Become a Nocturnist at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center
The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is actively recruiting for a board-certified or board-eligible Internist to serve as a Nocturnist. This role is essential to our mission of providing continuous, high-quality care to Veterans throughout the overnight hours. As a physician in this role, you will play a critical part in patient safety, clinical education, and the overall excellence of our hospital medicine program.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nocturnist, you will function as a cornerstone of the Hospital Medicine team. Your core duties include:
- Inpatient Clinical Care: Managing acute patient needs during overnight and swing shifts.
- Education: Serving as a mentor and clinical educator for internal medicine residents and medical students.
- Consultations: Providing internal medicine expertise for other services, including surgery and mental health.
- Procedural Proficiency: Maintaining skills in central lines, thoracentesis, intubation, and other bedside procedures.
- Collaboration: Participating in quality improvement projects to enhance patient safety and clinical efficiency.
Comparison: Traditional Practice vs. VA Nocturnist
| Feature | Traditional Private Practice | VA Nocturnist Role |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Varies by employer | Full Federal Benefits Package |
| Liability | Paid by physician/group | Malpractice covered by VA |
| Academic Role | Optional/Limited | Integrated Faculty Appointment |
| Pension | 401k only | Federal Pension + 401k Matching |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must hold a valid medical degree (MD or DO), maintain a full and unrestricted medical license, and have completed an accredited residency. You must be board-eligible or certified in Internal Medicine and be capable of obtaining an academic affiliate faculty appointment.
Salary and Benefits
Physicians at the VA are rewarded with competitive compensation and a comprehensive total rewards package, including:
- Salary Range: $220,000 to $315,000 per annum.
- Time Off: Over 50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal holiday time.
- Stability: Federal retirement programs, including pension and thrift savings.
Serving as a Nocturnist at the Cincinnati VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and a service to our nation’s heroes. If you are an experienced physician looking for a role that combines clinical practice, teaching, and a stable work-life balance, we encourage you to apply.
Why This Physician (Nocturnist) Job Matters
Advance your medical career with the Cincinnati VA as a Nocturnist, where clinical excellence meets a commitment to serving those who served our nation.
Physician (Nocturnist) Job Overview
The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Physician (Nocturnist) to join our Hospital Medicine team. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive overnight clinical care, supervise residents and medical students, and participate in an academic environment focused on the Whole Health System of care. This position offers a unique balance of direct patient management, bedside teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration across our two-division campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Requirements for Physician (Nocturnist)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only per strict VA policy)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
- Completed residency training in an ACGME or AOA accredited program
- Board eligibility or board certification in Internal Medicine
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Nocturnist)
- Experience in an academic medical center or teaching hospital
- Proven proficiency in acute bedside procedures including intubation, central lines, and thoracentesis
- Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive base salary with annual performance bonus potential
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan with employer matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
- ✓Professional development opportunities and potential CME reimbursement
💡 How to Apply Physician (Nocturnist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Nocturnist) Job
- Prepare your CV and ensure you use the official VA clinical resume format provided in the announcement.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including proof of medical licensure and education.
- Submit your application before the monthly cut-off date to ensure timely referral.
💡 General Tips
- Submit your application early to be included in the initial August 1st referral cycle.
- Use the specific VA clinical resume template to avoid administrative processing delays.
- Clearly highlight your residency training and board certification status in your documentation.
- Monitor your email for status notifications from the USA Staffing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to non-citizens?
While U.S. citizens are preferred, non-citizens may be appointed under specific circumstances when qualified citizens are not available.
What is the schedule for this Nocturnist role?
The schedule is variable and includes night shifts, swing admitting shifts, as well as some weekends and holidays.
Will I be involved in teaching?
Yes, this role involves significant bedside teaching and education for internal medicine residents and medical students.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring America's Veterans by providing world-class health care. At the Cincinnati VAMC, we utilize a Whole Health System model, which focuses on personalized care plans that connect Veterans to their communities and support their long-term well-being. Our facility serves a vast region encompassing 15 counties, ensuring that our clinicians have a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation.