Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Advanced Practice Provider

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Health is seeking a Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Advanced Practice Provider (APP) to join the team, delivering evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of children and adolescents with pulmonary hypertension in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The APP works under a supervising pediatric cardiologist within a collaborative care model.

The role emphasizes clinical care, teaching, and leadership across the organization, with opportunities to engage in research and program development in

Qualifications

• NP: completion of an accredited graduate‑level Pediatric‑Acute Care NCLEX program.
• PA: graduation from an ARC‑PA‑accredited PA program.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and treat pediatric pulmonary hypertension with supervising physician.
• Obtain health history and perform physical exams.
• Coordinate care with inpatient and outpatient teams.
• Provide patient/family education regarding planned treatment.
• Review medications and obtain prior authorizations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary pulmonary hypertension clinic.

Education

Pediatric-Acute Care NP program (accredited graduate-level)

ARC-PA accredited PA program

Job description

At Duke Health, we are committed to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Position Summary

The Duke Hospital Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Advanced Practice Provider (APP) practices as an integral member of the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension team, providing evaluation, treatment, and follow‑up of children and adolescents with pulmonary hypertension. The APP delivers these services through direct clinical care, consultation, collaboration, and coordination of patient management in both inpatient and outpatient settings, under a supervising pediatric cardiologist. The APP works collaboratively with the supervising cardiologist, the pediatric, neonatal intensive care units, pediatric pulmonology, and inpatient and outpatient clinic teams, contributing to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, and leadership for the organization.

Position Requirements

• Education:
  • NP: Completion of an accredited graduate‑level Pediatric‑Acute Care NCLEX program.
  • PA: Graduation from a Physician Assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC‑PA).
• Licensure:
  • NP: Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina and approval to practice as an NP.
  • PA: Licensure as a Physician Assistant in North Carolina.
• Certification:
  • NP: National certification as a PNP‑AC.
  • PA: National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA) certification.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years experience in pediatrics as an advanced practice provider preferred.
• Life support: BLS, PALS.

Hours

Primary hours: 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE). Opportunities exist for part‑time coverage depending on interest.

Responsible To

Primary supervising physician and backup physicians, and the Duke Hospital Center for Advanced Practice Team Leader and Directors.

Process of Evaluation

Evaluation will be ongoing and cover the six general areas of competency defined by The Joint Commission: patient care, medical/clinical knowledge, practice‑based learning & improvement, interpersonal & communication skills, professionalism, and systems‑based practice. Annual and mid‑year evaluations will be conducted with the APP’s primary supervising physician, and reviews of care and quality improvement meetings will be documented monthly for the first six months, then at least once every six months.

Specific Job Responsibilities and Standards

Clinical Expert

• Diagnose and treat children and adults with pulmonary hypertension in conjunction with the supervising physician.
• Obtain a comprehensive health history and perform and document physical exam findings.
• Differentiate normal findings from those requiring treatment, consultation, and/or referral.
• Assess patient and family psychosocial, emotional, and physiological needs.
• Provide patient/family teaching regarding planned treatment.
• Consult and/or refer with other health care professionals.
• Facilitate communication with referring providers.
• Work closely with Patient Resource Managers for care coordination; review medications with parents/patients and provide instructions.
• Perform, with the pediatric cardiologist, all history and physical examinations under the attending’s oversight.
• Participate in multidisciplinary Pulmonary Hypertension clinic.
• Order and schedule laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures; explain necessity, preparation, nature, and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient and follow up findings.
• Check medications during each patient interaction, confirming dosages.
• Obtain prior authorization for medications.
• Assist the nurse clinician in the e‑mail/telephone management of all patient problems.
• Assist in fielding phone calls and fax transmissions for pulmonary hypertension patients, including related calls from referring physicians, parents, and patients.
• Assist cardiology team with arrangements regarding the need for a translator.
• Facilitate communication for patient care procedures.
• Work with the inpatient team to provide comprehensive pulmonary hypertension management in a timely manner.

Administrative

• Maintain patient database.
• Initiate and participate in safety and quality improvement programs within the division and the greater health system.
• Participate in teaching medical students, residents, and nursing staff about pulmonary hypertension care.
• Attend weekly Intake Conference, Cardiothoracic Surgical Conference, quarterly Morbidity and Mortality Conference, and catheterization lab specific educational opportunities.
• Participate in the billing process by entering billing codes for appropriate services.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Educator

• Educate patients and families regarding disease states and treatment regimes, including risks and benefits, individual progress, and discharge plan of care.
• Assess educational needs of the Duke Health system nursing staff and healthcare team, and develop appropriate educational programs.
• Role‑model and precept healthcare learners through contractual agreements.
• Participate in mentoring Cardiology Fellows.

Research Utilization and Investigation

• Utilize evidence‑based decision making in all clinical practice.
• Incorporate clinical research findings into the development and implementation of standards of care.
• Support IRB‑approved clinical research/trials through activities including obtaining consent, ordering diagnostic tests, recording results, administering therapeutic interventions, and reporting patient outcomes.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Perform clinical research.

Consultant

• Develop, implement, and evaluate standards of care/practice guidelines, policies, and protocols for pediatric cardiovascular patients.
• Develop programs and projects in areas of expertise to facilitate the attainment of the goals and objectives of the pediatric cardiovascular program, the Children’s Health Center, the Department of Advanced Clinical Practice, and Duke Health System.

Professional Leadership and Development

• Role‑model Advanced Clinical Practice through conduct, communication, dress, leadership, ethical decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Participate in at least one professional organization.
• Enhance the body of knowledge of nursing or pediatric cardiovascular care through written publication, oral presentations, posters, or continuing education.
• Maintain all professional requirements for licensure and certification.
• Present at local, national, and international meetings and scientific sessions.

Behavioral Standards

Excellence

• Act in the best interests of patients and their loved ones, accepting accountability for outcomes.
• Improve performance that enhances patient care and organizational goals.
• Effectively use DUHS resources to support optimal patient care while adhering to policies and procedures.
• Seek opportunities to improve the service provided to patients and their loved ones.

Safety

• Adhere to all established patient, staff, and faculty safety procedures.
• Contribute to an environment of safety and security for patients and staff.
• Report risks of harm and safety events within twenty-four hours.
• Participate in all mandatory patient and staff safety training.

Integrity

• Be truthful and honest with patients, families, and coworkers.
• Account for actions and decisions affecting patient care, learning from experience.
• Follow through on commitments to patients, visitors, co‑workers, and others.
• Work positively in compliance with all policies, procedures, and patient‑centered values.

Diversity

• Apply cultural understanding to enhance patient care and interactions with diverse populations.
• Treat all individuals with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
• Contribute to a welcoming work environment for all.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of the needs of a diverse workforce and patient population.

Teamwork

• Share expertise and information to improve patient care without compromising individual responsibilities.
• Celebrate others’ accomplishments in patient care and organizational success.
• Take ownership of decisions made by patient care or project teams.
• Manage multiple demands while maintaining quality and courtesy.
• Be a flexible problem solver seeking creative solutions to new challenges.

Working Conditions

Physical and mental requirements include the ability to articulate the scope of practice, communicate clearly, use sensory and cognitive functions to process information, perform health assessments, use fine motor skills, record activities, use computer programs, provide clinical leadership, navigate the hospital and DUHS, withstand prolonged standing or walking, lift at least fifty pounds, remain focused, solve complex problems independently, and collaborate with all levels of personnel.

Work Environment

The work environment involves typical acute‑care risks such as isolation, universal precautions, contact with specimens, chemicals, sharps, radiation, technical equipment, and fumes. Personal protective equipment per hospital policies and OSHA guidelines is required. The setting can be stressful due to patient acuity levels.

The intent of this job description is not a declaration of the total duties of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.