Nursing in PICU
Based in central Auckland, our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Starship Child Health is the only dedicated 22 bed paediatric intensive care/high dependency care unit in New Zealand. We support all inpatient medical and surgical services and provide care to children from around NZ who require respiratory support for more than 24 hours. We also staff and run the only dedicated paediatric retrieval service in New Zealand.
Why work with us?
Working with us as a PICU nurse you'll receive an outstanding induction and benefit from ongoing education opportunities. This includes a post graduate certificate with the University of Auckland and the chance to work with children requiring a variety of clinical supports including advanced ventilation support therapies and Extra Corporeal Life Support modalities. The unit has active teaching and research programmes, and is involved in several Australasian research studies.
The variety of our nursing opportunities and our supportive work environment make our PICU a satisfying place to work.
What attributes you will need to have
Ideally you will come from a PICU, paediatric, neonatal or adult ICU background. Within our progressive unit there is room for a diverse range of nursing styles. The ability to critically decision-make, communicate clearly and be self aware are viewed as positive attributes which will help to ensure you are a good fit for the unit.
Normal nursing shifts
Each shift has a dedicated shift co-ordinator plus a runner or resource nurse. There is coverage by a healthcare assistant for a minimum of 8 hours most days and also unit clerk coverage. The normal shift is a 12 hour self-rostered day or night.
Wherever possible patients are assigned with consistency in mind and also have a primary nursing programme. The team listen to a brief handover from the previous shift and then a nurse to nurse handover at the bedside focuses on more detailed patient information. Nurses may look after one ICU patient or 2 High Dependency patients. They may also set up for an emergency admission or an elective surgical admission.
The multidisciplinary team do rounds at approximately 8.30am to plan care. Once a week we have multidisciplinary rounds where nurses may present their patient.
Nursing values
Haere Mai
Recognise the unique central place of the family/whānau in the infant, child andyoung person's life.
Manaaki
Care for the infant, child and young person and family/whānau with empathy, dignity and respect.
Respect the cultural and spiritual needs of the infant, child and young person and family/whānau.
Angamua
Acknowledge the importance of feeling safe in our care to the infant, child and young person and family/whanau.
Are accountable for the environment we work in.
Angamua
Demonstrate professional integrity and accountability in our nursing practice.
Ensure currency in our knowledge and skills enabling us to provide best practice.
Tuhono
We work together to ensure we match nursing clinical expertise with patients care needs.
Approach practice with a goal of continuous quality improvement.
Nursing structure
Contact us
If this sounds like the working environment for you, you can go to Work at Starship to find out what positions are available and see how to apply.
You are also welcome to email Nic Gini, Nurse Unit Manager at nicolag@adhb.govt.nz for more information or to set up a tour to see PICU.