Instructor, PICU Hospitalist

• University of Colorado Anschutz
• Department: Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care
• Job Title: Instructor, PICU Hospitalist
• Position #00853481: – Requisition #:41244

Job Summary

The Section of Critical Care within the Department of Pediatrics seeks a newly graduated resident or fellow to fill a PICU Hospitalist position which provides management and coordination of care for patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Children's Hospital Colorado.

The PICU Hospitalist works collaboratively with other members of the PICU team to ensure safe and timely provision of critical care services to patients in the unit. This is a one-year position and will require a mix of days, evenings and night shifts. If desired, an extension of the position for an additional year can be discussed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides/coordinates clinical practice for patients admitted to the Pediatric Critical Care service or for whom the Pediatric Critical Care service is consulting, 24 hours a day, through the collaborative practice agreement and under the supervision of the attending physician.
• Function to ensure that care team plans are implemented in a timely manner. This may involve working with fellows, rotating residents, APPs, and other trainees, providing education within the scope of the PICU Hospitalist’s experience.
• Serve as a first contact, front line provider and will respond to bedside team inquiries, enter orders, communicate with consultants, update patients/families, and escalate concerns to the physician attending as appropriate.
• Provides evidence-based clinical care to pediatric patients in the PICU.
• Gathers pertinent information systematically and skillfully from all sources (history, diagnostic tests, and comprehensive physical examinations, behavioral and developmental assessments) and incorporates findings into a plan to direct patient management
• Round daily on patients in the PICU based upon a rotating schedule and collaborate with the attending physician, other attending physicians from referral services, and with the healthcare team to assess, diagnose, plan, set priorities and realistic outcomes, and evaluate the effectiveness and cost efficiency of patient care.
• Evaluate patient physiological and behavioral responses to interventions for revision of management plans
• Document daily all relevant data including but not limited to results of diagnostic tests, laboratory results, patients’ condition, response to therapies/interventions, and follow-up interventions
• Differentiates normal and abnormal variations for all body systems
• Accurately interprets diagnostic tests
• Develops problem lists with associated differential diagnosis
• Communicates with the family regarding the changing health care needs of their child
• Assesses family adaptation, coping skills and the need for crisis or other interventions
• Establishes appropriate priorities of care
• Utilizing available resources (PharmD, formulary, consulting services) plans and implements appropriate pharmacologic therapies
• Accurately and appropriately performs routine diagnostic and therapeutic techniques according to established protocol and current pediatric critical care standards.
• Initiates and performs measures necessary to resuscitate and stabilize a compromised pediatric patient according to current critical care and AHA standards.
• Initiates referrals based on patient/family needs
• Communicates verbally all pertinent patient information to the on call attending physician, nursing staff, and other relevant healthcare providers.
• Role models competence in advanced critical care skills.
• Utilizes prescriptive privileges for identified patient population.
• Keeps knowledge base current by reading professional literature, attending educational programs, and reviewing changes in health legislation and relevant professional research.
• Develops, implements, and promotes educational and support resources, following institutional processes
• Utilizes evidence-based data and provide leadership to improve outcomes
• Utilizes evidence-based decision-making in all clinical practice.
• Incorporates clinical research finding in the development and implementation of standards of care.
• Supports IRB approved clinical research/trials through a variety of activities including but not limited to: obtaining consent, ordering diagnostic tests, recording laboratory and diagnostic results, administering therapeutic interventions, and reporting patient outcomes including toxicities or adverse events.
• Participates in interdisciplinary quality improvement and/or research activities.
• Participates in documenting outcome measures.
• Identifies potential areas for research.
• Participates in the hospital’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) activations

Work Location: Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
• There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

MD or DO Degree

Completion of accredited residency and/or fellowship in Pediatrics or combined Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of Colorado

Board certified or eligible in pediatrics

Condition of Employment

• Must successfully pass a drug test through Children’s Hospital Colorado
• Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check

*For questions regarding Children’s Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children’s Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children’s Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or caring for critical care and intermediate patients in a tertiary care center
• Desire to pursue career in Pediatric Critical Care or related field
• Experience participating in QI initiatives
• Experience working with and collaborating with APPs

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with professional composure.
• Skill in prioritizing patient and system needs appropriately.
• Knowledge and skill in customer service delivery.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Well organized and efficient in their work.
• Knowledge of quality improvement, family centered care, and evidence-based practice.

How to Apply

• For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
• 1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
• 2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
• 3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
• Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at cu.edu.
• Questions should be directed to: Christopher Ruzas, Christopher.Ruzas@childrenscolorado.org

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by November 30, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range

• The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $180,0000
• The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
• This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Total Compensation Calculator: cu.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work