Job Description
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP) is an integral member of the cardiothoracic surgery team, providing comprehensive care to cardiac and thoracic surgery patients across the continuum of care. This position works collaboratively with cardiothoracic surgeons, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality patient care in the operating room, inpatient units, intensive care units, outpatient clinic, and emergency settings.
The APP will provide care across three affiliated hospitals and participate in a shared call schedule that includes every other weekend call coverage.
Shift & Schedule
Full Time, Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive history and physical examinations.
- Evaluate, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for cardiothoracic surgery patients.
- Round daily on hospitalized patients, including ICU, step-down, and medical/surgical units.
- Perform preoperative evaluations and optimize patients for surgery.
- Manage postoperative patients, including ventilator management, chest tubes, drains, pacing wires, wound care, anticoagulation, pain management, and discharge planning.
- Order, interpret, and communicate laboratory tests, imaging studies, and diagnostic procedures.
- Coordinate inpatient and outpatient care with consulting physicians and ancillary services.
- Respond to urgent patient issues and participate in rapid clinical decision-making.
- Perform bedside procedures within scope of practice and credentialing.
Operating Room Responsibilities
- Function as the primary first assist during cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
- Assist with endoscopic vein harvesting.
- Prepare patients for surgery and assist with intraoperative patient management.
- Ensure appropriate documentation related to surgical procedures.
Outpatient Responsibilities
- Evaluate postoperative and established patients in the clinic.
- Provide patient education regarding procedures, medications, recovery, and lifestyle modifications.
- Coordinate follow-up appointments, referrals, and ongoing treatment plans.
Hospital Coverage
- Provide clinical coverage at three affiliated hospitals as assigned.
- Travel between facilities as needed to provide timely patient care.
- Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure continuity of care across all locations.
Call Responsibilities
- Participate in a shared call schedule, including every other weekend call coverage.
- Respond promptly to emergent consultations and postoperative patient needs.
- Provide inpatient consults and assist with urgent surgical issues as directed by the supervising surgeon.
- Be available for after-hours patient management consistent with department expectations.
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain timely, accurate, and complete medical documentation in the electronic medical record.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and departmental meetings.
- Assist with development and implementation of clinical protocols and best practices.
- Serve as a resource for nursing staff and other healthcare professionals.
- Maintain required certifications, licensure, and continuing medical education.
Qualifications
Education
- Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
Licensure/Certification
- Current Texas PA or APRN license.
- NCCPA certification (PA) or national board certification (ACNP).
- Current DEA registration (or eligibility).
- Current BLS and ACLS certification.
- First Assist certification preferred if applicable.
Experience
- Prior cardiothoracic surgery experience strongly preferred.
- Experience as a first assist in cardiac and thoracic surgery preferred.
- New graduates with significant cardiothoracic surgery clinical rotations may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong clinical decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage critically ill patients in both ICU and inpatient settings.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with physicians and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Flexibility to work in a fast-paced surgical environment and travel between multiple hospital locations.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods during surgical procedures.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull equipment and assist with patient positioning as necessary.
- Ability to respond to emergent situations in various hospital settings.
Schedule
- Full-time position.
- Monday through Friday with operating room, clinic, and inpatient responsibilities.
- Rotating call schedule, including every other weekend.
- Coverage responsibilities at three affiliated hospitals.
- Occasional evening, holiday, and after-hours coverage as required.
