Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Fellowship

New and Improved Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at JPS!

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at John Peter Smith Hospital 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 Practitioners working collaboratively to care for an average of 575 annual NICU admissions. The Neonatologists and NNP’s are solely hospital-based and offer 24/7 onsite coverage alongside an award winning Nursing staff and experienced NICU specific Respiratory Therapists. The NICU multidisciplinary team also includes: Pediatric Pharmacy, NICU specific Physical Therapists, Social Services, Case Management, Registered Dietitians, Lactation Services, Laboratory Services, and Developmental Specialists.

Obstetrical, Perinatology, and Family Medicine Physicians offer 24/7, in-house coverage to the bustling Labor and Delivery Department at JPS. For the past 5 years, these providers have overseen an average of 4,400 births per year at JPS. Pediatricians, Family Medicine Physicians, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners oversee the Newborn/Well-Baby Service. These providers offer 24/7 coverage and communicate closely with the NICU if an infant requires transfer for a higher level of care. JPS Health Network is a Mother/Baby friendly hospital that encourages and helps facilitate early family bonding practices.  

Position Details:

The NNP Fellow will participate in a year-long program starting Spring 2025 consisting of both clinical hours and didactic courses. In addition, the Fellow will complete a quality improvement project and present to NICU leadership.

The NNP is credentialed to function in an expanded nursing role and is responsible for the consistent management of a discrete caseload of neonatal patients with consultation, collaboration, and general supervision from a Neonatologist. The NNP has responsibility for the assessment and management of patients including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and the implementation and evaluation of an appropriate plan of care. All functions of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at JPS Hospital are performed within the NNP Scope of Practice as defined by the Texas Nurse Practice Act and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, while adhering to The JPS Health 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

Duties and Essential Job Functions:

1. Attend at least 80% of mandatory didactic lectures
2. Participate in biweekly journal clubs and literature reviews
3. Attend two skills labs with successful completion
4. Complete a quality improvement project approved by Fellowship Director
5. Admit and discharge NICU patients, as appropriate
6. Order, perform and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests.
7. Order and perform NICU specific procedures.
8. Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions.
9. Examine all maternal history for relevant information that could impact neonates care
10. Educate families on disease processes, plans of care, and discharge preparation.
11. Order and monitor specialized NICU equipment.
12. Communicate effectively with other frontline clinicians and multi-disciplinary staff.
13. Formulate appropriate treatment plans and prescribe medications (independently or in a collaborative agreement with a physician).
14. Perform routine physical examinations and interpret patient assessments.
15. Help facilitate appropriate patient referrals and consults, as necessary
16. Provide NICU staff development by participation in educational programs
17. Detect changes in a patient’s health and adjust treatment plan as indicated
18. Anticipate and prepare infant for transfer to higher level of care if indicated
19. Attendance at high-risk, preterm, and all cesarean section deliveries
20. Conduct neonatal resuscitation in collaboration with other team members based on NRP curriculum standards
21. Provide indirectly education as a reference source to Pediatric and Family Practice residents assigned to Newborn Services, as needed
22. Attendance to mandatory monthly NNP and NICU Provider meetings (via in-person or conference call)
23. Attendance to a set number of various Women/Infant/Children’s Departmental meetings per year
24. Assume responsibility for a determined area of need (charting audits, research and update protocols, NNP representative on NICU specific committee, Care-specific leader, ect)

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited School of Nursing (MSN)
• Current Texas APRN license (APRN) with Prescriptive Authority and Texas Registered Nurse license (RN)
• National Board Certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner by a Texas Board of Nurse Examiners approved organization
• DEA Certification
• New graduate with less than 1 year experience as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in a Level III or IV NICU
• Attendance at High Risk delivery experience is preferred
• Neonatal Resuscitation Certification
• Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Providers