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

Location: Advocate Health, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
Department: Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
Schedule: Full-time Nightshift with Rotating Weekends and Holidays

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, post–myocardial 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 2–3 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 region’s 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 .