Physician (Pulmonary Medicine)-Critical Care Nocturnist
Description
The full-time Physician (Pulmonary Medicine), for a Critical Care Nocturnist Physician (Overnight) in the Intensive Care Unit at The Robley Rex VA Medical Center will perform a wide range of critical care procedures independently and competently. Demonstrate proficiency in critical care management, including mechanical ventilation, invasive monitoring, and emergency interventions. Ability to work efficiently and calmly in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Duties to include: Conduct thorough initial assessments of critically ill patients upon admission to the ICU during night shifts. Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans to address the complex medical needs of these patients. Perform, interpret, and manage advanced life support procedures including but not limited to intubation, central and arterial line placement, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and emergency dialysis initiation. Oversee the management of mechanically ventilated patients, ensuring appropriate settings and weaning protocols. Utilize invasive hemodynamic monitoring tools to assess and adjust treatment plans for optimal patient outcomes. Lead and respond to all code blue situations, rapid response activations, and other emergent clinical scenarios in the ICU and throughout the hospital as needed. Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including but not limited to nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and consulting specialists, to provide holistic care. Facilitate seamless transition of care by conducting thorough handoff reports to daytime critical care teams, ensuring continuity and comprehensive understanding of patient conditions and ongoing treatment plans. Stay current with the latest research and advancements in critical care medicine, integrating evidence-based practices into patient care to enhance outcomes and ensure the highest standard of care. Independently manage the admission process for patients presenting to the ICU during night shifts, including timely completion of necessary documentation and initiation of treatment protocols. Some limited admissions to the floor will also be part of the workflow. Assist ICU staff with complex procedures and interventions, providing mentorship and technical expertise to ensure successful outcomes. Regularly provide constructive feedback to residents and trainees on their clinical skills, decision-making, and overall Serve as a clinical mentor and supervisor to residents and medical trainees, offering guidance and support in the management of critically ill patients. Participate in and contribute to formal and informal educational opportunities, including bedside teaching, case discussions, and morbidity and mortality conferences. Regularly provide constructive feedback to residents and trainees on their clinical skills, decision-making, and overall performance. Engage in compassionate and clear communication with patients and their families, explaining complex medical conditions, treatment options, and care plans. Provide emotional support and address concerns with empathy and professionalism. Maintain open and effective communication channels with all members of the healthcare team, ensuring that pertinent information is shared in a timely and efficient manner. Ensure meticulous and prompt entry of all clinical notes, orders, and patient interactions in the electronic medical record (EMR) system. Actively participate in quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing patient care processes, outcomes, and overall ICU performance. Engage in regular morbidity and mortality reviews, root cause analyses, and other quality assurance activities to identify areas for improvement and implement changes as needed. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule:, Providing 2 Vacancies are filled (7 PM- 7 AM) 7 days on,7 days off, Night Shifts (12-hour shifts) with one filled position 2200-0700, or 2300-0800)
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.