Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider | Avera Heart Hospital
About The Position
At Avera Heart Hospital, you’re not just joining a workplace – you’re becoming part of a family. With more than 700 dedicated employee, we deliver care that truly makes a difference. Our commitment to excellence has earned us the distinction of being one of only a handful of hospitals nationwide – out of more than 4,000 – to achieve a double 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Position Summary: The Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider (APP) functions as both a skilled surgical first assistant to the vascular surgery team and an independent/collaborative clinician in the outpatient vascular clinic. This dual-role position requires advanced clinical judgment, technical proficiency in the operating room, and strong diagnostic and management skills in the clinic setting. The Vascular First Assist APP plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical and ambulatory care while supporting optimal patient outcomes across the continuum of care.
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program or Nurse Practitioner programs (MSN/DNP).
- Current, unrestricted PA license (state) with NCCPA certification or NP license (state) with national board certification (AANP/ANCC as applicable).
- Current DEA license for prescribing.
- BLS required; ACLS required or obtained within a defined onboarding period.
- Minimum 1-2 years clinical experience as an APP in an inpatient and/or procedural setting or strong surgical rotation background with readiness to function in perioperative workflows.
Nice To Haves
- Prior APP experience in Vascular Surgery preferred.
- Prior first assist experience with vein harvest/endovascular preferred.
Responsibilities
- Act as first assistant in vascular surgical procedures, including open and endovascular cases.
- Provide expert tissue handling, exposure, retraction, hemostasis, and suturing under surgeon direction.
- Assist with vessel exposure, anastomosis preparation, and graft placement
- Participate in wound closure, dressing application, and intraoperative decision-making as appropriate.
- Maintain sterile technique and anticipate surgical needs throughout the procedure.
- Assist with intraoperative troubleshooting and complication management in collaboration with the surgeon.
- Independently or collaboratively evaluate new and established vascular patients.
- Perform focused history and physical examinations related to vascular disease.
- Order, interpret, and act on appropriate diagnostic testing (e.g., duplex ultrasound, ABI, CTA, labs) in collaboration with supervising physicians.
- Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans for conditions including: - Peripheral arterial disease - Carotid disease - Venous insufficiency and varicose veins - Wound care related to vascular disease - Postoperative follow-up care
- Provide preoperative evaluations and surgical clearance coordination
- Conduct postoperative clinic visits including: -Wound assessment and management -Suture/staple removal when appropriate -Complication recognition and triage -Medication management and patient education
- Counsel patients on: - Risk factor modification (smoking cessation, exercise, medication adherence). - Surgical vs. non-surgical treatment options. - Expectations for recovery and long-term vascular health.
- Collaborate closely with vascular surgeons, vascular sonographers, and nursing staff.
- Document thoroughly and accurately in the electronic medical record.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
