Neonatal Physician Assistant Fellowship

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

University of Pittsburgh Physicians is recruiting physician assistants for its Advanced Practice Provider Neonatology Fellowship. Fellows are jointly interviewed for core positions at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh or UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, with placement based on candidate experience and interests and clinical-site needs. The position includes rotating shifts of varying lengths, covering days and nights seven days per week.

The fellowship is designed for PA applicants without one year of prior NICU experience. Its year-long curriculum includes didactic lectures, hands-on clinical rotations, procedural simulations, and experience in neonatal medicine and general pediatrics, with instruction and collaboration from a broad medical faculty. The first year of employment consists of the UPMC Pediatric APP Fellowship Program. Candidates with at least three years of Neonatology experience may opt out of the fellowship, though enrollment is encouraged for onboarding.

The Neonatal APP provides inpatient care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, evaluating and managing neonatal patients and performing procedures as needed. The APP follows established standards and practices and is accountable for care under physician supervision and in collaboration with a physician. The role involves managing care for patients and families through independent judgment, communication, teamwork, and collaboration, while establishing relationships with physicians, healthcare providers, patients, and families to support desired outcomes. Successful candidates are placed according to their years and months of experience for employment purposes.

Requirements

• Graduate of a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
• Current state PA license and certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Current CPR certification.
• Act 33 clearance.
• Act 73 clearance.
• Act 34 clearance.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients and families.
• Ability to work productively and effectively in a complex environment, handle multiple or changing priorities, and work with specialized equipment.
• Critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities related to patient care.
• Good clinical judgment.
• Critical-thinking skills to exercise and lead others in applying acceptable standards of practice.
• Mobility, visual-manual dexterity, and physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning of patients.
• Successful attainment and maintenance of hospital privileges, if applicable to the Business Unit practice.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive physical assessments of newborns and infants; order and interpret laboratory, radiographic, and clinical data; plan and document management; and discuss plans with Neonatology faculty, fellows, and consultants.
• Initiate emergency evaluation and treatment.
• Perform high-level invasive procedures, including umbilical line placement.
• Serve on Nursing and Medical committees as indicated.
• Make appropriate referrals in consultation with the attending physician for medical consultations, supportive services, and regulatory reporting of patient-safety issues.
• Provide parents and families, referring physicians, and consulting physicians with information and support regarding the infant's condition, progress, and care plan.
• Contribute to medical and nursing knowledge through collaborative and independent research and publication.
• Participate in determining conditions, resources, and policies needed for sound healthcare of high-risk newborns.
• Participate in neonatal transports from referral hospitals by ground and/or air.
• Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures needed for patient care in accordance with established protocols and after verifying the patient's name and birthdate.
• Serve as a resource outside the hospital system when expertise can provide a community service.
• Maintain clinical competency and stay informed about current trends and developments in neonatal nursing and related medical progress through continuing education and literature review.
• Elicit, record, and interpret a complete health history, including medical, obstetrical, family, and psychosocial aspects.
• Record and dictate interim, discharge, and transfer summaries.
• Participate in planning and presenting continuing education programs for in-house medical and nursing personnel, referral-hospital personnel, and future RNs and Neonatal CRNPs.
• Coordinate the plan of care and procedures with the patient's primary nurse.

Benefits

• Eligible for a $30,000 sign-on bonus.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to join the team.
• Continuing education and career-advancement opportunities through the APP Career Ladder and Pediatric APP Fellowship Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level