Locum NP (Nurse Practitioner), PA (Physician's Assistant) Critical Care

Description

This on-site, contract position offers the opportunity to provide high-acuity patient care in a dynamic clinical environment while working alongside experienced intensivists, critical care physicians, and interdisciplinary specialists.

As a Locum NP/PA in Critical Care, you will be integral to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and other acute care settings. Your expertise will directly impact patient outcomes, ensuring timely interventions, evidence-based treatments, and comprehensive continuity of care. This role is ideal for an associate-level clinician seeking flexible contract work with a reputable healthcare staffing consultancy dedicated to excellence in medical practice.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including history taking, physical examinations, and diagnostic evaluations for critically ill patients.
• Develop, implement, and adjust individualized treatment plans under the supervision of attending physicians in the critical care setting.
• Order, interpret, and analyze laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures to guide clinical decision-making.
• Perform invasive procedures such as central line placement, arterial line insertion, intubation, and chest tube placement as credentialed and privileged.
• Prescribe medications, fluids, and interventions according to established protocols and scope of practice.
• Monitor patient progress, document clinical findings accurately, and communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary care team.
• Provide emergency response and resuscitation support, including code blue management and rapid response team participation.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on diagnoses, treatment plans, and post-discharge care requirements.
• Collaborate with intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists to ensure coordinated, high-quality patient care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, clinical rounds, and case conferences to enhance critical care outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and infection control protocols at all times.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all patient interactions and clinical procedures in the electronic health record (EHR) system.

Requirements

• Active and unrestricted Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician's Assistant (PA) licensure in the state of Virginia or eligibility for Virginia licensure.
• Graduation from an accredited NP or PA program with current national certification (AANP, ANCC, NCCPA, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in critical care, intensive care, or acute care settings (associate-level experience accepted).
• Current certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills with the ability to manage complex, multi-system conditions.
• Proficiency in performing and interpreting common critical care procedures and interventions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills for effective teamwork in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to work flexible shift schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required in a contract locum role.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and accurate clinical documentation.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and continuous professional development.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive in emergency and high-acuity situations.
• Active Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration or eligibility for prescriptive authority is preferred.

Schedule: Tuesday-Friday, 7a-4p, Saturday-Sunday, 8a-12p

No call requirement

Setting: Intermediate care unit (IMCU)

Patient Census: 8-12 per day

Primarily post-op CTS patients, with occasional pre-op management

Support Staff: APP

EMR: Epic

Must be board-certified

Paid travel & expenses