SCN/Postpartum RN
Burien, Washington
Highline Medical Center

Registered Nurse (RN) – Special Care Nursery (SCN) / Postpartum

Location: Burien, Washington
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights
Hours per Day: 12
Hours per Week: 36

Unit Overview

• Unit combines Special Care Nursery (SCN) and Postpartum (PP) in one department (LDRP model).
• NICU Level 2 with 5 beds.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1 nurse to 3 babies.
• When no babies are in the nursery, nurses flex to postpartum assignments (3 mother-baby couplets).
• Neonatologist available in-house 24/7.
• No telemetry or monitor techs; RNs read strips.
• Respiratory equipment includes CPAP, BiPAP, high flow nasal cannula, and ventilators (used prior to transfer).
• No nurse aides on the unit.
• Block scheduling with weekend requirement every other weekend.
• Holiday coverage required: 1 summer and 1 winter holiday.
• Standby (on-call) requirement exists.

Required Certifications & Skills

• BLS (AHA)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
• Preferred skills in both NICU Level 2 and postpartum care.
• Must be skilled in attending deliveries as the baby nurse.
• IV start and maintenance.
• Experience with Bubble CPAP, high flow nasal cannula, and umbilical line placement and maintenance.
• Ability to transfer patients to higher level of care.
• RNs are required to titrate drips such as D5W and TPN.

Common Patient Diagnoses / Conditions

• Phototherapy patients
• Gainer/growers (babies gaining weight)
• Respiratory distress
• Hypoglycemia
• Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal (NOW)
• Diagnosed sepsis
• Attending deliveries as the baby nurse

Orientation & Dress Code

• 3-night orientation with staff.
• Scrubs are supplied.

Additional Notes

• Nurses must be flexible to float between SCN and postpartum assignments depending on census.
• Charge nurse rarely takes patient assignments.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Washington.
• Minimum 2 years of experience preferred in NICU Level 2 and postpartum nursing combined.