team, and consideration of both clinical data and family wishes. Provide an example that demonstrates how you navigate complex decisions effectively.

In high-pressure situations like those often found in the NICU, conflicts can arise. Discuss your approach to communicating openly and respectfully while focusing on the shared goal of providing high-quality patient care. Provide an example of a conflict you've resolved, highlighting your conflict resolution skills.

Express your passion for working in the NICU, highlighting your commitment to caring for vulnerable patients and their families. Share personal stories or experiences that have reinforced your desire to work in this specialty, emphasizing the positive impact you've made or witnessed in neonatal care.