Job Description Neonatal Nurse (Republic of Ireland) Job Title: Neonatal Nurse Location: Republic of Ireland (HSE / Private Hospital Settings) Department: Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) / Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reports To: Neonatal Clinical Nurse Manager / Unit Manager Contract Type: Full-time / Part-time / Agency Role Overview The Neonatal Nurse provides specialised, high-quality care to newborn infants requiring additional support within Special Care Baby Units (SCBU), High Dependency (HDU), and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU).
This role involves continuous monitoring, early intervention, and supporting families throughout the neonatal care journey in line with HSE and HIQA standards.
Key Responsibilities Clinical Care Deliver evidence-based nursing care to neonates in SCBU, HDU, and NICU environments.
Monitor vital signs, administer medications, and manage neonatal equipment (incubators, CPAP, ventilators, infusion pumps).
Conduct neonatal assessments and escalate concerns promptly.
Provide feeding support including breastfeeding assistance, NG/OG tube feeding, and TPN administration.
Participate in stabilisation and emergency responses in accordance with neonatal clinical guidelines.
Support and participate in Neonatal Resuscitation, following national protocols.
Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with HIQA, HSE, and NMBI requirements.
Family-Centred Support Educate and support parents, promoting involvement in newborn care.
Facilitate skin-to-skin care, bonding, and developmental care practices.
Communicate sensitively regarding treatment plans and discharge processes.
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration Collaborate with neonatologists, paediatricians, midwives, and other MDT members.
Participate in ward rounds, care planning, and safe transfer of infants.
Provide structured handovers using ISBAR or similar communication tools.
Quality & Safety Follow infection prevention and control standards at all times.
Participate in audits, incident reporting, and quality improvement activities.
Maintain high standards of neonatal safety, safeguarding, and clinical governance.
Professional Practice Work in accordance with the NMBI Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.
Maintain all mandatory training relevant to neonatal care.
Engage in CPD and reflective practice to enhance clinical competency.
Qualifications & Requirements Registered General Nurse (RGN), Registered Childrens Nurse (RCN), or Registered Midwife (RM) with active NMBI registration (or registration in progress).
Neonatal Resuscitation Programme (NRP) certification mandatory.
Experience in SCBU and/or NICU nursing desirable.
Strong assessment and critical-thinking skills.
Demonstrated ability to support families during challenging situations.
Eligibility to work in the Republic of Ireland (visa/permit if required).
Benefits: Housing Allowance / Accommodation Fuel Allowance Performance Bonus