Physician Assistant - Nicu​/Picu

Location

John H. Stroger Hospital

Under the administrative supervision of the Pediatric Department Chair and collaboration with attending physicians, the Physician Assistant will provide exceptional care to a diverse patient population with complex, acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. The role includes practice in the Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, step‑down unit, and general pediatric service settings, performing duties within legal guidelines of the Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS) policies.

• Provides independent care for patients from neonate to age 18 as defined in the collaborative agreement.
• Provides cross coverage in the Neonatal ICU, Pediatric ICU, step‑down unit, and general pediatric services.
• Conducts independent pediatric/neonatal physical assessments, obtains comprehensive health histories, documents progress notes, and prepares discharge summaries as required.
• Identifies significant health and medical risk factors and documents them in the EMR.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic tests to differentiate normal variations from abnormal deviations; refers patients with abnormal results to physician consults.
• Collaborates with physicians to develop treatment plans.
• Prescribes and dispenses legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated.
• Acts as liaison and collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, and house staff to ensure quality and safe patient care.
• Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as delegated, including central vascular access, lumbar punctures, endotracheal intubation, chest tube replacement, peripheral vascular access, conscious sedation, intraosseous access, and management of NIPPV and IPPV.

• Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program.
• Certified Physician Assistant or ability to obtain certification within two weeks prior to employment start.
• Licensed as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois or ability to obtain an Illinois state license within two weeks prior to employment start.
• Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or ability to obtain certification prior to employment start.
• Valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) or ability to obtain license within six months of employment start.
• Valid licensure with the Federal DEA or ability to obtain license within six months prior to employment start.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) certification.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all levels of personnel.
• Leadership and teaching communication skills.
• Ability to work with patients and staff of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong customer service and empathy skills.
• Proficiency in computer and typing skills.
• Strong phone and email etiquette with prompt response times.
• Analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, and conflict‑resolution abilities.
• Interpreting complex organizational systems.
• Prioritizing, planning, and organizing projects and tasks.
• Clear vision and hearing (including with correction).
• Tolerance for exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature.
• Flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends as needed.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
• Physical, mental, and muscular coordination.
• Capacity for physical exertion involving lifting, pushing, pulling, prolonged standing/walking, operating equipment, and moving light to moderate weight.

The role involves functioning within a healthcare environment, adhering to all hospital and department‑specific safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, engineering controls, and other safety precautions as specified by hospital‑wide policy and departmental procedures.

Preference is given to honorably discharged veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States for at least six months of continuous service.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligibility

Cook County Health and Hospital Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.