Physician Assistant / Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Cardiac Surgery Advanced Practice Provider - Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center | Marietta, Georgia
About The Position
Wellstar Medical Group is seeking a full-time Advanced Practice Provider (APP) to join the Cardiac Surgery team at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia. This opportunity is for an experienced Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner interested in practicing within a busy cardiovascular surgery program. The APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and a multidisciplinary cardiovascular team to provide comprehensive perioperative care for patients undergoing complex cardiac surgical procedures. The role is focused exclusively on cardiac surgery, including open-heart procedures, with responsibilities in the operating room, postoperative ICU care, and inpatient management. It does not include lung surgery or heart transplant. The program performs approximately 1,300 CVOR cases annually and provides exposure to coronary artery bypass procedures, aortic valve procedures, LVAD patients, and Impella mechanical circulatory support. The APP team supporting cardiac surgery includes approximately seven inpatient PAs and two outpatient APPs. The full-time inpatient schedule consists of three 12-hour shifts per week and participation in approximately a 1:7 call rotation. Call shifts are approximately 24 hours; weekend call typically includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday coverage. Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has a nationally recognized cardiovascular program, including Comprehensive Cardiac Center Certification and Society of Thoracic Surgeons three-star ratings in five categories. The role offers hands-on operating room experience, procedural work, critical care, and management of complex postoperative patients in a multidisciplinary environment.
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program.
- Current or eligible Georgia PA or APRN licensure.
- Appropriate national board certification.
- Strong clinical judgment and ability to function effectively in high-acuity situations.
- Excellent communication and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.
Nice To Haves
- Physician Assistant preferred; Acute Care Nurse Practitioner candidates will also be considered.
- Previous cardiac surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiovascular, or critical care experience strongly preferred.
- Endoscopic Vein Harvesting (EVH) experience preferred; 2+ years noted.
- Experience supporting CABG/cardiac bypass procedures preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct clinical care to cardiac surgery patients.
- Assist in the operating room during cardiac surgical procedures.
- Perform endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH), based on training, competency, and credentialing.
- Participate in the care of coronary artery bypass and other open-heart surgery patients.
- Manage postoperative cardiac surgery patients in the ICU and inpatient setting.
- Perform comprehensive assessments, daily rounds, and develop treatment plans.
- Review and interpret laboratory, imaging, and diagnostic results.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in postoperative patient condition.
- Collaborate with cardiac surgeons, intensivists, cardiologists, nursing, and other members of the cardiovascular care team.
- Coordinate patient care throughout hospitalization and assist with transitions of care.
- Provide education to patients and families throughout the surgical and recovery process.
- Participate in quality, safety, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Perform additional procedures and responsibilities within APP scope of practice and hospital credentialing.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
