Clinical Nurse (RN) – Per Diem Level II | Postpartum |
Day Shift

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

Role Summary

The Clinical Nurse – Per Diem (RN) is a Registered Nurse reporting to the Clinical Nursing Administrator and embedded in the Howard University Hospital Postpartum / Mother-Baby unit — part of a comprehensive Women and Infant Services program serving the Washington, DC metro area. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, you will deliver safe, effective, patient- and family-centered care to postpartum patients and their newborns across the full spectrum of acuity. You will exemplify HUH’s CARES values, adhere to ANA standards of practice, and fulfill our nursing mission and vision.

What You’ll Do

• Perform comprehensive maternal and neonatal assessments and develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care for postpartum couplets across the full spectrum of acuity, including vaginal and cesarean deliveries
• Monitor and manage postpartum recovery including uterine involution, lochia, incision/perineal healing, vital signs, pain, and elimination; recognize and escalate deviations from expected recovery
• Assess, manage, and educate patients on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) risk, including fundal assessment, quantitative blood loss (QBL) monitoring, and hemorrhage bundle activation as indicated
• Administer and monitor high-risk postpartum medications including magnesium sulfate, oxytocin, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants safely per protocol; recognize and respond to adverse effects
• Perform newborn assessments including vital signs, weight, skin color, feeding cues, elimination, and gestational age indicators; recognize and escalate signs of newborn compromise
• Provide skilled lactation support including latch assessment, positioning, milk expression, and coordination with lactation consultants; support both breastfeeding and formula-feeding families without bias
• Screen for and respond to postpartum mood and anxiety disorders; apply appropriate escalation pathways and provide compassionate, trauma-informed support
• Deliver comprehensive discharge education to patients and families on postpartum recovery, newborn care, safe sleep, infant feeding, circumcision care, contraception, and warning signs requiring follow-up
• Recognize and escalate obstetric and neonatal emergencies including postpartum eclampsia, hypertensive urgency, maternal sepsis, neonatal respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia
• Establish rapport with patients and families under high-stress conditions, providing emotional, psychological, and culturally responsive support throughout the postpartum experience
• Document patient care, assessments, and outcomes accurately in the electronic health record; communicate irregularities and continuing care needs across nursing teams
• Delegate tasks appropriately to non-licensed personnel and assistants
• Adhere to infection control protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations
• Participate in unit performance improvement programs, and engage in education, engagement, and practice committees
• Maintain and grow clinical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, and professional societies
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of this role

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Minimum three (3) years of bedside RN experience in a Postpartum / Mother-Baby setting
• Current, active RN license in the District of Columbia
• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) required
• Nationally recognized nursing certification in obstetric or neonatal nursing (e.g., RNC-MNN, RNC-OB) highly desirable

About Howard University Hospital

With over 150 years of caring for our community in the Washington, DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centric care. As the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University, we offer a superior learning environment built on groundbreaking research and exceptional patient outcomes.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive per diem compensation
• Flexible scheduling within defined per diem commitment
• Professional practice environment grounded in the HUH CARES values
• Opportunities to contribute to a respected academic and clinical institution

Please note: Per Diem positions are not benefits-eligible and do not accrue PTO. Employees may be eligible for compensation under the DC Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act (ASSLA).

Position Details

Pay & Schedule

This is a per diem, non-exempt position. Hourly rate is $61.00/hour.

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.