Nocturnist Physician Assistant – Hospitalist

Baylor University Medical Center – Dallas, TX

Job Summary

The Nocturnist Physician Assistant (PA) – 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 PA 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

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current licensure as a Physician Assistant in the state of Texas
• Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• 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

Note: Benefits may vary based on position type and employment status.