Nocturnist Nurse Practitioner – Hospitalist
Baylor University Medical Center – Dallas, TX
Job Summary
The Nocturnist Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Inpatient Medicine is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider who delivers high-quality, direct patient care during overnight hours in a hospital setting. This role includes delegated prescriptive authority, credentialing, and privileging, with services billed as an independent provider in accordance with Medicare, Medicaid, and applicable regulatory standards.
Working collaboratively with supervising physicians and interdisciplinary teams, the Nocturnist NP manages acutely ill and hospitalized patients, focusing on admissions, cross-coverage, and overnight clinical care. The provider practices within the scope defined by state regulations, institutional policies, and clinical protocols.
Schedule & Role Focus
- Night shift / nocturnist schedule (e.g., 9 PM – 7 AM or similar)
- Primary responsibility for overnight admissions, cross-coverage, and urgent patient needs
- Collaboration with hospitalists, specialists, nursing staff, and ancillary services
- May include weekend and holiday rotations
Essential Functions of the Role
- Perform comprehensive or focused histories and physical examinations to assess patient conditions
- Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory and diagnostic studies
- Diagnose and manage acute and chronic medical conditions in hospitalized patients
- Initiate and manage treatment plans using evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines
- Prescribe medications and therapeutic interventions in accordance with approved protocols
- Respond to overnight clinical changes, rapid responses, and urgent patient needs
- Conduct hospital rounds, admissions, and discharges as needed
- Perform procedures within scope of practice and demonstrated competency
- Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes
- Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and health promotion
- Document all patient care activities accurately and in a timely manner
- Initiate consultations and referrals when cases exceed scope or expertise
Key Success Factors
- Advanced knowledge of inpatient medicine, disease processes, and treatment modalities
- Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking, especially in high-acuity situations
- Ability to work independently during overnight hours while maintaining collaboration
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and team-based approach to care
- Proficiency in electronic medical records and clinical software systems
- Ability to develop and implement outcomes-based treatment plans
- Skill in interpreting diagnostic tests and responding to clinical changes
Minimum Qualifications
- Current RN licensure in Texas or compact RN licensure
- Current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure in Texas
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification required
- Prescriptive authority and DEA (as applicable)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification within 30 days of hire
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in inpatient medicine, hospitalist, or acute care settings
- Prior nocturnist or night shift experience
Benefits
Baylor University Medical Center offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition reimbursement programs
- Paid Time Off (PTO) starting on Day 1
About Baylor University Medical Center – Dallas
- Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, is a nationally recognized, faith-based academic medical center serving patients across North Texas, the Southwest region, and beyond. As the flagship hospital for Baylor Scott & White Health – North Texas, the medical center provides advanced, quaternary-level care across a wide range of specialties and serves as a major hub for clinical education, research, and specialty referral services.
- The hospital is recognized for excellence in quality and nursing practice, including Magnet® designation, and holds accreditation from The Joint Commission. With a long-standing history as a leading teaching and referral institution, Baylor University Medical Center plays a central role in delivering complex, specialized care within a large integrated health system.
About Dallas, Texas
- Located in the heart of North Texas, Dallas is a major metropolitan city offering a dynamic blend of career opportunity, cultural amenities, and diverse neighborhoods. The city is home to a strong and growing economy, with a wide range of industries and employment opportunities.
- Residents enjoy access to world-class arts and entertainment, professional sports, museums, parks, and a nationally recognized dining scene. With a variety of housing options and vibrant communities, Dallas offers a flexible lifestyle for individuals and families seeking both opportunity and urban convenience.
Note: Benefits may vary based on position type and employment status.
QUALIFICATIONS- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Basic Life Support (BLS): Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced within 30 days of hire or transfer.