Location & Practice Overview

Sharp Memorial Hospital is seeking a full-time Lead Nurse Practitioner for its cardiac surgery service in San Diego, California. The position combines advanced nursing practice with clinical team coordination and operational leadership.

Facility Sharp Memorial Hospital
Practice Setting Hospital-based advanced practice
Specialty Cardiac Surgery
Employment Regular full-time position
Location San Diego, California

Responsibilities

  • Assess patients using advanced nursing practice principles and specialty knowledge.
  • Document histories and physical assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop differential diagnoses.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate care plans with input from the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
  • Coordinate patient and family education and assess learning outcomes.
  • Support staff development, mentoring, performance reviews, and required credential records.
  • Monitor productivity, staffing resources, overtime, and supply utilization.
  • Contribute to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and performance improvement activities.

The role includes clinical care, collaboration with physicians and other departments, and operational responsibilities agreed upon with the appropriate manager or supervisor.

Qualifications & Requirements

Applicants must meet the education, California licensure, and basic life support requirements specified by Sharp HealthCare.

Education
Master’s degree in Nursing, or a master’s degree related to healthcare or equivalent experience
RN Licensure
California Registered Nurse license
NP Credential
California Nurse Practitioner certificate
Required Certification
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals
Preferred Experience
Three years of relevant experience
Preferred Registration
DEA Controlled Substance Registration

Compensation & Benefits

The published hourly pay scale has a minimum of $83.97, a midpoint of $108.36, and a maximum of $121.36. Actual compensation depends on experience, qualifications, education, internal equity, market factors, and employer practices.

  • Hourly pay range: $83.97–$121.36.
  • Medical, vision, and dental plan options.
  • Paid time off, holiday and sick leave.
  • Retirement plans, including 401(a) and 403(b) options.
  • Educational opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Wellness resources, employee assistance, and voluntary benefit programs.

Schedule & Work Environment

Employment Type Regular full-time
Shift 10-hour day shift
Hours 6:30 AM–5:00 PM
Workweek 10/40 alternative work schedule
Weekends As needed
On-Call Not required

Patient Population & Clinical Setting

The nurse practitioner provides care to patients within the assigned specialty and scope of advanced nursing practice, working with the healthcare team to support coordinated care.

Patient Care Specialty-based clinical assessment
Care Planning Interdisciplinary care plans
Family Involvement Patient and family education
Care Evaluation Assessment of progress toward clinical goals

Clinical Focus & Key Services

Clinical practice is guided by advanced nursing principles, specialty knowledge, standardized procedures, and current evidence-based recommendations.

Assessment Patient history and physical assessment
Diagnostics Ordering and interpreting appropriate diagnostic tests
Treatment Planning Individualized goals and interdisciplinary care planning
Clinical Evaluation Monitoring outcomes and adjusting the plan of care

Role Highlights

The lead position includes responsibilities beyond direct clinical care, with an emphasis on team effectiveness, resource management, and professional development.

  • Supports daily operational problem-solving with physicians and other departments.
  • Helps develop staff competencies through orientation, mentoring, and education.
  • Monitors a stated productivity target of 98–100%.
  • Contributes to safe practice, cost-effective resource use, and performance improvement.
  • Participates in professional development and evidence-based practice initiatives.

About Sharp Memorial Hospital

Sharp Memorial Hospital is part of Sharp HealthCare, a nonprofit integrated healthcare system serving the San Diego region. Sharp emphasizes patient-centered care, clinical quality, safety, collaboration, and professional development. Its employment programs include health and dental coverage options, retirement plans, paid leave, wellness resources, and educational support.

Organization Sharp HealthCare
Facility Sharp Memorial Hospital
Organization Type Nonprofit healthcare system
Care Priorities Quality, safety, and patient-centered care
Careers Clinical and advanced practice roles

Frequently Asked Questions

What education is required for this position?
A master’s degree in Nursing, or a master’s degree related to healthcare or equivalent experience, is specified in the posting.
Which California credentials are required?
Candidates must hold a California Registered Nurse license, a California Nurse Practitioner certificate, and American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals certification.
How much experience is preferred?
Three years of experience is listed under preferred qualifications, rather than as a stated mandatory minimum.
What is the hourly pay range?
The published range is $83.97–$121.36 per hour, with a midpoint of $108.36. The actual offer depends on factors described by Sharp HealthCare.
What are the usual shift hours?
The listed schedule is a 10-hour day shift from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM under a 10/40 alternative work schedule.
Are weekends or on-call coverage required?
Weekend work may be needed. The employer lists on-call coverage as not required.
Is DEA registration mandatory?
DEA Controlled Substance Registration is listed as preferred, not required.

Lead Nurse Practitioner - Cardiac Surgery in San Diego, CA

Sharp Memorial Hospital is recruiting a full-time Lead Nurse Practitioner for its cardiac surgery service in San Diego, California. The position combines advanced nursing practice with interdisciplinary care planning, diagnostic evaluation, patient education, and clinical outcome monitoring. The lead practitioner also supports staff development, operational problem-solving, productivity management, and safe, cost-effective service delivery. Required qualifications include a master’s degree in Nursing or a related healthcare field, or equivalent experience, a California RN license, a California Nurse Practitioner certificate, and American Heart Association BLS certification. Three years of experience and DEA Controlled Substance Registration are preferred. The posted pay range is $83.97–$121.36 per hour, with 10-hour day shifts.

Career Opportunities for Lead Nurse Practitioners in San Diego

This opportunity may suit a nurse practitioner who wants to combine specialty clinical practice with greater responsibility for team performance and service operations. The role offers exposure to staff mentoring, competency development, performance improvement, resource utilization, and collaboration across clinical departments. Candidates can assess whether their experience aligns with the employer’s preferred three-year background and whether they hold the required California credentials before applying. The published schedule provides defined daytime hours, while weekend work may be needed according to service requirements. Applicants should also consider the leadership component: this position involves supporting workflow, staff development, and productivity goals alongside patient care, rather than focusing exclusively on individual clinical encounters.

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