Critical Care Unit (CCU) Physician - Hickory, North Carolina

Job Description
Provide high-acuity pulmonary critical care in a busy hospital’s CCU, delivering 12-hour in-house coverage with rapid response to emergent situations. You will manage complex respiratory failures, perform a full spectrum of pulmonary procedures, and document patient contact hours for accurate call-back tracking. The position offers a weekday-only schedule with lodging and travel assistance for non-local clinicians.

Key Details
- Assignment Type: Locum Tenens
- Setting: Hospital – Critical Care Unit
- Start Date: ASAP
- Schedule: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, 12-hour shifts, daily in-house call (response within 25 minutes)
- Patient Population: Adult
- Location: Hickory, NC (nearest airport: Charlotte Airport)
- Stipends: Housing and travel options can be discussed for non-local candidates

Benefits
- Weekly direct deposit
- Malpractice insurance with tail coverage
- Supportive credentialing assistance
- Lodging and mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
- Flexible scheduling (optional if applicable)

Job Responsibilities
- Deliver direct patient care in the pulmonary critical care unit, managing cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, sepsis, and metabolic disorders.
- Perform and interpret pulmonary function tests, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, chest tube placement, pleurodesis, central and arterial line insertions, thoracentesis, and comprehensive bronchoscopy (diagnostic and therapeutic).
- Respond to in-house calls within 25 minutes and document all patient contact and call-back hours according to facility policies.
- Complete consults, medical record reviews, and telephone communications while ensuring accurate EMR documentation.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for pre- and post-operative care of general, vascular, orthopedic, neuro, and cardiothoracic patients when needed.

Qualifications
- Active North Carolina medical license and DEA registration.
- Board-eligible in Internal Medicine or Pulmonary Medicine; Fellowship in Pulmonary Critical Care preferred (1 year).
- BLS and ACLS certifications (required).
- No mandatory board certification; board-eligible status acceptable.
- Ability to complete credentialing within 30-90 days.

Working Hours
- 12-hour shifts, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Daily in-house call with required documentation of patient contact and overtime hours.

Skills
- Proficiency in mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive) and airway management.
- Competence in pulmonary procedures: bronchoscopy, pulmonary function testing, chest tube insertion, pleurodesis, central/arterial line placement, thoracentesis, and pleural biopsy.
- Strong clinical assessment, rapid decision-making, and emergency response capabilities.
- Effective EMR documentation and time-sheet accuracy.
- Excellent communication and teamwork in a high-stress critical care environment.