Cardiac ICU (Nocturnal) - Full-Time NP/PA

Location:


Advocate Health, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC

Position Summary

The


Cardiac ICU Advanced Practice Provider (APP)


Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA)will be an integral member of a high-acuity multidisciplinary team managing critically ill patients with advanced cardiac conditions. The APP will provide comprehensive care for patients with


cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, postmyocardial infarction complications


, and those requiring


temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS)


, including


ECMO, Impella, and IABP


.

This role involves direct patient management, procedural skills, and close collaboration with


cardiology, cardiac surgery, critical care, and ancillary services


. The APP will also play a key role in


education, coordination, and working with residents


rotating through the cardiac ICU.

Key Responsibilities

• 
  Perform
  
  
  comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management
  
  
  of critically ill cardiac patients.
  



• 
  Manage patients with
  
  
  acute decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and post-MI complications
  
  
  .
  



• 
  Manage
  
  
  temporary mechanical circulatory support devices
  
  
  including ECMO, Impella, IABP, and ventricular assist devices under established protocols.
  



• 
  Collaborate closely with
  
  
  attending cardiologists, intensivists, cardiac surgeons
  
  
  , and the broader care team to optimize patient outcomes.
  



• 
  Provide
  
  
  ongoing monitoring, titration, and weaning
  
  
  of vasoactive medications, inotropes, and mechanical support devices.
  



• 
  Coordinate patient transitions between levels of care, including step-down and transfer to tertiary facilities when necessary.
  
  



• 
  Work collaboratively with
  
  
  nursing staff, pharmacists, physical therapists, nutritionists
  
  
  , and other team members.
  



• 
  Participate in
  
  
  quality improvement initiatives
  
  
  , protocol development, and research activities related to cardiac critical care.
  

Qualifications

• 
  
  
  Education:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • 
    Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) required.
    
    
  
  
  
  
  



• 
  
  
  Licensure & Certification:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • 
    Active, unrestricted NP or PA license in NC.
    
    
  
  
  
  • 
    National certification (ACNP, AGACNP, or NCCPA certification required).
    
    
  
  
  
  • 
    Current BLS and ACLS certification.
    
    
  
  
  
  • 
    Critical care or cardiac certification (CCRN, CSC, or equivalent) preferred.
    
    
  
  
  
  
  



• 
  
  
  Experience:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • 
    Minimum
    
    
    23 years
    
    
    of experience in cardiac critical care, CVICU, or related specialty preferred.
    
  
  
  
  • 
    Proficiency with
    
    
    ECMO, Impella, IABP
    
    
    , and advanced hemodynamic monitoring strongly desired.
    
  
  
  
  • 
    Prior experience in
    
    
    academic or teaching hospital settings
    
    
    is a plus.
    
  
  
  
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• 
  Advanced clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
  
  



• 
  Strong proficiency in hemodynamic interpretation and mechanical support management.
  
  



• 
  Effective interdisciplinary communication and teamwork.
  
  



• 
  Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning.
  
  



• 
  Ability to work in a
  
  
  fast-paced, high-acuity
  
  
  environment with a focus on precision and collaboration.
  

Why Join Advocate Health CICU

• 
  Work at a
  
  
  leading cardiac critical care center
  
  
  with one of the regions highest volumes of mechanical circulatory support.
  



• 
  Collaborate with
  
  
  renowned cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and intensivists
  
  
  in a cutting-edge environment.
  



• 
  Access ongoing
  
  
  professional development, advanced procedure training, and research opportunities
  
  
  .