Registered Nurse Retinopathy of Prematurity Coordinator - Newborn Center

We are searching for a Registered Nurse Retinopathy of Prematurity Coordinator (ROPC) — someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In this position, you will support excellence in clinical practice and the care of patients in accordance with their developmental stages. You will coordinate the daily operations of the service by assisting the physicians, promoting the development of other nurse professionals, demonstrating clinical expertise and implementation of the Department's philosophy and standards of nursing practice. You will also be responsible for the coordination of care for the patient and family as they move across the continuum.

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Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse Retinopathy of Prematurity Coordinator (ROPC), in collaboration with the Neonatologist and Ophthalmologist, is responsible for coordinating and tracking the retinal screening of the preterm infants while inpatient and as outpatient up to the time the infant’s retinas reach vascular maturity.

The ROPC must have sufficient understanding of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) to assume responsibility for tracking infants until they meet the end of screening/treating criteria as set forth by the AAP.

The intent of this job description is to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

While patient is an inpatient:

1. Review each new admission to the NBC, checking birth weight and gestational age that falls within the screening criteria for ROP.
2. Review neonatologist orders for preterm babies eligible for screening and compare with screening criteria.
3. Add infant’s name and other demographic data to ROP tracking system
   1. The ROP tracking system must be updated after each ROP examination/treatment. Close attention must be paid to timing of next examination/treatment date until both eyes have met the conclusion of acute screening criteria.
4. Notify ophthalmologist and his/her staff of infants to be screened.
   1. With assistance of ophthalmologist, orient staff in each unit to ensure that staff understands the importance of each scheduled ROP screening/treatment date.
5. Be sufficiently familiar with ROP screening and treatment techniques thus offering appropriate support and education to the parents.
   1. Ensure appropriate education and parent information is provided prior to each eye screening and after each exam.
   2. Give support and understanding to parents with emphasis on educating them to the importance of the screening process
   3. Ensure parents are informed of the examination results and when the next the exam is schedule.
6. Assist ophthalmologist and observe baby during the screening process.
   1. Following the appropriate order from the ophthalmologist, ensure administration of eye medication prior to exam.
7. Review the ophthalmologist’s order and ROP exam note for date of next exam or treatment and compare with compliance with screening criteria.
8. Coordinate communication between Ophthalmologist and Neonatologist ensuring each understands patient’s ROP status.
9. Promote accurate record keeping in the NICU chart and the ROP tracking system.
10. Communicate between neonatal units to ensure that screening and treatment is appropriately maintained in babies who are transferred.
11. Schedule outpatient appointments. These appointments should be scheduled only with an ophthalmologist who has agreed to accept the ROP patient.
12. Continue tracking of infant until both eyes have met the conclusion of acute screening criteria.
13. Monitor and audit the eye screening protocol and discuss methods to ensure compliance with screening criteria.
     

Essential Functions:
 

1. Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the hospital system as well as the proper release of information ensuring HIPPA compliance.
2. Complies with hospital and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
3. Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.
4. Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
5. Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, all successful candidates will be required to undergo respiratory fit testing in compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

Skills & Requirements
 

• One of the following is required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing
  • Associate degree in nursing with acceptance or current enrollment in a BSN program and signed agreement (see comments below) or an associate’s degree in a related field accepted by the Texas Board of Nursing for the purposes of obtaining and maintaining an RN license.
  • Technical diploma in nursing with acceptance or current enrollment in a BSN program and signed agreement or must be currently enrolled in a nursing bridge program working toward an MSN. Verified BSN-equivalency or a signed agreement is required.
• RN - Lic-Registered Nurses Texas Board of Nursing or Nursing Licensure Compact Required
• BLS - Cert-Basic Life Support American Heart Association Required
• 3 years' Experience in Nursing Required
• Pediatric experience preferred
• NICU experience preferred