OPT Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner jobs on OPT require employers to verify your STEM or non-STEM OPT status, as nursing falls under a non-STEM CIP code, giving you 12 months of work authorization. Many healthcare employers are familiar with OPT but may need guidance on CPT history and EAD documentation before onboarding.
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The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health team as a healthcare provider responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients. This position educates patients, and/or intervenes in acute or chronic illness, and practices within department and Kennedy Krieger Institute guidelines in accordance with State of Maryland Nurse Practitioner regulations. The incumbent will adhere to the Nurse Practice Act and all rules governing certification for their scope of practice. This position is credentialed and granted specified professional staff privileges by the Kennedy Krieger Institute Medical Board which list specific tasks and are reviewed annually.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts comprehensive or episodic health assessment of patients/families with real, potential, acute, and/or chronic health problems which may include the psychosocial, cognitive, and personal assets and limitations of the patient/family with an emphasis on wellness.
- Performs health screening and orders, performs, and interprets tests. Establishes medical and nursing diagnosis, orders and evaluates diagnostic studies, performs and monitors therapeutic procedures; and assesses and/or manages follow-up plans.
- Assesses chronic health problems and refers patients to attending or primary provider when appropriate.
- Collaborates with other professionals in developing and implementing a plan of care for child or adolescent.
- Records and documents health assessment data necessary to maintain, coordinate, and/or expedite required services.
- Assumes responsibility and accountability for time management, professional relationships, and interpersonal interactions.
- Provides health education to care givers and other members of the multi-disciplinary team concerning health issues such as medications, management of illness, and disease prevention. Teaches children/adolescents about good health practices.
- Develops, conducts, and/or evaluates formal or informal in service and continuing education programs in area(s) of expertise for peer group and other disciplines.
- Assumes responsibility for own professional development and remains current in clinical practice by attending relevant continuing education.
- Participates in the research process and enhances the quality and clinical relevance of nursing research by promoting expertise in clinical problems, providing knowledge about the way in which these clinical services are delivered, and assisting others in applying scientific knowledge in nursing practice.
- Participates on department, functional unit, and hospital committees as assigned.
- Serves as a clinical preceptor for nursing students including nurse practitioner candidates.
- Advocates for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities within health, community, and school arenas.
- Participates in the development and implementation of a quality assurance program.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must possess and maintain registered nurse (RN) unencumbered licensure and certification as a nurse practitioner to practice as a nurse practitioner by the State of Maryland.
- Must possess and maintain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) registration.
- Must possess and maintain national certification in area of specialty from a national certifying board, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required.
Experience:
Minimum two years of related clinical nursing experience required.
COMPENSATION:
- Minimum pay range: USD $83,483.00/Yr.
- Maximum pay range: USD $149,453.00/Yr.
Overview:
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health team as a healthcare provider responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients. This position educates patients, and/or intervenes in acute or chronic illness, and practices within department and Kennedy Krieger Institute guidelines in accordance with State of Maryland Nurse Practitioner regulations. The incumbent will adhere to the Nurse Practice Act and all rules governing certification for their scope of practice. This position is credentialed and granted specified professional staff privileges by the Kennedy Krieger Institute Medical Board which list specific tasks and are reviewed annually.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts comprehensive or episodic health assessment of patients/families with real, potential, acute, and/or chronic health problems which may include the psychosocial, cognitive, and personal assets and limitations of the patient/family with an emphasis on wellness.
- Performs health screening and orders, performs, and interprets tests. Establishes medical and nursing diagnosis, orders and evaluates diagnostic studies, performs and monitors therapeutic procedures; and assesses and/or manages follow-up plans.
- Assesses chronic health problems and refers patients to attending or primary provider when appropriate.
- Collaborates with other professionals in developing and implementing a plan of care for child or adolescent.
- Records and documents health assessment data necessary to maintain, coordinate, and/or expedite required services.
- Assumes responsibility and accountability for time management, professional relationships, and interpersonal interactions.
- Provides health education to care givers and other members of the multi-disciplinary team concerning health issues such as medications, management of illness, and disease prevention. Teaches children/adolescents about good health practices.
- Develops, conducts, and/or evaluates formal or informal in service and continuing education programs in area(s) of expertise for peer group and other disciplines.
- Assumes responsibility for own professional development and remains current in clinical practice by attending relevant continuing education.
- Participates in the research process and enhances the quality and clinical relevance of nursing research by promoting expertise in clinical problems, providing knowledge about the way in which these clinical services are delivered, and assisting others in applying scientific knowledge in nursing practice.
- Participates on department, functional unit, and hospital committees as assigned.
- Serves as a clinical preceptor for nursing students including nurse practitioner candidates.
- Advocates for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities within health, community, and school arenas.
- Participates in the development and implementation of a quality assurance program.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must possess and maintain registered nurse (RN) unencumbered licensure and certification as a nurse practitioner to practice as a nurse practitioner by the State of Maryland.
- Must possess and maintain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) registration.
- Must possess and maintain national certification in area of specialty from a national certifying board, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required.
Experience:
Minimum two years of related clinical nursing experience required.
COMPENSATION:
- Minimum pay range: USD $83,483.00/Yr.
- Maximum pay range: USD $149,453.00/Yr.
See all 151+ OPT Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Know your OPT authorization period upfront
Pediatric NP roles fall under non-STEM OPT, which gives you 12 months of work authorization. Confirm your EAD end date before applying so you can be transparent with employers about your timeline and avoid last-minute complications during onboarding.
Target healthcare systems with established OPT hiring
Large hospital networks and academic medical centers hire international NPs regularly and have HR processes in place for OPT documentation. Smaller private practices may lack familiarity with EAD requirements, making them a harder first point of contact for OPT candidates.
Secure your state nursing license before you apply
Most Pediatric NP positions require an active state license before your start date. Begin the licensing process immediately after graduation. Delays in licensure can push your start date beyond your OPT window, which creates work authorization complications with your employer.
Address your OPT timeline in your cover letter
Briefly stating your EAD validity and your intent to pursue H-1B visa or other sponsorship removes uncertainty for hiring managers. Pediatric NP roles often involve lengthy credentialing processes, so employers need confidence that your work authorization will cover the full onboarding period.
Understand how credentialing affects your start date
Hospital credentialing for NPs can take 60 to 90 days after an offer is accepted. That process runs parallel to your OPT clock. Factor this into your application timeline so your EAD is valid and active when credentialing completes and you can actually begin seeing patients.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
Pediatric NP roles often qualify for H-1B sponsorship because they meet specialty occupation requirements. Raise the sponsorship conversation during offer negotiation, not after onboarding. Employers who plan ahead can file your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and keep you in status.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner on OPT?
Yes, but nursing falls under a non-STEM CIP code, so standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization rather than the 36-month STEM extension. Your position must be directly related to your field of study. You'll need an active EAD and a valid state NP license before your start date, and your employer must keep copies of your authorization documents on file.
Do Pediatric NP employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner roles typically qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B requirements because they require a graduate-level nursing degree and advanced clinical training. Large hospital systems and children's hospitals are the most reliable sponsors. Smaller outpatient practices sponsor less frequently. Use Migrate Mate to filter specifically for Pediatric NP employers with a documented history of sponsoring international candidates.
How does hospital credentialing interact with my OPT window?
Credentialing is a hospital-side process that verifies your licenses, education, and clinical history before you can see patients independently. It typically takes 60 to 90 days after your offer is accepted. That time runs against your OPT clock. If your EAD expires before credentialing completes, you cannot legally begin working. Apply early in your OPT period and confirm your start date gives enough buffer before your EAD end date.
Does my nursing degree CIP code affect which OPT extension I qualify for?
Yes. Nursing programs are classified under CIP code 51 (Health Professions), which is not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. That means Pediatric NP graduates on OPT receive a 12-month authorization period and are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Planning your job search and sponsorship timeline around that 12-month window is critical.
What documentation do I need to provide a Pediatric NP employer while on OPT?
You'll need to provide your EAD card, a valid passport, your Form I-20 showing OPT authorization, and your active state NP license. The employer uses these for I-9 verification. Some hospital HR departments also request a copy of your SEVIS record or DSO confirmation letter. Keep digital copies of all documents and notify your DSO immediately if your employment end date or employer changes.