The Division of Neonatology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston is seeking Advanced Practice Providers to join the Level IV NICU at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. This role is primarily intended for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners; however, exceptionally qualified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants with substantial NICU experience will also be considered. The NICU serves as a high-acuity regional referral center with approximately 5,500 deliveries and 1,600 admissions annually and offers a collaborative academic care model within a nationally recognized neonatal program. Positions are available for both 12-hour and 24-hour shifts, 24-hour eligibility is best supported by candidates with three years of recent Level III or IV NICU experience.POSITION SUMMARY:APPs practice at the top of their scope within a collaborative academic care model, providing evidence-based care to neonates in a high-acuity Level IV NICU. Providers work closely with attending neonatologists, fellows, residents, nurses, and multidisciplinary team members to deliver high-quality, family-centered care.
Positions are available for both 12-hour and 24-hour shifts, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated clinical readiness.12-hour shifts: Open to qualified APPs with NICU experience
24-hour shifts: A minimum of three (3) years of recent Level III or Level IV NICU experience is preferred. Eligibility is based on demonstrated readiness for overnight clinical decision-making in a high-acuity Level IV NICU
POSITION KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:1. Conducts complex, standardized patient care procedures that require experience and specialized training that would otherwise be performed by a physician but which do not constitute the practice of medicine.
2. Coordinates, directs and implements patient's plan of care.
3. Orders, conducts and interprets pertinent laboratory and diagnostic studies and procedures.
4. Performs physical examinations and provides episodic care or problem-oriented care under the supervision of a physician.
5. Orders appropriate laboratory tests and interprets the laboratory data such as blood and urine samples.
6. Monitors the treatment program of the patient to inform the attending physician of pertinent medical information.
7. Makes medical recommendations and/or referrals.
8. Formulates, implements, and evaluates an outcome-based treatment plan.
9. Maintains appropriate records detailing the patient's treatment plans and outcomes.
10. Facilitates patient education relating to medical processes, medication, nutrition, and health promotion.
11. Collaborates with patients, families, other clinicians, and referral services to assist in the patient's recovery.
12. Other duties as assigned.
CERTIFICATIONS/SKILLS: - Current Texas licensure (or eligibility) as an Advanced Practice Provider and/or Physician Assistant
- Current national certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) OR certification as a Physician Assistant (PA) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) with significant NICU experience
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification alone is not eligible unless paired with a post-master's certification in an appropriate neonatal or pediatric specialty
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
- Procedural privileges granted based on training, experience, and institutional credentialing requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATION:Nurse Practitioner: Masters in Nursing as NP or master degree in Nursing with completion of a post-master Nurse Practitioner Certification Program.
Physician Assistant: Master's degree as Physician Assistant. A Bachelor's degree as a Physician Assistant with at least two years of professional experience in the role is acceptable based on terminal degree requirements at the time of graduation.
Graduation from an accredited PA, NNP, or PNP program, as applicableMINIMUM EXPERIENCE: - Prior NICU experience preferred
- Minimum of three (3) years of recent Level III or Level IV NICU experience preferred for eligibility for 24-hour shifts
- Experience in a high-acuity academic NICU environment preferred
