Advanced Practice Professional - PICU at WVU Medicine

Role Overview

The Advanced Practice Professional (APP) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at WVU Medicine's Ruby Memorial Hospital is a vital member of the critical care team. This role demands a highly skilled and compassionate individual with expertise in managing complex medical conditions in critically ill children. The APP is responsible for providing comprehensive care, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients in the PICU. This position requires strong clinical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for an APP in the PICU might include: * **Morning Rounds:** Participating in multidisciplinary rounds to review patient status, discuss treatment plans, and coordinate care with physicians, nurses, and other specialists. * **Patient Assessment:** Conducting thorough physical examinations and assessments of patients, including monitoring vital signs, evaluating respiratory status, and assessing neurological function. * **Diagnostic Procedures:** Performing and interpreting diagnostic tests, such as blood gas analysis, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and chest X-rays. * **Therapeutic Interventions:** Administering medications, managing ventilators, inserting central lines, and performing other therapeutic procedures as needed. * **Family Communication:** Communicating with families to provide updates on patient status, answer questions, and offer emotional support. * **Rapid Response:** Responding to rapid response alerts throughout the hospital to assess and stabilize patients with acute medical conditions. * **Documentation:** Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of patient care in the electronic health record (EHR). * **Collaboration:** Consulting with other specialists, such as intensivists, surgeons, and pharmacists, to optimize patient care. * **Education:** Participating in educational activities, such as grand rounds, conferences, and journal clubs, to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in critical care medicine. * **Discharge Planning:** Coordinating discharge planning with case managers and social workers to ensure a smooth transition to home or another level of care.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Morgantown boasts stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The city is also home to West Virginia University, a major research institution that provides a vibrant cultural scene and a diverse community. WVU Medicine is the largest employer in Morgantown, providing stability and growth opportunities for its employees. The city has a reasonable cost of living compared to other metropolitan areas, making it an attractive place to live and raise a family.

Career Path

WVU Medicine offers a clear career path for APPs, with opportunities for advancement based on experience, education, and performance. APPs can advance to leadership positions, such as lead APP or clinical coordinator, or they can specialize in a particular area of critical care medicine. WVU Medicine also supports APPs in pursuing further education and certifications to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Salary & Benefits

The salary for an APP in the PICU at WVU Medicine is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: * Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) * Paid time off (PTO) and vacation days * Retirement plan with employer matching * Life insurance * Disability insurance * Professional development opportunities * Continuing education allowance * Employee assistance program (EAP) * Tuition reimbursement

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative work environment. The organization values teamwork, communication, and respect. WVU Medicine also emphasizes the importance of professional development and provides opportunities for employees to grow and advance in their careers. The PICU team at Ruby Memorial Hospital is a close-knit group of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing the best possible care for critically ill children. The team fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

How to Apply

To apply for the Advanced Practice Professional - PICU position at WVU Medicine, please visit the WVU Medicine careers website and submit your application online. Be sure to include your resume, cover letter, and any other relevant documents.

FAQ

1. **What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** Minimum qualifications vary depending on whether you are applying as a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant. Please refer to the job description for specific requirements. 2. **Is prior experience in critical care required?** While prior experience in acute or critical care is preferred, eligible new graduates will be considered. 3. **What certifications are required?** For Nurse Practitioners, national certification by one of the recognized APRN Certification Centers is required. For Physician Assistants, certification by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants is required. BLS certification is also required for both roles. 4. **What is the typical work schedule for this position?** The work schedule may vary depending on the needs of the PICU. APPs may be required to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. 5. **What opportunities are there for professional development?** WVU Medicine offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including continuing education courses, conferences, and leadership training programs. 6. **Is there a mentorship program for new APPs?** Yes, WVU Medicine provides mentorship opportunities for new APPs to help them transition into their roles and develop their clinical skills. 7. **What is the patient-to-APP ratio in the PICU?** The patient-to-APP ratio varies depending on the acuity of the patients and the staffing levels in the PICU. 8. **What type of support staff is available in the PICU?** The PICU is staffed with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and social workers. 9. **What is the process for credentialing and privileging?** The credentialing and privileging process is managed by the WVU Medicine medical staff office. You will need to provide documentation of your education, training, and experience. 10. **What is the call schedule for this position?** The call schedule may vary depending on the needs of the PICU. Details will be provided during the interview process.