Summary

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery is seeking a qualified Advanced Practice Provider to provide high quality surgical first assist skills for two specialties, cardiothoracic and surgical oncology, at the St. Luke's Health in the Woodlands. Candidate will be expected to provide clinical excellence and work well with an established team. The provider will have direct patient care responsibilities. The selected candidate will be appointed as a faculty Instructor and be eligible for full faculty benefits.

Job Duties

Primary responsibilities include First Assisting for Cardiothoracic surgery patients. Secondary responsibilities include daily rounding and management of ICU and floor patients. First assist experience required.

• Serve as a First Assist for Cardiac, Vascular, Thoracic and Surgical Oncology surgeries
• Perform endoscopic saphenous vein harvest
• Help transport patients to and from the operating room
• Give appropriate sign out to the ICU or hospitalist teams depending on patient acuity
• Place postoperative orders
• Evaluate and develop treatment plan inpatient consults for Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic pathologies
• Obtain detailed history and perform physical examinations
• Formulate assessments and plans and evaluate the patient response to care
• Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic procedures, including, but not limited to x-rays, electrocardiograms, laboratory tests, and CT imaging
• Removal of chest tubes as indicated
• Placement of central lines, arterial lines and chest tubes as indicated
• Prescribe appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments
• Instruct patients on prescribed therapeutic regimens, home care and health maintenance
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation in the EPIC electronic medical record system
• Collaborate closely with ICU physicians and nurses to manage critically ill patients following surgery
• Evaluate and develop treatment plan for post-operative surgical patients in outpatient setting
• Provide guidance and work directly with clinical support staff including nurses, medical assistants, and clinic coordinators
• Communicate with physicians, patients, and family members of patients concerning patient care
• Promote a positive work environment with a team-based approach through supportive and respectful interactions with peers, staff, learners, and faculty
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education Required:

• Physician Assistant Candidates: Master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies accepted based on terminal degree requirements at time of graduation.
• Nurse Practitioner Candidates: Master’s degree in nursing.

Certification/Licenses/Registration:

• Physician Assistant Candidates: Current license as a Physician Assistant by the State of Texas Physician Assistant Board.
• Nurse Practitioner Candidates: Current license as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the State of Texas Board of Nursing. Current Texas Licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN-NP).

Experience Required: Minimum 2 years experience as first assist.

Specialty certification as required by department.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.