NP/PA - Neonatal - Complex Care Unit

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.  We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. 

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.  Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! 

This job enhances the nature and quality of care for a group of at risk or critically ill neonates/infants. This job 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. This job’s major areas of responsibility include primary medical management, emergency stabilization of critically ill neonates and infants, emergency transport of the neonatal patient, preceptorship of NNP students, teaching of NICU residents, staff development and education, parental education, and discharge planning. Participates in developing and collecting data for outcome measures, manages a caseload of patients in the NICU and participates in daily rounds. This job provides 24/7 in house coverage for all Neonatal Intensive Care Units as well as coverage for high risk deliveries. This job 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.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
 

Education

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

Required (PA) – Physician Assistant Medicine or Health Sciences, or graduate of an approved physician assistant training program.

Physician Assistant with a Neonatal Fellowship year.

Work Experience

Required (NNP) – 2 years of related nursing experience.

Required (PA) – 3 years of NICU experience in lieu of completed NICU fellowship

Certifications

Required (NNP) – 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) obtained as directed by the State Board of Nursing.

Required (PA) – Current license as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
S.T.A.B.L.E. certification.

Eligible for prescriptive authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

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 catheterization, umbilical vein catheterization, and ventricular catheter reservoir aspiration.
• Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Proficient 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.

Job Duties

• Utilizes the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care.
• Communicates pertinent information to families and team members necessary for accurate management of patient care.
• Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas.
• Maintains required clinical knowledge, technical skills, and training and credentials and assumes responsibility for professional development.
• Provides education experiences to infants’ families, staff, other health professionals, and to the community.
• Maintains an attitude of inquiry towards medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
• Works as a contributing team member and assumes a leadership role when needed to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

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.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

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.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.   (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible

Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.

Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area wher