Leading Education and Advancing Professionals (LEAP) 

LEAP Student Program 

Houston Methodist Hospital is pleased to be able to provide a unique program that offers employment and education opportunities to Advanced Practice (NP) Nursing Students. LEAP will prepare students to perform in an expanded role in the delivery of acute health care and help them begin to forge a career path while completing their degree. The 12-month program will offer students the distinct opportunity to obtain hands-on training that features interdisciplinary and collaborative model components from experienced Houston Methodist Nurse Practitioners. Upon completion of LEAP, students will be able to provide quality care for physiologically unstable, technologically dependent and vulnerable patients. In addition, LEAP students will have support to expand their evidenced-based practice knowledge and learn basic research techniques, guideline development and quality improvement initiatives.

How to Apply / Required Documents 

1. Apply online
2. Email the completed LEAP Student Packet to leapstudentmail@houstonmethodist.org

1. A professional curriculum vitae (CV) or resume 
2. Transcript
3. Three (3) satisfactory academic/professional references ( Peer, Nursing Manager, Faculty)
4. Personal statement reflecting interests and career goals
5. Copies of ACLS and BLS Certification
6. Reference letter (Template)

 Learn more about our:

• Mission
• Program Goals
• Work Environment 
• Requirements

Application deadlines are listed below. Any request made outside of this process will not be considered. A letter of acceptance will be emailed to the applicant by the response deadline.

Mission

To provide high-quality, efficient, evidenced-based patient care while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and partnering with our community to optimize patient outcomes. 

Goals

• Develop clinical leaders of the health care team through teaching and coaching to advance the plan of care for complex acute, critical and chronically ill patients.
• Participate in the design and/or implementation and evaluation of evidence-based, age-appropriate professional standards and guidelines for care.
• Contribute to knowledge development to improve the care of the adult-gerontology acute care population, by participation in quality improvement, program evaluation, translation of evidence into practice, and/or dissemination of evidence.
• Demonstrate leadership to promote improved health care outcomes for the adult and older adult population in practice, policy, and other venues.
• Synthesize data from a variety of sources to make clinical decisions regarding appropriate management, consultation or referral
• Recruit top-notch candidates 
• Retain exemplary Houston Methodist LEAP students

Work Environment
The Houston Methodist Hospital LEAP program provides paid positions where the students are assigned a NP preceptor. LEAP students will be assigned to the Emergency Response Team but will have the opportunity to work in one of the other Houston Methodist’s NP services such as 

• CV Surgery
• Cardiology 
• General Medicine
• Oncology 
• Psychiatric Medicine
• Emergency Department
• Other Outpatient Opportunities
• Emergency Response Team
  
  
  

 The LEAP student will work under the supervision of an NP preceptor and carry out all RN competencies including but not limited to: 

• Coordinating patient care between health care providers
• Conducting comprehensive health assessments
• Identifying normal/abnormal health characteristics
• Developing a plan of care
• Recommending interventions
• Evaluating care outcomes on defined a patient populations
• Monitoring vital signs
• Assisting with patient transfers
• Documenting in EMR under the guidance of the preceptor
• Using critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to work as defined by the Nurse Practice Act. 
• Collaborating with healthcare team members to coordinate patient care
• Demonstrating leadership as a clinical resource and patient advocate

LEAP students also are expected to participate in NP service staff meetings and any other staff events. For successful completion, LEAP students must complete all didactic education, which includes annual competencies, simulation training and ECCO modules, presentations and an evidenced-based clinical project.

Application Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, Family Nurse Practitioner Program or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned from an accredited program.
• Grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Minimum of two years of current clinical nursing experience
• Have completed a minimum of two semesters of their graduate program.
• Have completed Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Physical Exam/ Health Assessment courses.
• Must graduate at the end of the 12-month calendar year.
• Must be able to work 12 hours per week.

Interview Process:

• An interview is required for qualified applicants, and interview is by invitation only

Additional Requirements (if accepted):
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of immunization screening; evidence of current Texas nursing license; documentation of BCLS and ACLS; and clearance of the mandatory criminal background check and drug screening.
*Please note: Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

For more information, please contact:

Kaphne M. Harris, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC 
Education Lead of Advanced Practice Providers
Houston Methodist Hospital
6565 Fannin
Alkek Tower Ste 754, ofc A-778
Houston, TX 77030
832-919-4442
LEAPStudentMail@houstonmethodist.org