Advanced Practice Registered Nurses / Physician Assistants
Internal Number: 34941
Nights(6pm-7am)
Accepting new grads and experienced nurse practitioners (acute care peds NP preferred)
PICU/CICU experience preferred (RN or APP)
More Than a Job, It's a Calling
At Akron Children's, helping patients and families is at the heart of all we do. We are the only freestanding, independent pediatric hospital in the region, and our compassionate providers are committed to delivering a lasting and meaningful impact.
Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned specialist, you'll find opportunities to expand your skills, pursue leadership roles, participate in research and help shape the future of pediatric health care.
If you're ready to make a difference in a collaborative, child-centered environment, we can't wait to meet you!
Position Summary
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit/Heart Unit (PICU/CICU) Advanced Practice Provider (APP) delivers high-acuity, specialized critical care to pediatric patients in a Level I trauma center, including those requiring complex medical, surgical, and cardiac management. This role includes comprehensive care of critically ill neonates, children, adolescents and select adults across a broad spectrum of diagnoses, with dedicated responsibility for patients in the adjustable acuity Heart Unit, including CICU and acute care cardiology, including pre- and post-operative congenital heart surgery patients and those requiring advanced support such as ECMO.
The APP functions in close collaboration with intensivists and various other medical and surgical specialties (including Cardiology and Cardiothoracic surgery teams, Neurosurgery, Trauma and Pediatric Surgery, ENT, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant teams) and practices under a Standard Care Arrangement in accordance with Section 4723.431 of the Ohio Revised Code and applicable Board of Nursing regulations.
Practice Environment
Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
High-acuity PICU with dedicated Heart Unit (CICU + acute care cardiology in an adjustable acuity setting)
ECMO-capable unit managing complex cardiac, respiratory, and multisystem failure
24/7 APP coverage model with expanded responsibility
Key Responsibilities
Critical Care & Clinical Management
Provide comprehensive, 24/7 management of critically ill pediatric patients, including those with complex medical, cardiac, surgical, and traumatic conditions
Independently perform advanced health assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and implement evidence-based management plans
Manage pre- and post-operative congenital heart disease patients, including hemodynamic monitoring, vasoactive infusions, ventilator management, and recognition of surgical complications
Provide continuous oversight of PICU/CICU patients, including nights and weekends
Continuous oversight of cardiology routine care patients in an adjustable acuity model
Initiate, titrate, and manage life-sustaining therapies, including mechanical ventilation, vasoactive medications, sedation, and ECMO in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
Rapidly recognize and respond to clinical deterioration, including leading or participating in resuscitation and trauma response efforts
Procedures & Advanced Therapies
Perform and assist with critical care procedures within scope of practice and privileging (e.g., central line management, arterial lines, lumbar puncture)
Participates in the management of extracorporeal life support (ECMO), including patient selection, daily management, and troubleshooting in collaboration with ECMO specialists and physicians
Participate in the management of extracorporeal continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)
Order, interpret, and synthesize diagnostic studies including labs, imaging, and cardiac-specific testing (e.g., echocardiography data interpretation in collaboration with cardiology)
Care Coordination & Collaboration
Lead and actively participate in multidisciplinary rounds with intensivists, various medical and surgical specialties, nursing, respiratory therapy, and ancillary services
Collaborate closely with cardiology APPs and physicians for care coordination of a highly complex and fragile population
Facilitate timely consultations and coordinate care across specialties
Partner with families to provide education, updates, and shared decision-making in high-stress, critical care situations
Documentation & Transitions of Care
Complete admission histories and physicals, daily progress notes, procedure notes, and discharge summaries
Ensure accurate, real-time documentation reflecting patient acuity and complexity
Support safe transitions of care, including handoffs and discharge planning for complex patients
Education & Leadership
Serve as a clinical resource for bedside staff, residents, and students
Precept APP students and contribute to the development of PICU and Heart Unit specific competencies
Participate in ongoing education to maintain advanced knowledge in pediatric critical care, cardiology, and cardiac surgery
Contribute to the resident learning experience in this academic institution
Quality & Compliance
Engage in quality improvement initiatives specific to PICU/CICU populations, including outcomes related to cardiac surgery, ECMO, and trauma care
Participates in FPPE and OPPE processes in accordance with Joint Commission and organizational standards
Maintain compliance with all regulatory, credentialing, and privileging requirements
Technical Expertise
Advanced clinical judgment in pediatric critical care and cardiac physiology
Proficiency in managing high-risk infusions/medications, ventilators, and invasive monitoring
Strong communication and leadership skills in high-acuity, fast-paced environments
Ability to function autonomously while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
Education and Experience
1. Education: Master's or Doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care Pediatric NP Required).
2. Licensure: Current Ohio licensure with Certificate of Authority and Certificate to Prescribe (or eligibility)
3. Certification: National certification through an accredited organization. BLS, PALS, and ACLS required. Credentialing and privileging through the medical staff office required.
4. Years of relevant experience: No experience required. Pediatric critical care, cardiology, or cardiac surgery experience strongly preferred.
Pediatric critical care, cardiology, or cardiac surgery experience strongly preferred
Experience in ECMO or high-acuity ICU environments highly desirable
More Than a Job. It’s loving what you do - and why you do it. Akron Children’s Hospital is ranked among the best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, but it’s our compassionate approach to treatment that sets us apart. It’s creating special high-fives. Thinking of new ways to spark a smile. Holding hands to offer comfort. And working to get a giggle that brightens a room. The minute you walk into Akron Children’s, you can sense that people here love what they do. From visits with the Doggie Brigade, to the balloons and smiles in the halls, the sights and sounds are all about one thing: the children. We are the largest pediatric healthcare system in Northern Ohio and one of the fastest growing in the country. Akron Children’s has two hospital campuses in Northeast Ohio: one in Akron and the other in Boardman in the Mahoning Valley. With two hospital campuses, regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we’re making it easier for today’s busy families - regardless of where they live - to find the high-quality care they need. No matter which of our locations you choose, you’ll see that when you give the most, you get more—support, rewards and satisfaction.