Job Description
The CT Children’s Hartford based Lead APP-NICU is accountable for direct oversight of all advanced practitioners within their purview, including APP education and development, developing APP goals, assisting in the APP hiring process and scheduling for the APP group. The Lead APP is the liaison to the Neonatologists, NICU nursing staff and related NICU positions. The Lead APP will work closely with the NICU medical director to achieve unit‑based goals, develop policy and procedure, advance quality of care and improve patient and family experience. The Lead APP also is responsible for delivering comprehensive quality patient care, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions according to standards of practice to newborn, term or sick infants during the neonatal period and functions as a member of an inpatient medical team within an integrated academic model.
Responsibilities
- Balance administrative responsibilities and clinical care to be primarily dayshift with flexibility as needed for coverage.
- Work closely with other CCMC NICU lead APPs to manage system needs, coverage and common goals.
- Develop advanced practitioner goals and objectives and clinical policies and procedures with supervising physicians and administration.
- Assist physicians and management/administration to determine advanced practitioner role in achieving hospital initiatives in clinical care.
- Assist with scheduling coverage based on organizational needs.
- Oversee advanced practitioner education and development.
- Involve in recruiting, training and retention of NICU APPs.
- Participate in facilitation of team meetings monthly and as needed.
- Represent the NICU APP group at regular meetings with physicians and other related NICU or hospital groups.
- Respond to and appropriately manage life‑threatening emergencies in Hartford Hospital’s Delivery Room, Well‑Baby Nursery, Emergency Room and CT Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Treat and evaluate patients with neonatal illnesses, prematurity and congenital anomalies while promoting the health of the child and family.
- Analyze medical histories, diagnostic lab tests and x‑ray results and perform physical exams.
- Perform and maintain competence in required procedures, including umbilical vessel catheterization, endotracheal intubation, thoracostomy tube placement, neonatal resuscitation, lumbar puncture, percutaneous inserted central catheter placement and monitor competence of the APP group for the required procedures.
- Assist in simulation planning for APP members as part of the neonatal division simulation program.
- Consult with attending physicians to decide patient referrals, monitor outcomes and coordinate patient care with team members, other departments and community agencies and providers as necessary.
- Participate in teaching and learning in an integrated academic model, peer review, development and consultation, and special programs and services as assigned.
- Demonstrate knowledge of age‑related differences and needs of patients in appropriate specific populations from neonate through adolescence and apply them in practice.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
- Demonstrate support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors consistent with the CCMC STANDARDS.
- Other duties as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Ensure that PTO requests meet divisional needs and are accounted for with the Division Business Lead as required.
- Conduct annual performance reviews, feedback and discussions for direct reports in collaboration with the Medical Director.
- Provide responsibility for annual merit recommendations in the merit system.
- Ensure on‑site supervision of less experienced APPs.
- Monitor performance of all APPs with particular attention to orientation of new APPs.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Required
- Master’s degree prepared, Registered and Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) or Master’s degree preferred, Registered and Certified Physician Assistant with a minimum of ten years’ experience in clinical care.
Education and/or Experience Preferred
- Previous leadership role experience is a plus.
- Bilingual and bicultural in English and Spanish preferred.
License And/or Certification Required
- Registered and Certified Physician Assistant or Current State of Connecticut Physician Assistant licensure or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure required at time of hire and maintenance at time of appointment or privilege approval (allow one‑year grace period for renewal if gap).
- NRP certification required as a provider; instructor preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Knowledge
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software required.
- Working knowledge of EPIC.
Skills
- Excellent communication skills.
- Customer service skills.
- Proven commitment to providing pediatric healthcare in an urban community‑based setting.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Ability
- Work independently and manage complex family issues while providing patient/family teaching and discharge planning.
- Willing to work flexible hours/days to meet the needs of patients and programs and services.
- Maintain confidentiality.