Physician (Nocturnist) Opportunity at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury, NC

Are you a dedicated physician seeking a meaningful career where you can directly impact the lives of those who have served our nation? The W.G. (Bill) Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, is actively searching for a qualified and compassionate Physician to serve as a Nocturnist within its esteemed Hospitalist section. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $220,000 to $315,000 per year, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Embrace a rewarding role providing essential overnight care to veterans in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for the nation's veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services that are patient-centered and evidence-based. The W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center, established in 1953, proudly serves over 287,000 veterans across 21 counties in North Carolina's Central Piedmont Region. The VHA operates under core values of "I CARE" – Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence – striving to be the benchmark of excellence and value in healthcare.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physician (Nocturnist) at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional patient care during overnight hours. Your responsibilities will encompass a range of duties, ensuring the smooth operation of the Hospitalist service and the well-being of inpatients:

• Administrative Duties:

  • Serve as acting Program Manager for the hospitalist service as needed for triaging purposes.
  • Provide guidance and support to physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
  • Participate in assigned medical center committees and teams.
  • Engage in facility programs aimed at enhancing patient care delivery, such as Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams.

• Clinical Duties:

  • Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to adult (18-65) and older adult (65+) inpatients.
  • Facilitate appropriate patient care in collaboration with other health professionals, staff, and management.
  • Serve as a staff attending physician on General Medicine House staff Wards and in the ICU when assigned.
  • Participate in peer review processes as requested.
  • Engage in multidisciplinary activities related to patient treatment and discharge planning.
  • Systematically evaluate patient care programs across all Medicine venues.
  • Integrate patient care activities with other medical center and community programs (e.g., Social Work, Prosthetics, Home Based Health Care, private nursing homes).
  • Demonstrate expertise in diagnosing and treating complex, critically ill patients.
  • Complete all medical record documentation in CPRS promptly, including view alerts and encounter completion.
  • Develop and update patient care plans, serving as a resource for less experienced staff and leading the development of care standards.
  • Involve patients, families, and healthcare providers in setting realistic, measurable goals for health education and treatment.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate care based on age-specific patient requirements.
  • Identify and address acute, non-acute, and chronic health problems.
  • Apply clinical practice guidelines and protocols for patients with complex medical needs.

• Academic Duties (If applicable):

  • Participate in the formal education of residents, fellows, and medical students through teaching rounds, lectures, and conferences.
  • Contribute to grading sessions for trainees assigned to services.
  • Demonstrate and train medical students/residents/fellows in essential medical procedures.
  • Assist in developing and implementing educational programs for rotating trainees.

• Research Duties:

  • Support the medical center's research mission.
  • Assist in conducting studies on treatment modalities, outcomes, and patient care aspects.
  • Encourage staff participation in clinical research.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens are unavailable, in accordance with VA policy.
• Education: A degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) or an equivalent degree from an allopathic or osteopathic medical school is mandatory. The medical school must have been accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for the year the course of study was completed. For foreign medical graduates, verification of eligibility with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is necessary.
• Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia is essential.
• Residency Training: Completion of an accredited residency training program approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, leading to eligibility for board certification, is required. This includes:
  • Residencies accredited by the ACGME or AOA.
  • One year of post-medical school training followed by two years of independent practice under a full license.
  • Non-U.S. residency training followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the U.S. under a full license.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
• Screening: Applicants may be subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use and must be willing to undergo a background/security investigation.
• Identification: Acceptable identification for pre-employment verification is required (note: non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses will not be accepted after May 7, 2025).
• Physical Examination: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Vaccinations: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all VA Health Care Personnel.
• Probationary Period: A probationary period may be required.

Preferred Experience

While not strictly required, candidates possessing the following experience will be viewed more favorably:

• Board eligibility or board certification in Internal Medicine or Family Practice.
• A minimum of five years of dedicated experience as a Nocturnist.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this Physician (Nocturnist) position is highly competitive, with an annual salary range set between $220,000 and $315,000. This range reflects the specialized nature of the role and the critical contributions made by physicians within the VA system. The final salary will be determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, and the formal pay-setting process.

Benefits

The VA offers a robust and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support its employees:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 50-55 days of paid time off annually, comprising 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays. An additional 5-day paid absence for CME may be available.
• Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period, complemented by a federal 401K plan with up to 5% in matching contributions from the VA.
• Insurance: Access a wide array of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance. Many of these plans can be continued into retirement.
• Malpractice Protection: Receive free liability protection with tail coverage provided by the VA.
• Work-Life Balance: The position does not require a physician employment contract and has minimal restrictions on moonlighting activities, allowing for greater flexibility.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): Full-time physicians with board certification may receive a reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for CME expenses.

Application Steps

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please follow these steps:

1. Visit USAJOBS.gov and log in or create an account.
2. Locate the specific job announcement and click 'Apply Online'.
3. Select your USAJOBS resume and any other required supporting documents.
4. Complete the occupational questionnaire thoroughly and accurately.
5. Submit your complete application package by clicking 'Submit My Answers' before the closing date of August 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Note: If you encounter difficulties applying online, please refer to the announcement for alternative submission methods.

Application Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume or CV meticulously details your experience, qualifications, and skills, aligning them with the requirements outlined in the job announcement. Be specific and avoid making assumptions about the hiring manager's knowledge of your background.
• Use the Provided Template: Download and complete the standard Clinical Resume Document as instructed in the announcement. Upload this into the designated 'Resume' field and your comprehensive CV/resume into the 'Other' document field.
• Document Submission: Double-check that all required documents are uploaded and submitted correctly by the deadline to ensure your application is considered.
• Veteran Preference: If you are a veteran claiming preference, ensure you submit all necessary documentation (e.g., DD214, SF-15) accurately and completely.
• Review Carefully: Before final submission, review your entire application for any errors or omissions. Accuracy is crucial for consideration.

This Physician (Nocturnist) position at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center represents an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated medical professional to serve veterans in Salisbury, North Carolina. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to be part of a mission-driven organization, this role offers both professional fulfillment and personal reward. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about providing excellent care, we encourage you to apply and contribute to the health and well-being of our nation's heroes.

Comparison Table: Key Position Details

Feature	Details
Job Title	Physician (Nocturnist)
Location	Salisbury, North Carolina
Salary Range	$220,000 - $315,000 per year
Work Schedule	Full-time, Night Shift (7 PM - 7 AM), 7 days on, 7 days off
Agency	Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Health Administration)
Key Requirements	MD/DO degree, active unrestricted medical license, completed residency, English proficiency
Preferred Experience	Board Eligible/Certified in IM/FP, 5+ years as Nocturnist
Application Deadline	August 21, 2026
Benefits Highlights	Generous PTO, Federal Pension & 401K, Health/Life Insurance, Malpractice Coverage