The primary responsibility of the perinatal patient safety nurse is to promote safe care for mothers and babies by keeping patient safety as a focus of all unit operations and clinical practices. This includes coordination of activities with other disciplines/departments and supervision of nursing personnel assigned to these areas, in accordance with regulatory/institutional standards of care/practice, as well as philosophy of the hospital and the division, in the most cost effective manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, organizes and coordinates the delivery of patient care and monitors compliance to standards.
• Under the direction of the System Director of Maternity, provides administrative support to the OB QI process. Participates in perinatal patient safety or administrative/leadership rounds and presents perinatal patient and staff safety concerns to appropriate clinical forums.
• Contributes to departmental performance review activities.
• Provides oversight and coordinates continuous and safe patient flow and throughput throughout the maternity service units; L&D, MBU, newborn nursery, NICU.
• Works cooperatively with Directors, Clinical Manager, Physicians, nursing and ancillary staff to assure that appropriate work flow maximizes the efficiency and delivery of safe patient care throughout the continuum.
• Demonstrates a sound knowledge base and decision making skills in the provision care for patients in the OB ED, Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby, (includes Newborn nursery), and the NICU.
• Keeps abreast of changing national standards of clinical practice and perinatal safety evidence based literature. Disseminates pertinent safety and specialty related information
• Acts as an independent, self-directed professional with demonstrated abilities in interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem resolution.
• Demonstrates a sound knowledge base and decision making in the provision of nursing care for a designated patient population. * Serves as a role model for clinical and professional practice.
• Acts as a resource for the maternity service staff; guides and supervises staff to ensure quality performance. * Promotes teamwork within all departments.
• Participates as a team member by performing additional assignments not directly related to the job description when workload requires or as directed by Nurse Manager or Administrative Director of service.
• Assigns staff based on their knowledge, skills, experience and scope of practice to maintain safe patient care; delegates according to patient needs.
• Responds to emergency situations per established protocol and contacts senior leadership as needed.
• Proactive in identifying and resolving issues that affect patient care and operational efficacy, identifies sources of conflict and resolves accordingly. Appropriately manages up.
• Assists Nurse Mangers & Director with counseling and disciplinary action as needed
• Participates in interview/selection of new staff members and human resources process (hiring, training, evaluation developing, coaching, disciplining)
• Assists Nurse Manager with annual employee performance evaluations; makes recommendations concerning performance improvement
• Communicates hospital programs and enforces department and hospital policies and procedures
• Participates in the development, review and revision of unit policies and procedures
• Conducts/coordinates unit based QI activities and participates in data collection for quality improvement projects/activities
• Monitors patient satisfaction in real time and provides service recovery as needed
• Demonstrates a judicious use of financial and material resources
• Maintains competency in clinical specialty and participates in relevant professional organizations and networking forums.
• Collaborates with physicians and nurses to create perinatal training programs. Fosters and promotes participation by all clinicians in educational programs and clinical drills. Facilitates and supports teamwork and training program for all department members.
• Performs other duties and related

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

A minimum of 1 year of L&D experience; a minimum of 1 year experience in postpartum and NICU preferred. Current New York State RN License. Current BLS, ACLS, NRP certifications. EFM Certification preferred. STABLE preferred. Travel is required to other Bon Secours Charity locations.

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an approved School of Nursing, BSN. Master's degree in Nursing or other health related discipline preferred.

OTHER:

If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

About Us:

Good Samaritan Hospital

Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, is a 286-bed hospital providing emergency, medical, surgical, obstetrical/gynecological and acute-care services to residents of Rockland and southern Orange counties in New York; and northern Bergen County, NJ. The hospital is home to a recognized cardiovascular program, comprehensive cancer-treatment services, the area's leading Wound and Hyperbaric Institute and outstanding maternal/child services that includes a Children's Diagnostic Center. Good Samaritan Hospital also provides social, psychiatric and substance-abuse services and its certified home-care agency supports residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond.