Programmatic Nurse Specialist; RN - NICU; UPMC Harrisburg

Position: Programmatic Nurse Specialist (RN) - NICU (UPMC Harrisburg)
Our level III, 42-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides specialized care for critically ill and premature infants, offering advanced respiratory support, surgical recovery, and complex medical management. The unit is staffed by a dedicated team of neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and support staff who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, family-centered care. With a strong emphasis on clinical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning, our NICU fosters a supportive environment where staff are empowered to grow and contribute to best practices in neonatal care.

Position Detail:

* Full-time, 40 hours per week, salaried position

* Work Schedule:

* Monday - Friday, day shift

* No weekends or holidays expected

* Experience in Level III/IV NICU preferred

* Previous experience in a highly matrixed, large system/organization preferred

Department Information:

* Work in a Level III, 42-bed NICU that provides cutting-edge care to critically ill and premature infants, a setting where your educational leadership directly supports life-saving work.

* Partner with neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists in a unit that values teamwork, communication, and shared learning.

* Be part of a unit that prioritizes continuing education, evidence-based practice, and mentorship. You'll have the opportunity to shape onboarding, training, and ongoing development for a passionate clinical team.

* Our NICU embraces new technologies, simulation-based learning, and quality improvement initiatives - giving educators the tools to drive meaningful change.

* Enjoy strong backing from leadership, access to educational tools, and the autonomy to design impactful learning experiences tailored to staff needs.

* Help cultivate a culture of clinical excellence and compassionate care in one of the most specialized and rewarding areas of pediatric medicine.

Purpose:

The Programmatic Nurse Specialist, a professional registered nurse, has the authority, responsibility and accountability for delivery of nursing care through the use of the nursing process. In collaboration with the health care team, the Programmatic Nurse Specialist applies expert clinical knowledge and skills to achieve quality patient outcomes.

Responsibilities:

* Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by building teams and relationships through mentoring and modeling uplifting and positive communication Extends trust by acknowledging the contributions of others; listens first, creates transparency in communications, confronts reality, and clarifies expectations. Conveys information and ideas clearly through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.

Role models professional communication and encourages free exchange of ideas that serves as a catalyst for transformation. Perform related duties as required

* Receive feedback and direction constructively. Serve as a formal and informal mentor for new staff members and mentor new preceptors to be successful in their role. Serve as a resource/consultant for patients, nursing staff and other disciplines in area of specialty. Participate in self-review. Improve knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback or on self-identified developmental needs. Demonstrate a high level of initiative, work independently, and establish priorities to meet department and organizational goals.

Participate in professional and community organizations. Supports educational needs assessments Present regionally and nationally in oral and written formats. Mentors others in professional skill development (coaching, feedback, crucial conversations, etc.)

* Demonstrate awareness of the impact of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department and organization. Responsible for guiding staff nurses to understand how to develop a plan of care that includes mutual and established goals with patient/family Assesses the need for an implements system or process improvements. Acts as a change agent to design, facilitate, monitor and evaluate program improvement…