Position SummaryThe Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) responsible for providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to newborn infants admitted to the Level II Special Care Nursery and Newborn Nursery at UTMB Angleton Danbury Campus. The practitioner functions as an independent provider within the scope of licensure and hospital privileges while collaborating with neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, nursing staff, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
The NNP/PNP provides direct patient care, attends high-risk deliveries including cesarean sections, stabilizes critically ill newborns, coordinates transfers to tertiary NICUs when indicated, and supports the continued development of the Level II nursery through quality improvement, staff education, protocol development, and family-centered care. The practitioner will also collaborate with UTMB Galveston neonatologists utilizing tele-neonatology and other remote consultation resources to ensure timely access to subspecialty expertise.
Essential ResponsibilitiesClinical Care- Perform comprehensive neonatal history and physical examinations.
- Evaluate, diagnose, and manage infants admitted to the Newborn Nursery and Level II Special Care Nursery.
- Develop and implement evidence-based management plans.
- Order and interpret laboratory studies, radiologic imaging, and other diagnostic tests under the supervision of a Neonatologist/Neonatal hospitalist.
- Prescribe medications and therapies within scope of practice.
- Manage infants requiring:
- Oxygen therapy
- High-flow nasal cannula and CPAP
- Intravenous fluids and medications
- Antibiotic therapy
- Phototherapy
- Feeding support including gavage feeding
- Hypoglycemia management
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome
- Prematurity (63 weeks gestation)
- Mild respiratory distress
Delivery Attendance and Resuscitation- Attend high-risk vaginal and cesarean deliveries.
- Attend all scheduled cesarean deliveries.
- Lead neonatal resuscitation according to Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines.
- Stabilize critically ill newborns for transport to higher level NICU.
- Coordinate neonatal transport teams.
ProceduresPerform procedures within credentialing privileges, including:
- Endotracheal intubation
- Peripheral intravenous catheter placement
- Lumbar puncture
- Needle decompression of pneumothorax
- Surfactant administration
Family-Centered Care- Counsel families regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, prognosis, breastfeeding, and discharge planning.
- Provide education regarding newborn care, medications, safe sleep, CPR, and follow-up appointments.
Quality Improvement- Participate in quality improvement initiatives designed to enhance neonatal outcomes.
- Assist in developing clinical pathways, policies, and evidence-based protocols for the expanding Level II nursery.
- Participate in morbidity and mortality reviews.
- Monitor quality metrics including:
- Hypothermia prevention
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates
- Antibiotic stewardship
- Hypoglycemia management
- Readmissions
- Hyperbilirubinemia management
- Delivery room stabilization
- Patient safety indicators
Education- Educate nursing staff regarding neonatal care and evidence-based practices.
- Participate in simulation-based neonatal resuscitation training.
QualificationsRequired- Master's or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
- Current APRN licensure.
- National certification as Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (preferred) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with neonatal experience.
- Current NRP certification.
Preferred not necessary- Minimum of one year of Level III or IV NICU experience.
Reporting RelationshipReports to the Medical Director of the Level II Nursery.
