Title: NICU In-Charge / Neonatal Unit Lead Nurse
Department: Nursing & Patient Care / Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Reports To: Nursing Superintendent / Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) & Head of Neonatology
Job Summary:
The NICU In-Charge oversees the clinical, operational, and administrative functioning of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on a 24/7 basis. This role ensures high-quality, evidence-based care for premature and critically ill newborns, manages unit staffing and inventory, and leads the nursing team during emergency procedures and routine care.
Key Responsibilities
1. Clinical & Operational Leadership
- Oversee daily clinical operations, patient assignments, and bed management within the NICU.
- Perform daily clinical rounds with the attending Neonatologist and pediatric team.
- Direct and assist staff during acute resuscitation, high-risk deliveries, and neonatal medical emergencies.
- Ensure strict adherence to infection control protocols, sterile technique, and unit safety policies.
2. Team Management & Scheduling
- Manage duty rosters, shift handovers, and emergency staffing to maintain appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios based on acuity.
- Evaluate nursing performance, mentor junior staff, and provide continuous clinical guidance.
- Lead onboarding and orientation programs for new neonatal nurses.
3. Equipment & Inventory Oversight
- Ensure all critical life-support equipment (incubators, mechanical ventilators, CPAP, infusion pumps, vital sign monitors) are functional, calibrated, and maintained.
- Coordinate regular bio-medical maintenance and handle emergency equipment repairs immediately.
- Manage medication stocks, emergency drug crash carts, and unit supplies to prevent shortages.
4. Quality Control & Patient Safety
- Audit patient charts, medication administration records, and clinical documentation for accuracy and compliance.
- Lead investigations into unit sentinel events, incident reports, and near-misses; implement immediate corrective actions.
- Drive unit compliance with hospital accreditation bodies (e.g., NABH, JCI).
5. Family & Communication Support
- Serve as the primary escalation point for distressed parents, ensuring transparent and compassionate communication regarding patient status.
- Educate parents on kangaroo mother care (KMC), breastfeeding, developmental care, and post-discharge home care.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: B.Sc Nursing or GNM degree (M.Sc in Pediatric/Neonatal Nursing preferred).
- Licensure: Valid Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Midwife (RM) license.
- Certifications: Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification mandatory; BLS/PALS certification preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of clinical NICU nursing experience, with at least 1–2 years in a leadership, shift-in-charge, or supervisory capacity.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Advanced clinical skills in neonatal care (intubation assistance, umbilical line care, IV access, ventilator settings management).
- Strong crisis leadership, decision-making, and triage capabilities under high stress.
- Excellent inter-professional communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Pay: ₹45,000.00 - ₹60,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Leave encashment
- Paid sick time
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
