Staff Nurse II - Special Care Nursery - Full Time (1.0), 8-hr - Evenings

As a Staff Nurse II in our Special Care Nursery, your primary responsibilities revolve around providing exceptional care for a designated group of patients. You'll be leveraging your nursing knowledge to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. This includes effective communication with families, collaborating with the healthcare team, and utilizing the nursing process to ensure optimal outcomes for our infants.

To qualify for the Staff Nurse II role at our Special Care Nursery, candidates must be graduates of an accredited nursing school with a BSN preferred, or an ADN accompanied by three years of specialty experience. A current RN license in California, AHA BLS, and NRP certifications are required, with the expectation to obtain Neonatal Intensive Care certification within one year of hire. Additionally, at least six months of acute care hospital experience and two years in a critical or intermediate NICU setting are necessary.

The Staff Nurse II at our Special Care Nursery will primarily work full-time 8-hour evening shifts, ensuring the continuity of care for our patients during off-peak hours. This schedule allows for a balanced work-life dynamic while being consistently present for both the infants and their families during the evening hours.

Essential skills for the Staff Nurse II role in our Special Care Nursery include the ability to work productively in a busy environment, strong communication skills in English, both written and oral, and a thorough understanding of neonatal care protocols. Additionally, critical thinking and the ability to handle complex medical situations are crucial in providing high-quality patient care.

Yes, prior experience is essential for the Staff Nurse II position at our Special Care Nursery. Candidates should have at least six months of acute care hospital experience and two years in a critical or intermediate NICU setting to ensure they are well-equipped to provide exceptional care to our vulnerable patients.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for neonatal care and how your experiences led you to choose this path. Highlight specific moments that shaped your decision, such as positive experiences with previous patients or the impact of caring for infants.

Describe your approach to time management and task prioritization. Explain how you assess patient needs and organize your workload, ensuring critical tasks are completed first while still providing attentive care.

Use the STAR method to structure your response—Situation, Task, Action, Result. Share a relevant experience from your previous work, focusing on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills while ensuring a positive outcome for the patient.

Discuss the importance of clear, compassionate communication. Share techniques you utilize to ensure that parents understand their child's condition and care procedures, fostering a trusting relationship.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning, such as attending workshops, participating in professional associations, or exploring current research in neonatal care to ensure you provide the best care possible.

Highlight the importance of teamwork in delivering high-quality patient care. Share examples of how you collaborate with colleagues and interdisciplinary teams to promote effective treatment plans for your patients.

Discuss coping mechanisms you have developed over the years, emphasizing the importance of self-care, seeking support from colleagues, and utilizing resources available through your workplace to manage stress.

Emphasize the complexities of neonatal care, including the unique physiological needs of infants and the importance of specialized training and experience in delivering effective care in high-stress situations.

Explain your approach to conflict resolution in a professional manner. Discuss the importance of open communication and advocating for patient safety, while respecting the input and expertise of the medical team.

Provide insight into your knowledge of key milestones in neonatal care, discussing the developmental stages of infants and the importance of tailored interventions to support their growth and health.