About the Job The incumbent of this role works as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. The primary focus of this position is the cardiac surgery operating room. The PA/APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and experienced APPs while developing skills in first assisting, conduit harvesting, surgical exposure, and perioperative care.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Reviews relevant patient history, diagnostic studies, and imaging in preparation for surgery.
- Participates in a structured orientation and competency-development program.
- Assists in the cardiac surgery operating room. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting cardiac surgeons during open and/or minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures.
- Serving as a first or second assistant based on experience and demonstrated competency.
- Participating in procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and other cardiac surgical procedures.
- Developing skills in endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting.
- Working collaboratively with surgeons, APPs, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, and other members of the cardiac surgery team.
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Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program.
- RN First Assistant (RNFA) program required for Nurse Practitioners.
Experience
- Previous operating room, cardiac surgery, cardiovascular, or related clinical experience preferred but not required.
Licenses and Certifications
- Physician Assistant: Current or eligible for Physician Assistant licensure in the District of Columbia.
- Nurse Practitioner: Current or eligible for Nurse Practitioner licensure in the District of Columbia and completion of an RN First Assistant program.
Compensation
Total compensation for this position is a combination of base salary, a first-assist adjuster, and an off-shift adjuster.
This position has a hiring range of USD $115,000.00 - USD $190,000.00 /Yr.
