APP Program Lead - Neonatology

cincinnatichildrens; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 137,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's, located in Cincinnati, OH, seeks an experienced Advanced Practice Provider Program Lead in Neonatology (NP/PA) to supervise frontline neonatal APP staff while delivering high-level clinical care. The role blends 60% direct patient care with 40% leadership, quality improvement, and program development.

The ideal candidate will have a master’s or doctoral degree, Ohio APRN/PA licensure, national certification, and at least five years in neonatal APP roles, plus proven

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
• Current Ohio licensure as APRN or Physician Assistant
• National certification appropriate to specialty
• Minimum of five years of neonatal advanced practice experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience including mentoring, precepting, charge responsibilities, committee leadership, or formal supervisory experience
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and critical thinking skills

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced clinical care for neonatal patients as a direct supervisor for frontline Neonatology NP/PA staff
• Split time: 60% clinical practice and 40% administrative leadership
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and retention of APP staff
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, productivity, and clinical operations with physician and nursing leadership
• Lead quality improvement, patient safety, and program development initiatives
• Promote APP professional development through education and career advancement opportunities

Job description

Primary Location Burnet Campus Department

APP CCHMC NICU Shift

Rotating (United States of America) Schedule

Full time Weekly Hours

40 FTE

1 Employee Status

Regular

*Expected Starting Pay Range $136,760.00 - $168,688.00 *Starting pay is based on experience, skills, and equity; exceptions may apply for highly qualified candidates. Additional pay (e.g., shift, on‑call, or weekend differentials) and benefits may apply. Annual pay may vary based on FTE status.

Advance Practice Provider (APP) Program Lead - Neonatology (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant)

Schedule: Full-Time | 1.0 FTE

Role Allocation: 60% Clinical | 40% Administrative/Leadership

Lead with Purpose. Advance Neonatal Care. Inspire the Next Generation of APPs.

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children's health better. Our nationally recognized Neonatology program provides world-class care for premature and critically ill newborns while advancing innovation through research, education, and compassionate, family-centered care.

We are seeking an experienced Advanced Practice Provider Program Lead (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) to provide clinical excellence while leading and supporting a high-performing team of neonatal APPs. This unique leadership opportunity combines direct patient care with operational leadership, professional development, quality improvement, and program advancement.

If you're passionate about clinical excellence, mentoring colleagues, and shaping the future of neonatal care, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Position Summary

The APP Program Lead provides advanced clinical care for neonatal patients while serving as the direct supervisor for frontline Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant staff within the Neonatology Division.

This role combines 60% clinical practice with 40% dedicated administrative leadership time, supporting workforce development, clinical quality, operational excellence, and APP engagement.

The Program Lead collaborates closely with physician leaders, nursing leadership, hospital administration, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure exceptional patient outcomes while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and professional growth.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership (60%)

• Provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of critically ill neonatal patients.
• Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans in collaboration with neonatologists and the interdisciplinary care team.
• Prescribe medications, therapies, and diagnostic testing within scope of practice.
• Perform advanced procedures consistent with credentialing and clinical privileges.
• Deliver family-centered care while providing education and support to patients' families.
• Participate in clinical rounds and serve as a clinical resource for the neonatal care team.
• Promote evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Leadership & Administrative Responsibilities (40%)

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for frontline Neonatology Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that promotes engagement, accountability, and professional development.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, orientation, mentoring, and retention of APP staff.
• Partner with physician and nursing leadership to optimize staffing, scheduling, productivity, and clinical operations.
• Support regulatory compliance, credentialing, professional practice standards, and quality metrics.
• Lead or participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and operational initiatives.
• Promote APP professional development through education, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
• Collaborate with division leadership on strategic planning, program growth, and implementation of new clinical initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current Ohio licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant.
• National certification appropriate to specialty.
• Minimum of five years of neonatal advanced practice experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring, precepting, charge responsibilities, committee leadership, or formal supervisory experience.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and critical thinking skills.

Preferred

• Previous experience supervising or managing Advanced Practice Providers.
• Experience leading quality improvement or operational initiatives.
• Professional involvement in neonatal or advanced practice organizations.

Why Cincinnati Children's?

As one of the nation's top pediatric healthcare organizations, Cincinnati Children's is committed to developing leaders who advance patient care, education, and research.

You’ll join a nationally recognized Neonatology program that values collaboration, innovation, an