Physician Assistant (PA) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Physician Assistant (PA) to join our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team. This position is designed for individuals who demonstrate a strong clinical foundation, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a desire to develop specialized expertise in neonatal medicine.

The selected candidate will participate in a structured, progressive orientation program designed to build the knowledge, technical skills, and clinical judgment necessary to care for critically ill and medically complex newborns. The orientation will incorporate didactic education, simulation-based learning, procedural training, bedside clinical experience, and direct mentorship from experienced neonatal providers.

The role will initially focus on learning and developing competency in neonatal assessment, clinical management, procedural skills, and NICU workflows. As the PA demonstrates competency and readiness through ongoing evaluations, clinical responsibilities will progressively expand toward independent practice within institutional policies, credentialing requirements, and applicable scope-of-practice regulations.

We welcome applications from new graduates and early-career PAs who bring relevant pediatric, emergency medicine, critical care, or neonatal educational experiences and demonstrate the motivation and aptitude to thrive in a highly specialized clinical environment.

Why Join Our Team? This opportunity is ideal for a PA seeking a supported transition into a highly specialized field of medicine. The program offers a structured approach to learning, access to experienced neonatal clinicians, hands-on clinical development, and a defined pathway toward increasing autonomy.

Responsibilities*

Clinical Care and Progressive Development

• Participate in a structured NICU orientation and training program with clearly defined learning objectives, competency milestones, and progressive clinical responsibilities.
• Develop proficiency in neonatal assessment, differential diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and management of common and complex neonatal conditions.
• Develop knowledge of neonatal physiology, respiratory support, hemodynamic management, nutrition, fluid and electrolyte management, and neonatal pharmacology.
• Participate in daily multidisciplinary rounds, patient evaluations, care planning, and communication with families and members of the healthcare team.
• Acquire and demonstrate competency in neonatal procedures appropriate to training, credentialing, and institutional requirements.
• Recognize clinical deterioration, initiate appropriate stabilization measures, and escalate concerns promptly to supervising or collaborating providers.
• Progress toward managing assigned patients with increasing autonomy as clinical competency and readiness are established.
• Collaborate with neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate accountability, adaptability, effective communication, and a commitment to patient safety.
• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, continuous learning, family-centered care, and quality improvement.

Required Qualifications*

• Satisfactory completion of a Physician Assistant program accredited by Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor agencies, CAHEA or CAAHEP.
• Certification by the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Michigan.
• State of Michigan Controlled Substance License Required
• Current DEA registration required
• AHA approved BLS
• Strong communication, critical-thinking, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to receive feedback, reflect on clinical performance, and incorporate guidance into practice.
• Demonstrated commitment …