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

Atrium Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Charlotte’s Cardiac ICU is seeking a NP/PA to join a high-acuity, multidisciplinary team.

You will manage critically ill cardiac patients, including those with cardiogenic shock and advanced heart failure, and oversee temporary mechanical circulatory support devices under protocols.

Qualifications

• MSN or MPAS required.
• Active, unrestricted NC NP or PA license.
• National certification (ACNP, AGACNP, or NCCPA).
• Current BLS and ACLS certification.
• Critical care or cardiac certification (preferred).
• 2–3 years in cardiac critical care or CVICU preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive assessment and management of critically ill cardiac patients.
• Manage cardiogenic shock and acute decompensated heart failure.
• Operate temporary mechanical circulatory support devices (ECMO, Impella, IABP).
• Collaborate with cardiology, cardiac surgery, ICU, and ancillary services.
• Monitor and titrate vasoactive meds and wean devices as needed.
• Coordinate transitions between levels of care and transfers to tertiary centers.
• Contribute to quality improvement, protocol development, and research.

Skills

Advanced clinical assessment

Hemodynamic interpretation

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Evidence-based practice

Critical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Nursing (MSN)

MPAS (Physician Assistant Studies)

Tools

ECMO

Impella

IABP

Hemodynamic monitoring equipment

Job description

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.