Call for Pediatric Inpatient Coverage in Yakima

Washington state is experiencing the same pediatric respiratory surge being felt nationally.  All of Washington state pediatric specialty hospitals are surging and are at maximum capacity in order to manage the number of ill children requiring hospitalization. Every pediatric in-patient bed is needed to care for the kids our community.

We have been notified that an essential pediatric hospital service in central Washington is in urgent need of assistance in December in order to stay open and provide the in-patient pediatric care needed.  We are aware that this need coincides directly with the holidays which are an extremely important time for everyone.   But if you are able to consider picking up even one shift, it would be appreciated.  Details and contact information below.


Yakima Memorial Hospital Inpatient Pediatric Service has an urgent need for inpatient pediatric hospitalist coverage from 12/22-28, 2022.  They are seeking inpatient pediatric experienced providers (Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric EM, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants) to assist with coverage.  The individual needs to have current or recent experience in managing pediatric illness, specifically pediatric DKA, dehydration, infectious diseases, especially pediatric respiratory disease including management of asthma, bronchiolitis and the use of HFNC. 

Clinician will cover 12 hour shifts alongside a Yakima Pediatric Hospitalist and therefore will always have a local expert with whom to consult.  The clinician will cover the 10-16 bed inpatient pediatric unit and manage any ED pediatric consultations.  No L&D coverage is expected although newborn exams will be required. 

This is a paid position.  Clinicians will sign a locums contract with Yakima Memorial Hospital and will be provided malpractice and tail coverage.  Yakima Memorial Hospital uses Cerner EMR.  A single clinicians can sign up for any number of shifts.  Accepting this opportunity does not mean you will be required to cover the entire 7 days.  For further questions please contact, Dr. CJ Koozer, Medical Director, Yakima Valley Hospital, Pediatrics at CJ Koozer ckoozer@gmail.com or Kimberly Johnstone, MSN, RNC, C-EFM, interim Clinical Director – Women and Children’s  Services at KimberlyJohnstone@yvmh.org