Advanced Practice Provider - Intermediate Care Unit

Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) Advanced Practice Provider (ARNP/PA)-Stead Family Children's Hospital - (26004919)

Description

Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital is seeking a 90–100% Advanced Practice Provider (ARNP/PA) to work rotating days/nights/weekends with 12-hour shifts in the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU). This position may be eligible for relocation assistance based on institutional guidelines.

In this position, APP will provide overall medical care and medical management for pediatric patients requiring intermediate-level care, exercising autonomy in clinical decision-making, and services provided. The APP will function independently and/or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to plan, deliver, and evaluate care for neonates, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with acute and chronic conditions requiring step-down or progressive care.

There is a strong emphasis on managing hospitalized patients to optimize care delivery, reduce length of stay, improve resource utilization, and enhance patient and family-centered outcomes across a 24/7 care model.

Position Responsibilities

· Assesses the patient’s health status through history taking, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and other diagnostic modalities as appropriate.

· Plans, implements, and communicates treatment programs addressing the patient’s medical and developmental needs.

· Recognize and manage acute illness, chronic conditions, and clinical deterioration in an intermediate care setting.

· Initiates and titrates therapies including respiratory support (e.g., HFNC, non-invasive ventilation), continuous infusions, and post-operative care management.

· Determines and facilitates appropriate referral and consultation services in a timely manner.

· Coordinates admissions, transfers (including escalation to ICU), and discharges to ensure continuity of care.

· Completes medical documentation and billing in accordance with institutional and departmental standards.

· Initiates therapeutic interventions using independent judgment and evidence-based clinical guidelines.

· Integrates clinical data into diagnostic reasoning and individualized care planning.

· Provides patient and family education, supporting care plan implementation both inpatient and at discharge.

· Participates in quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical pathway initiatives.

· Completes required administrative responsibilities including compliance training, credentialing, and institutional documentation.

· Performs additional duties and special projects assigned.

Clinical Competencies

· Ability to synthesize scientific, clinical, and humanistic principles into advanced practice care delivery.

· Demonstrates knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and disease progression in pediatric populations.

· Performs comprehensive patient assessments and develops differential diagnoses based on clinical findings.

· Develops and implements plans of care including diagnostics, therapeutics, consultations, and follow-up.

· Evaluates patient response to treatment and adjusts care accordingly.

· Identifies patient, family, and community education needs and facilitates appropriate resources.

· Utilizes therapeutic communication to support patients and families during hospitalization.

· Applies quality improvement principles and evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.

Education Requirements

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP):

· Master’s Degree required; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) preferred

· If Master’s is in a related field, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required

· Current certification as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC or CPNP-PC)

· Current ARNP license in the State of Iowa

Physician Associate (PA):

· Graduate of an accredited PA program

· Current certification by NCCPA

· Current licensure with the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners

Qualifications

Education Requirements

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP):

· Master’s Degree required; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) preferred

· If Master’s is in a related field, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required

· Current certification as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC or CPNP-PC)

· Current ARNP license in the State of Iowa

Physician Associate (PA):

· Graduate of an accredited PA program

· Current certification by NCCPA

· Current licensure with the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners

Experience Requirements

· 1–3 years of experience caring for acutely ill pediatric patients preferred

· Understanding of the Nurse Practice Act and APP scope of practice in Iowa

· Demonstrated ability to function as an independent practitioner within a collaborative practice agreement

· Strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired Qualifications

· Experience in pediatric intermediate care, PICU, or step-down environments

· Demonstrated experience managing hospitalized patients, including throughput, length of stay, and resource utilization

· Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification

· Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

· Federal DEA license (if applicable)

· Certification in Pediatric Acute Care NP, if holds nurse practitioner certification

· Experience providing autonomous medical management in an inpatient setting

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with indirect supervision

Position and Application Details

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and education/credential verification. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

For additional questions, please contact Lydia Messer at lydia-messer@uiowa.edu

Benefits Highlights

• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: Benefits | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)

Primary Location

Iowa City

Job

Patient Care Providers

Organization

Healthcare

Schedule

Regular

Full-time

Job Posting

Aug 31, 2026, 2:22:14 PM