Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant (NP/PA)
Position Summary
The Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant provides comprehensive clinical care to patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. Working collaboratively with cardiac surgeons and the multidisciplinary care team, this role supports patients throughout the perioperative continuum, including preoperative evaluation, postoperative management, and ongoing inpatient care, with a focus on patient safety, quality outcomes, and continuity of care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide preoperative evaluation and optimization for patients undergoing cardiac surgery
- Manage postoperative cardiac surgery patients in the ICU and step-down units
- Perform daily assessments, write orders, and develop care plans in collaboration with cardiac surgeons
- Monitor hemodynamics and manage postoperative issues including arrhythmias, fluid balance, and pain control
- Manage invasive devices such as central lines, arterial lines, chest tubes, pacing wires, and surgical drains
- Assist in the operating room as appropriate, including first-assist duties or endoscopic vein harvesting, consistent with training and privileges
- Identify, evaluate, and manage postoperative complications
- Coordinate care transitions including discharge planning and outpatient follow-up
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, nursing staff, and consulting services
- Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in the electronic medical record
- Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and outcomes initiatives
- Comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
- Current NP or PA certification and state licensure
- Eligibility for hospital credentialing and privileging
- DEA registration or eligibility
- Prior experience or specialized training in cardiac surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, or critical care preferred
Skills and Competencies
- Strong clinical assessment and critical care skills
- Knowledge of cardiac surgical procedures and postoperative management
- Ability to manage complex, high-acuity patients
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
- Ability to function effectively in fast-paced, high-stress environments
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care
Work Environment
- Cardiac operating rooms, cardiovascular intensive care units, step-down units, and inpatient hospital settings
- Schedule may include shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage depending on program needs
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Manual dexterity for procedural and bedside clinical tasks
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient monitoring and assessment