Neonatal Nurse Practitioner PRN

Job Summary

This job enhances the nature and quality of care for a group of at-risk or critically ill neonates and infants. The role works in collaboration with the Medical Director or approved staff physician and in association with the NICU Unit Director, Operational Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator, staff nurses, discharge coordinator, and staff physicians in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of medical and nursing care. The major responsibilities include primary medical management, emergency stabilization of critically ill neonates and infants, emergency transport of neonatal patients, preceptorship of NNP students, teaching of NICU residents, staff development and education, parental education, and discharge planning. The candidate participates in developing and collecting data for outcome measures, manages a caseload of patients in the NICU, and participates in daily rounds. This position provides 24/7 in‑house coverage for all Neonatal Intensive Care Units as well as coverage for high‑risk deliveries. The role works under the supervision of the Medical Director or approved staff physician and in association with the PCCs, staff nurses, and discharge coordinator in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of medical and nursing care; and 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.

Responsibilities

• Primary medical management of all NICU patients.
• Emergency stabilization of critically ill neonates and infants.
• Emergency transport of neonatal patients.
• Preceptorship of NNP students and teaching of NICU residents.
• Staff development and education.
• Parental education and discharge planning.
• Management and analysis of outcome data.
• 24/7 coverage for Neonatal Intensive Care Units and high‑risk deliveries.

Education

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

Work Experience

2 years of related nursing experience.

Certifications

• Current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Nurse Practitioner License in the state of practice.
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification through the National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties (NCC).
• 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, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of APRN procedures specific to the role: 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 and 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 the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.

Job Duties

• 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.
• 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 to the community.
• Maintain an attitude of inquiry toward medical practices and patient care outcomes, and potentially 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 privacy respect, proper introduction, explanation of services, request for permissions, and communication style.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Medium work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods, travel throughout and between facilities, stoop, bend, reach, and grab with arms and hands. Duties involve exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue, with occupational risk for communicable diseases. There's potential exposure to hazardous medications or waste. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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.