Newborn Hearing Screening

SUMMARY:    

Evaluate and prioritize infants to be screened prior to discharge from the hospital based on established protocol. Factors considered include:

1. Time of birth
2. Estimated discharge time, ensuring LOS is not prolonged for hearing screening
3. Need for 2nd screening prior to discharge

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Perform automated hearing screening tests
2. Inform parents of the infant prior to screening, and answer parent questions
3. Identify any risk factors for hearing loss
4. Perform automated screening tests using designated equipment, strictly following established protocols and procedures
5. Inform parents of the results of hearing screening, answering any questions after the test
6. Provide parents with written information to take home about hearing loss and speech and language milestones
7. Refer any problematic or difficult cases out for follow-up and schedule follow-up outpatient appointment
8. If parents require follow-up, provide them with options 
9. Document screening test results and newborn hearing screening log. Enter the data into the DHCS website and also document it in the Electronic Medical Record.
10. Follow established infection control procedures
11. Utilize appropriate baby-handling skills
12. Recognize problems with screening equipment, troubleshoot as necessary, and report any recurrent or unresolved problems 
13. Recognize potential problems with infant and/or major medical equipment and report problems to appropriate personnel
14. Monitor inventory of supplies and report supply needs to the manager. Maintain appropriate supply levels with screening equipment.
15. Complete billing sheets for all hearing screenings performed and submit them to manager

.OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Other duties as assigned from time to time.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1          N/A 

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE: 

1. Two or more years of related hospital or clinic based experience required. 
2. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and demonstrated skill in sharing information with governing bodies and employees in an appropriate and timely manner.
3. Well-developed project management, people management and client relationship skills.
4. Strong analytic problem-solving skills, organizational skills to manage time efficiently and the ability to adapt to changing environments is key to the success of this position.  
5. Must relate in a professional and courteous manner with internal and external customers. 
6. Use verbal, negotiating, and written communication skills effectively, and handle conflict constructively.  Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with patients, families, physicians, and co-workers.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

1. Current AHA BLS required upon hire. 
2. Completion of the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management Training within 6 months of hire.

AGE OF POPULATION SERVED:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Accurate typing, personal computer, data entry, standing, walking, lifting up to 30 pounds. Must have sufficient emotional stability to relate with co-workers and clients in a professional manner even in a stressful busy clinic setting.