The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at John Peter SmithHospital a certified Level III, 45 bed unit located in Fort Worth, Texas.Neonatology Services are currently led by a team of 8 Neonatologists and10 Neonatal Nurse Practitionersworking collaboratively to care for an average of 575 annual NICU admissions.The Neonatologists and NNP’s are solely hospital-based and offer 24/7 onsitecoverage alongside an award winning Nursing staff and experienced NICU specificRespiratory Therapists. The NICU multidisciplinary team also includes:Pediatric Pharmacy, NICU specific Physical Therapists, Social Services, CaseManagement, Registered Dietitians, Lactation Services, Laboratory Services, andDevelopmental Specialists.
Obstetrical, Perinatology, and Family Medicine Physicians offer 24/7, in-housecoverage to the bustling Labor and Delivery Department at JPS. For the past 5years, these providers have overseen an average of 400 birthsper year at JPS. Pediatricians, Family Medicine Physicians, Pediatric NursePractitioners oversee the Newborn/Well-Baby Service. These providers offer 24/7coverage and communicate closely with the NICU if an infant requires transferfor a higher level of care. JPS Health Network is a Mother/Baby friendlyhospital that encourages and helps facilitate early family bonding practices. 

Position Details:

The NNP Fellow will participate in a year-long programconsisting of both clinical hours and didactic courses. In addition, the Fellowwill complete a quality improvement project and present to NICU leadership.
The NNP is credentialed to function in an expandednursing role and is responsible for the consistent management of a discretecaseload of neonatal patients with consultation, collaboration, and generalsupervision from a Neonatologist. The NNP has responsibility for the assessmentand management of patients including diagnostic and therapeutic interventionsand the implementation and evaluation of an appropriate plan of care. Allfunctions of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at JPS Hospital are performed withinthe NNP Scope of Practice as defined by the Texas Nurse Practice Act and inaccordance with all applicable laws and regulations, while adhering to The JPSHealth Network and Acclaim Physician Group’s mission, vision,policies/procedures, and standards of practice.

24 /7 NNP coverage, currently scheduled as 2 during the day and 1 at night
12 hour shifts (days and nights)
Neonatologist in-hospital coverage 24/7
No outpatient clinic, well-baby nursery, or transport team coverage required

Job Duties:

Attend at least 80% of mandatory didactic lectures
Participate in biweekly journal clubs and literature reviews
Attend two skills labs with successful completion
Complete a quality improvement project approved by Fellowship Director
Admit and discharge NICU patients, as appropriate
Order, perform and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests.
Order and perform NICU specific procedures.
Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions.
Examine all maternal history for relevant information that could impact neonates care
Educate families on disease processes, plans of care, and discharge preparation.
Order and monitor specialized NICU equipment.
Communicate effectively with other frontline clinicians and multi-disciplinary staff.
Formulate appropriate treatment plans and prescribe medications (independently or in a collaborative agreement with a physician).
Perform routine physical examinations and interpret patient assessments.
Help facilitate appropriate patient referrals and consults, as necessary

Provide NICU staff development by participation in educational programs
Detect changes in a patient’s health and adjust treatment plan as indicated
Anticipate and prepare infant for transfer to higher level of care if indicated
Attendance at high-risk, preterm, and all cesarean section deliveries
Conduct neonatal resuscitation in collaboration with other team members based on NRP curriculum standards
Provide indirectly education as a reference source to Pediatric and Family Practice residents assigned to Newborn Services, as needed
Attendance to mandatory monthly NNP and NICU Provider meetings (via in-person or conference call)
Attendance to a set number of various Women/Infant/Children’s Departmental meetings per year
Assume responsibility for a determined area of need (charting audits, research and update protocols, NNP representative on NICU specific committee, Care-specific leader, ect)