Cardiac Surgery First Assist PA/NP

General Summary of Position
Works as first or second assistant during open heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. This provider will assist with the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the cardiac surgical patient within the operating room. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews and interprets, as appropriate, the patient chart, medical history, and clinical imaging as it for preoperative planning
• Recognizes abnormalities of electrocardiogram in the OR and ICU settings and takes appropriate action to assist in the correction and stabilization of the arrhythmias and hemodynamic parameters of the patient.
• Primary role is to assist in the cardiac surgery operating room. Roles include but are not limited to:
• • Opening the sternum utilizing mid-line sternotomy technique.
  • Preparing the patient for arterial and venous cannulation.
  • First assisting cardiac surgeon in cases including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement (open and robotic approach), aortic arch repair, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplant.
  • Assist in percutaneous insertion of devices.
  • Harvesting and preparing conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting, including internal mammary artery, greater saphenous vein, and radial artery.
  • Place epicardial pacing wires and mediastinal/pleural drains.
  • Closing the mid-line sternotomy.
  • Teaching/mentoring less experienced staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from Accredited program  (PA or ACNP)
• RN First Assistant program required for nurse practitioners

Experience

• 5 years' experience cardiac surgery care preferred 
• Minimum of two years' operating room experience

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner + RN First Assist in the District of Columbia required