The Trainee Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is an experienced Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse who prior to the commencement in post will be competent in some aspects of the clinical and professional duties. Attends high-risk deliveries for the resuscitation, stabilisation and safe transfer of newborn infants. Under supervision until deemed clinically competent carries out assessment of infants on the postnatal wards, including first medical examination. Refers to appropriate specialists, admits to NNU and/or discharges from hospital. Performs formal discharge examinations and determines whether a baby is fit for discharge. Uses specialised clinical and theoretical knowledge to assess the health status of the baby by medical, psychosocial and clinical examination. Plans and implements individual management and care plans in collaboration with nursing, medical and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of the neonate. Under supervision initiates treatment, including drug
therapy and intravenous fluids and parenteral nutrition, in accordance with agreed guidelines. Initiation and subsequent management of mechanical ventilation, monitoring blood gases and alteration of ventilator settings accordingly. Obtain, interpret and monitor laboratory investigations with the appropriate response. Request, interpret and respond to other investigations such as x-rays, ECGs, ultrasound scans and blood tests. To ensure that reassessment of nursing, medical and psychosocial needs are evaluated, progress notes are kept and revision of management is instituted where appropriate. Provide counselling and support for parents whose children are receiving intensive care. To develop and maintain effective communication with parents and act as a liaison between parents and healthcare professionals. Develop and maintain nursing information systems and ensure that written documentation is kept in respect of investigations and incidents. To promote professionalism in nursing, ensure
the rights, dignity and confidentiality of patients, relatives and staff are protected at all times. Undertakes under supervision where not deemed competent the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within the unit protocols. These may include: Venepuncture and capillary sampling Percutaneous arterial sampling Peripheral and umbilical venous cannulation Peripheral and umbilical arterial cannulation Insertion of percutaneous central venous lines Withdrawal of blood from an indwelling arterial or venous line. Attachment and calibration of blood pressure transducers. Endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation. Lumbar puncture. Use of and trouble-shooting ventilatory support. Supra-pubic aspiration of the bladder. Diagnostic investigation of pneumothorax and insertion of chest drain Administration of exogenous surfactant