Advanced Practice RN (CPNP-AC) Physician Assistant (PA-C) Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Intermediate Care Unit (IMC)

As an Advanced Practice RN (CPNP-AC) at Driscoll Children's Hospital, you will play a crucial role in providing specialized and acute medical care for children in the PICU and IMC. Your primary responsibilities include diagnosing and managing patient care, working independently under the supervision of attending physicians, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive treatment plans. You'll also have the opportunity to utilize advanced clinical skills to deliver high-quality care.

To apply for the Advanced Practice RN (CPNP-AC) position at Driscoll Children's Hospital, you must have a Master's or Post Master's Degree, and certification as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (CPNP-AC). Additionally, you should possess a valid unencumbered nurse practitioner and registered nurse license in the State of Texas, along with a minimum of 1-2 years of pediatric acute care experience and current certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

The work schedule for the Advanced Practice RN (CPNP-AC) role at Driscoll Children's Hospital features a 24/7 coverage model. This allows for flexibility in scheduling, including day, evening, night shifts, and even weekends and holidays. Flexibility is required, and as a member of our team, you will coordinate with colleagues to provide essential care across all hours, ensuring that patients receive uninterrupted attention.

At Driscoll Children's Hospital, you can expect a collaborative and supportive team environment as an Advanced Practice RN (CPNP-AC). Our staff consists of dedicated healthcare professionals who prioritize excellent patient care and open communication. You will work closely with attending physicians, nurses, and other specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team focused on providing the best outcomes for our pediatric patients.

Yes, Driscoll Children's Hospital is committed to the ongoing professional development of our Advanced Practice RNs (CPNP-AC). We provide access to advanced specialty courses and ongoing education requirements to ensure you maintain your certifications. Our hospital fosters an environment of continuous learning, encouraging you to grow your skills and knowledge in pediatric acute care through workshops, conferences, and training programs.

When answering this question, highlight specific roles and responsibilities you have held in pediatric acute care settings. Discuss the types of patients you have worked with, any specialized procedures you're skilled in, and situations where you made a significant impact on patient outcomes. Use examples to showcase your clinical expertise and collaborative work with healthcare teams.

Discuss your systematic approach to patient assessments, emphasizing the importance of gathering comprehensive history, conducting thorough physical examinations, and utilizing technology such as EMR systems. Mention how you prioritize changes in condition and your decision-making process during critical situations, illustrating your readiness for high-stakes environments.

Answer by emphasizing empathy and clarity in your communication. Discuss specific strategies you employ, such as active listening, providing clear explanations of medical situations and procedures, and offering emotional support. Providing examples where you successfully eased family concerns can further illustrate your approach.

Address the complexities of caring for critically ill patients, including managing high-acuity cases and maintaining clear communication within multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your awareness of these challenges and your readiness to implement strategies to address them, such as continuous education and mentorship.

An effective answer would detail your experience understanding and implementing hospital policies. Discuss how you keep up-to-date with evolving guidelines and the importance of compliance in delivering high-quality patient care. Mention your commitment to ongoing education and training that supports adherence to standards.

For this question, share a specific incident demonstrating your advocacy skills. Describe how you recognized a need for additional resources or adjustments in care and the steps you took to ensure the patient's best interests were met. Emphasizing teamwork and communication is essential in advocacy.

Discuss your commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices to guide your clinical decisions. Provide examples of how you incorporate current research and guidelines into your patient care, emphasizing your dedication to providing the highest quality evidence-driven care.

Reflect on a specific scenario where teamwork was essential under pressure. Describe the context, your role, how you collaborated with colleagues, and the successful outcome of the situation, highlighting the skills necessary for effective team dynamics in high-pressure environments.

Emphasize the importance of respectful and open communication when handling disagreements. Share techniques you would utilize to discuss differing perspectives, such as presenting evidence to support your viewpoint while remaining receptive to the physician's insights. This demonstrates your ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations.

Detail the resources you utilize for staying informed, such as professional journals, attending conferences, webinars, or participating in professional organizations. Discuss the value of lifelong learning in your practice and how it contributes to better patient outcomes.