Neonatal Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant (NP/PA)
Position Summary
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant provides comprehensive medical care to neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and other newborn care settings. Working collaboratively with neonatologists and the multidisciplinary neonatal care team, this role focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of premature, critically ill, and medically complex newborns using evidence-based, family-centered care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direct clinical care to neonates in the NICU, including premature and critically ill infants
- Perform comprehensive neonatal assessments, daily rounds, and ongoing clinical evaluations
- Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with neonatologists
- Manage respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation and noninvasive respiratory therapies
- Perform neonatal procedures consistent with training and privileges, such as intubation, umbilical line placement, lumbar puncture, and chest tube management
- Interpret diagnostic studies including laboratory results, imaging, and blood gases
- Manage nutrition plans including parenteral nutrition and enteral feeding advancement
- Participate in neonatal resuscitation and emergency response
- Communicate effectively with families regarding clinical status, care plans, and prognosis
- Coordinate care with nursing staff, respiratory therapy, lactation services, and pediatric subspecialists
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
- Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and outcomes initiatives
- Comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification required for NNP role; PA certification required for PA role
- Current state licensure and eligibility for hospital credentialing and privileging
- DEA registration or eligibility
- Prior experience or specialized training in neonatal or critical care preferred
Skills and Competencies
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of neonatal physiology and disease management
- Ability to manage high-acuity neonatal patients
- Excellent communication and family counseling skills
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary care team
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care
Work Environment
- Neonatal intensive care units, newborn nurseries, and delivery rooms
- Shift-based scheduling including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage as required
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and move throughout clinical environments
- Manual dexterity for neonatal procedures and bedside care
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient monitoring and assessment