ACNP/PA - Pediatric ICU

Pediatric ICU Acute Care NP/PA – CHRISTUS Health, Tyler, TX

An Unprecedented Opportunity to Build Pediatric Care in East Texas

We are building a brand-new Level 2 Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at CHRISTUS Health in Tyler, Texas. We are seeking passionate, highly skilled Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants to help us shape the future of pediatric critical care in our region.

East Texas faces a critical shortage of pediatric specialty care. Research shows that pediatric mortality in Northeast Texas is nearly 2.5 times higher than the national average, that over 1000 children have been transferred out of the region in every year due to a lack of ICU capabilities, and that, until very recently, there were zero pediatric ICU beds across the entire 42-county region. Families are routinely forced to travel more than 80 miles to access specialty pediatric care during their most vulnerable moments until now.

By joining our pioneering team, you will play a foundational role in establishing top-tier pediatric intensive care locally — dramatically improving health outcomes for children across Northeast Texas and giving families the peace of mind that expert care is close to home.

About the New Level 2 PICU

Our new Level 2 PICU is designed to provide comprehensive, high-quality care for critically ill children, managing a diverse patient population that includes a combination of ICU-level and Intermediate Care (IMC)-level pediatric patients. The unit focuses on advanced medical and surgical management, stabilizing critically ill children, with referrals to higher level units in Dallas and Houston for the most complex cases. This is a unique opportunity to help build a program from the ground up — establishing clinical protocols, shaping unit culture, and setting the standard for pediatric excellence in our community.

Recruiter:

Richelle Howell

Staffing Model and Schedule

The unit operates on a highly supportive, collaborative staffing model designed to ensure exceptional patient care and provider well-being. The model features a dedicated 24-hour attending coverage system working closely with the APCs. Attending physicians provide in-person presence during the day and take home call at night, returning to the hospital in-person if needed to support the APC.

Fully Staffed model will include two physicians and two advanced practice clinicians

The staffing model -1 APC and 1 Physician per day.

Day Shift: The APC will work 12-hour shifts 7 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Night Shift: The APC will work 12-hour shifts, 7 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Day-to-Day Duties and Clinical Scope

As an Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) in our PICU, you will be at the forefront of patient care, working in a highly collaborative, physician-led environment. You will have the autonomy and support to utilize your full scope of practice. Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Conducting detailed physical assessments and developing family-centered, individualized care plans for ICU-level and IMC-level pediatric patients.
• Leading daily multidisciplinary rounds and coordinating care with a robust network of over pediatricians across multiple specialties and clinics throughout Northeast Texas.
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies (laboratory, imaging, and point-of-care testing) and adjusting management plans accordingly.
• Managing mechanical ventilation, vasoactive infusions, and other critical care therapies in collaboration with the attending physician.
• Performing standard PICU procedures collaboratively, including central venous line placement, arterial line placement, and endotracheal intubation.
• Providing clear, compassionate communication and education to patients' families throughout the care continuum.
• Actively participating in quality improvement initiatives and helping to establish evidence-based protocols for the new unit.
• Mentoring bedside nursing staff and contributing to the broader development of pediatric care capabilities across the institution.

• Physician-Led Organization: Clinicians have a seat at the table through our Physician Board of Directors.
• Robust Multispecialty Network: Over 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 41 specialties in 82 clinic locations throughout Northeast Texas.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Sign-on bonus
• Comprehensive malpractice coverage including tail
• Generous PTO and CME allowance
• No state income tax

Located 90 miles east of Dallas, Tyler offers a high quality of life with affordable housing, excellent schools, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city's commitment to healthcare development provides medical professionals with opportunities to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. You can enjoy almost year-round access to outdoor activities including lakes, golf courses, hiking/biking trails.

CHRISTUS Health is an international Catholic, faith-based, not-for-profit health system comprising almost 350 services and facilities, including more than 60 hospitals and long-term care facilities, 175 clinics and outpatient centers and dozens of other health ministries and ventures. CHRISTUS Health serves the need of underserved communities in seven (7) U.S., states, Chile, Colombia and six states in Mexico. Our vision is to Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ . A national leader in patient satisfaction, advanced technology and quality initiatives, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating healthy lives for people and communities.

Requirements:

Must be licensed in the state of TX or be eligible to be licensed

Acute Care NP or PA is required for this position

Experience in an acute pediatric setting is preferred

Work Type:

Full Time

Ready to take the next step in your career with a mission-driven, innovative, and clinician-led team? Join CHRISTUS Health in Tyler, TX, and help us build a brighter, healthier future for the children of East Texas.

Contact: Richelle Howell |