Nocturnist Physician – Hospital Medicine
Position Summary
The Nocturnist Physician provides overnight inpatient medical care for hospitalized adult patients. This role focuses on admissions, cross-coverage, and management of acute medical issues during nighttime hours. The nocturnist works collaboratively with nursing staff, consulting services, and daytime hospitalist teams to ensure continuity of care and patient safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overnight medical coverage for adult inpatients
- Perform new patient admissions, including histories, physical examinations, and treatment plans
- Manage acute changes in patient condition and respond to medical emergencies
- Provide cross-coverage for existing inpatients, including order management and clinical reassessment
- Collaborate with on-call specialists and ancillary services as needed
- Participate in rapid response and code situations as required
- Communicate pertinent patient information to daytime providers during handoffs
- Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record
- Support quality improvement initiatives and patient safety standards
Schedule & Coverage
- Night shift coverage in an inpatient hospital setting
- Schedule may include block nights or rotating coverage
- Weekend and holiday coverage may be required
Patient Population
- Adult inpatient medical patients
- Broad range of acute and chronic medical conditions
- Variable acuity depending on facility resources
Qualifications
- MD or DO from an accredited medical school
- Completion of an accredited Internal Medicine or Family Medicine residency
- Board certified or board eligible in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine
- Eligible for unrestricted medical licensure in the practicing state
- DEA registration or eligibility
- ACLS certification (or ability to obtain)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong independent clinical decision-making skills
- Ability to manage urgent and high-acuity conditions overnight
- Excellent communication and handoff skills
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced inpatient environment
- Commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care
Work Environment
- Acute care hospital setting
- Team-based, multidisciplinary care model
- High level of autonomy with appropriate specialty support
