PICU - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) : *New Grads with Experience Welcome to Apply*

As a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), your main responsibilities will include diagnosing and treating pediatric patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), providing comprehensive assessments, coordinating patient care with a multi-disciplinary team, and developing treatment plans tailored to individual children’s needs. You will play an integral role in ensuring continuity of care by being a link between the healthcare team, patients, and families while keeping abreast of the latest research to incorporate best practices into your patient interactions.

To apply for the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) position at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), candidates must have a Master of Science degree with completion of a Nurse Practitioner Program, and current registration with the Maryland Board of Nursing. Aspiring PAs must have graduated from an accredited PA program and acquired a Maryland PA license. For NPs, a Pediatric Acute Care certification is required, along with a minimum of one year of pediatric nursing experience. New graduates with PICU RN experience are also encouraged to apply.

The work schedule for Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or Physician Assistants (PAs) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) consists of full-time rotating shifts, providing 7-day-a-week coverage with nights included. This schedule allows for a diverse experience addressing various pediatric critical care needs while ensuring that patients receive continuous care and expert attention around the clock.

At the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), employees in the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) roles receive a comprehensive benefits package. This includes generous tuition support for further education, relocation assistance to help you move to Baltimore, and competitive pay, ranging from $54 to $77 per hour. UMMC is dedicated not only to patient care but also to the professional growth and development of its staff.

Yes, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) welcomes new graduates with relevant PICU RN experience to apply for the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) positions. UMMC values fresh talent and offers an enriching environment where new healthcare professionals can thrive while receiving mentorship and support from experienced colleagues.

An effective response should reflect your passion for pediatric care, your desire to make a difference in young patients' lives, and any personal experiences that influenced your decision. Employers appreciate candidates who show genuine motivation and a commitment to the field of pediatric healthcare.

Discuss your critical thinking and decision-making skills under pressure. Share specific examples from your training or previous experiences where you successfully managed a crisis, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and your ability to remain calm and focused.

Highlight the importance of clear and effective communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. Provide examples of how excellent communication contributed to successful patient outcomes and collaborative team efforts in your past experiences.

Share your relevant experiences working with pediatric patients, particularly those involved in critical or complex cases. If you are a new graduate, discuss clinical rotations or practicum experiences and the skills you've developed that are applicable to the role at UMMC.

Mention any professional memberships, continuing education courses, or conferences you attend. Discuss your commitment to lifelong learning and how you incorporate new knowledge into your practice to provide optimal patient care as a Pediatric Acute Care NP or PA.

Provide a detailed account of a specific instance where collaboration was key to achieving a positive patient outcome. Share your role, the dynamics of the team, and how you contributed to the collaboration in a meaningful way.

Discuss various strategies such as empathetic communication, active listening, and creating a comforting environment. Share examples of how these approaches have successfully helped you connect with pediatric patients and their families in the past.

Share your time management skills and how you assess patients' needs to prioritize care efficiently. Describe specific methods or strategies you utilize to remain organized and responsive in a high-stakes environment.

Reflect your awareness of current challenges in pediatric healthcare, such as resource limitations, emerging diseases, or ethical considerations. Discuss how you would address these challenges in your practice as an NP or PA at UMMC.

Articulate your interest in UMMC’s values, reputation, and commitment to excellence in patient care. Explain how the hospital’s Magnet®-designated status and focus on professional development align with your career ambitions.