Provides safe and culturally competent care for women, newborns, and pediatric patients across labor and delivery, postpartum, and NICU units. Coordinates with interdisciplinary teams to implement outcome-based care plans and monitor patient progress.
Employment Type
Full time
Shift: 12
Hour
Night
Shift
Description:
RN,
Weekend
Package
NICU
Status: .9/FT (36 hours a week)
Shift:
Nights
Hours: 6pm-6:30am As the only Pediatric inpatient unit in the Dubuque area, pediatric staff provide family centered care to pediatric patients up to the age of 18. This includes conducting physical assessments, monitoring and administration of medications, creating care plans and providing relevant patient education. Pediatric staff work closely with physicians, respiratory therapists and laboratory personnel to fulfill each patient’s plan of care. Working a primarily night position, staff are assigned every third weekend and have an assigned holiday rotation. Working primarily 1800-0630, schedule is otherwise created utilizing self-scheduling with the guidance of the unit based staffing committee. Pediatric staff will be cross-trained to the Level 2 NICU to take patients admitted to that unit, in addition to cross training to care for postpartum couplets. Opportunities to assist in the Emergency Department with pediatric patients as well, including assessments and cares. All Pediatric staff are certified in NRP and PALS onsite, and are also required to be certified in BLS and mandatory reporter. Full time position in the Birth Center at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. Primarily night position; this position is also required to work every third weekend and every third holiday. Care for the laboring patient in addition to postpartum couplets and surgical patients. Will be cross trained to assist in pediatrics during times of high census. Required to become Electronic Fetal Monitor certified within first year, in addition to ACLS and NRP; Mandatory Reporter and BLS also required.
Position
PURPOSE: Provides and directs safe, effective, and culturally competent care for women, newborns, and pediatric patients. Utilizes evidence-based practice and critical thinking to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate outcome-based care. Manages a diverse patient population across labor and delivery, postpartum, newborn nursery, pediatrics, and/or pediatric intensive care, with varying levels of acuity. Supervises and coordinates care provided by LPNs, Patient Care Technicians/Assistants, and other team members, while ensuring clear communication with physicians, families, and the interdisciplinary team. Adheres to MercyOne’s performance expectations and upholds the Mission, Vision, and Values of MercyOne.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Associate degree in nursing required 2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred. 3. Current Iowa RN license, (current Illinois (IL) license if working in IL) required. 4. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required. 5. Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire. 6. High language, intermediate to high math, high critical thinking ability. 7. Basic computer skills required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Conducts an initial assessment to gather data.
Makes an initial assessment of new admissions within 30 minutes of the patient’s arrival to the unit.
Completes all areas of the admission assessment database within 24 hours of admission. 2. Identifies patient problems and develops them into an outcome/goal-based plan of care.
Initiates the patient problem list and incorporates relevant obstetric, neonatal, or pediatric history into the plan of care.
Analyzes and interprets assessment data to identify desired outcomes/goals for mother and child.
Determines nursing interventions to achieve those outcomes/goals.
Prioritizes care needs for both mother and infant.
Identifies and makes appropriate referrals (e.g., Lactation Consultant, Social Services, Nutritional Services, Spiritual Care). 3. Implements the outcome/goal-based plan of care
Assigns and coordinates patient care based on acuity and team member competencies.
Organizes and prioritizes care for mothers, newborns, and pediatric patients.
Delegates tasks appropriately to other team members.
Implements the plan of care including procedures, treatments, physician orders, nursing orders, education plans, and medications.
Coordinates implementation with Case Manager, Social Worker, and other disciplines.
Assists in discharge planning, ensuring families have resources for newborn care, breastfeeding support, and pediatric follow-up.
Uses nursing judgment to determine frequency and components of reassessment.
Reassesses at regular intervals to monitor maternal recovery and newborn/pediatric progress.
Documents discharge instructions for mother, infant, and/or caregiver. 4. Evaluates patient progress and revises the plan as needed
Evaluates maternal and pediatric response(s) to interventions.
Updates the plan of care based on ongoing reassessments.
Revises problem list and outcomes/goals as conditions change. 5. Evaluates patient progress and revises the outcome/goal-based plan as needed.
Requirements
Requires an Associate degree in nursing and a current Iowa RN license, with a BSN preferred. Must hold BLS certification and obtain NRP, PALS, and Electronic Fetal Monitor certifications.
associate degree
bachelor degree
Case Management
Care Planning
Medication Administration
Patient Assessment
Patient Education
Emergency Response
Infection Control
Critical Thinking
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Pediatric Nursing
Neonatal Intensive Care
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Location
Dubuque, Iowa
Posted
Jul 23, 2026
Application
Employer website
Evaluates patient response(s) to interventions.
Review/modifies/revises the outcome-based plan of care based on ongoing reassessments.
Updates the problem list and outcomes/goals. 6. Communicates relevant clinical information to optimize outcomes
Communicates maternal and pediatric status to physicians and team members.
Reports progress toward outcomes/goals and changes in condition promptly.
Maintains ongoing communication with interdisciplinary team throughout the shift, at handoff, and during transfers.
Documents completely and accurately per policy. 7. Demonstrates clinical competence
Utilizes Women & Children-specific policies and procedures to guide practice.
Ensures medication safety following the “5 Rights.”
Demonstrates competency in electronic health record systems.
Processes and implements physician orders accurately.
Maintains communication with leadership regarding admissions, acuity, and significant events.
Completes assigned shift duties and resolves discrepancies. 8. Manages fetal and neonatal monitoring when applicable
Demonstrates competency in interpreting fetal heart tracings and neonatal vital signs.
Responds appropriately to changes in maternal or neonatal condition.
Provides interventions for obstetric or neonatal emergencies.
Serves as a resource for other hospital services and participates in quality improvement initiatives. 9. Provides age-appropriate care based on principles of growth and development
Collects, analyzes, and applies age-specific data for newborns, children, and adolescents.
Performs tasks and uses equipment in an age-appropriate manner.
Communicates effectively with patients and families at their developmental level. 10. Adheres to safety and infection control standards
Attends required safety programs.
Uses appropriate PPE consistently.
Demonstrates emergency procedures for obstetric and pediatric emergencies.
Maintains a safe environment for mothers, infants, and staff. 11. Maintains compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational standards
Upholds Trinity Health’s Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, and all applicable policies in a professional and ethical manner. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Performs duties that may involve exposure to hazardous substances and is subject to normal risks associated with handling of narcotics. In patient care areas, may perform or demonstrate patient care tasks which may expose the clinical nurse to infectious or communicable disease, or possibility of injury from irrational or confused patients and visitors or from instruments or equipment. 2. Lift/Carry; Push/Pull 76-100% of the time, avg 50-100 lbs. 3. Stand; Walk/Move About 76-100% of the time 4. Must possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures. Our Commitment Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
In Iowa, nursing roles often stay competitive because healthcare employers need candidates who are already in an accredited RN program and hold required certifications such as BLS for Healthcare Providers and Mandatory Reporter training. This role may appeal to applicants seeking a monthly stipend plus licensure and board fee reimbursement. On this platform, job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time; confirm your enrollment status, certifications, and training before applying.