Advanced Practice Provider (APP) (PA/NP) Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery - Assistant Professor

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The candidate will provide comprehensive critical care management to postoperative cardiothoracic surgical patients, including those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, heart and lung transplants, and mechanical circulatory support. Specific duties of the position will include inpatient responsibilities such as rounding, writing orders, managing MCS, performing procedures, discharge planning, and participating in the care provided to cardiothoracic surgery patients while in the ICU. Close collaboration with attending physicians, residents, nurses, and allied health professionals is required. The APP will be integral to ensuring the highest standards of patient care, safety, and outcomes in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment. This is a night shift position, and the candidate will be required to work some weekends. The candidate will also be expected to participate in the development of protocols and quality improvement for the care of cardiothoracic surgery patients. Eligibility for prescriptive authority is required.

Requirements

Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Must be eligible for certification with independent prescriptive authority.
Doctorate Degree in Health Sciences field
Experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Prior APP experience in a CT ICU setting
20 years work experience aligned with position requirements

Nice To Haves

Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with a diverse patient population
Ability to maintain quality control standards
Knowledge of the professional medical and surgical practice to give and evaluate patient care in the area of cardiothoracic surgery.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and manage critically ill patients on the cardiothoracic surgery services lines while in the ICU. This includes a detailed history, physical and a full chart review represented with appropriate documentation detailing an assessment and care plan daily or as needed with change in clinical status.
Evaluate and manage patients with urgent or emergent complaints in conjunction with the surgical team and intensivist.
Perform comprehensive assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and initiate management plans for critically ill postoperative cardiac and thoracic patients.
Independently manage ventilators, vasoactive medications, ECMO, and temporary mechanical circulatory devices under the supervision of CTICU intensivists or cardiothoracic surgeons.
Perform procedures including central line placement, arterial line insertion, chest tube management, IABP management, bronchoscopy and more (as credentialed).
Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and actively contribute to care planning and coordination.
Monitor patients’ progress, interpret lab/imaging results, and adjust treatments accordingly.
Document all assessments, procedures, and care plans accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams regarding care goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
Participate in research activities including the identification of patients appropriate for open clinical trials and facilitating their participation in clinical research.
Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested.
Maintain competency and enhance professional growth and development through continuing education, conferences, and seminars. Attend mandatory training.
Participate in quality improvement activities; assist in maintaining compliance with JCAHO accreditation and other internal and external regulatory standards.
Support and uphold established organizational policies, procedures, objectives related to quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control.
Participate in the application process and development of a Center of Excellence designation as required.
Maintain patient confidentiality
Demonstrate collaboration, excellent communication, and teamwork across disciplines.