Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or Neonatal Physician Assistant - PRN

Job Overview

This job enhances the nature and quality of care for a group of at‑risk or critically ill neonates/infants. It works in collaboration with the Medical Director or an approved staff physician and in association with the NICU Unit Director, Operational Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator, staff nurses, discharge coordinator, and staff physicians to plan, implement, and evaluate medical and nursing care. The role provides 24/7 in‑house coverage for all Neonatal Intensive Care Units and for high‑risk deliveries, and it assumes responsibility for primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization of all critically ill patients, teaching of residents and medical students, staff development and education, patient education, and discharge planning.

• Utilize the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care.
• Communicate pertinent information to families and team members necessary for accurate management of patient care.
• Provide care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas.
• Maintain required clinical knowledge, technical skills, training, and credentials and assume responsibility for professional development.
• Provide education experiences to infants’ families, staff, other health professionals, and the community.
• Maintain an attitude of inquiry toward medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
• Work as a contributing team member and assume a leadership role when needed to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Adapt behavior to the specific patient population, including respecting privacy, introducing oneself, explaining services or procedures, requesting permissions, and adjusting communication style.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Master’s degree in nursing (except for those employed prior to 2003 with an NNP certificate).

• Two (2) years of related nursing experience.

• Current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Nurse Practitioner license in the state of practice.
• Certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner through the National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties (NCC) as directed by the state board of nursing.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
• S.T.A.B.L.E. certification.

Eligibility for limited prescriptive authority in Louisiana.

• Knowledge of APRN procedures specific to the role, including chest tube placement, endotracheal intubation, lumbar puncture, needle thoracotomy, percutaneous central line placement, peripheral artery puncture and cannulation, removal of thoracotomy tube, suprapubic bladder aspiration, umbilical artery catheterization, umbilical vein catheterization, and ventricular catheter reservoir aspiration.
• Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Proficiency with Windows‑style applications and keyboard.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule (e.g., 24/7, weekend, holiday, on‑call availability).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.

The physical demands include occasional exertion of 20 to 50 pounds, frequent exertion of 10 to 25 pounds, and constant exertion up to 10 pounds to move objects. The job requires prolonged standing, traveling throughout and between facilities, stooping, bending, reaching, and grabbing with arms and hands, manual dexterity, and exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue. It is a patient‑care area with potential exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous medications or waste.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations, and standards. The employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.