April Blackwill

Registered Nurse

Jackson Memorial Hospital

01.2022 - 06.2023

Identify the needs and problems of neonates through clinical observation and physical assessment
Act as the patient's advocate, assess patient status and notify physicians of clinical changes
Work as a member of the interdisciplinary team, consisting of neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, respiratory therapist, dietitians, occupational and physical therapists, and social workers to develop a personalized care plan for the patient
Manage patients with oxygen therapy including high frequency oscillator ventilation (HFOV), inhaled nitric oxide, tracheostomy, endotracheal intubation mechanical ventilation, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bubble CPAP, and nasal cannula
Administer care of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), induced hypothermia via cooling blanket for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), surgical intervention of mylomeningocele/meningoceles, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), gastroschisis/omphalocele, and tracheoesophageal fistula
Activities performed including caring for neonate with congenital heart defects, meconium aspiration, extremely low birthweight, congenital anomalies, sepsis/pneumonia, feeding intolerances, withdrawal, hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia
Assist the provider in procedures including intubation and extubation, lumbar puncture, central line placement, and blood culture draw
Manage patients with cardiac monitoring, pulse oximetry, isolettes, medication administration, titrating intravenous infusion/gtts, PICC, arterial, Broviac and UAC/UVC lines, nasogastric/orogastric tubes
Provide physical comfort measures to the infant, including positioning, holding, music therapy, and pain management
Ensure that accurate and true documentation and records are logged
Create a welcoming, caring and safe environment for the neonate and their families
Serve as a support system and advocate for the newborns' parents