Experience

• Previous professional experience in cardiothoracic surgery with an emphasis in vein harvesting is strongly preferred 

Licensure

• Must hold or obtain a valid Physician Assistant license in Kentucky. 

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) are required

Responsibilities

• Assist with various cardiac procedures, including emergency procedures, demonstrating versatility and competency. 
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other team members, with respect to the requirements of a particular surgical procedure. Under physician supervision, the PA will be expected to drape the patient within the surgeon’s guidelines. 
• Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and applications of appropriate surgical instruments, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon. Demonstrate knowledge of aseptic technique in relation to the procedure. 
• Assist in retracting tissues per the surgeon’s directive and use electrocautery, clamps, ligation, and be comfortable with the cutting of tissue. Help with placement of drains and drainage sutures. Closure of all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous, skin ) as per the surgeon’s directive. 
• Procurement/harvest of the saphenous vein and/or radial artery by endoscopic and open methods. Prepare a vein or artery as a conduit with clips, ties, and/or sutures. 
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs, anesthesia levels, and physiological responses throughout the procedure. 

• Communicate with surgeons and referring providers about care rendered and/or management plans. Management of post-operative cardiac surgery patients in the post-op clinic. Coordinate patient and family education while facilitating seamless discharge planning to ensure a safe transition of care.
• Write, update, and manage daily surgical progress notes for CVICU and step-down patients in collaboration with attending physicians, ensuring comprehensive documentation of physicals, interval histories, and care plans.
• Oversee prescriptions written for medication, blood tests, routine diagnostic and follow-up studies and therapeutic measures.
• Collaborate with physicians in patient assessments, identifying deviations and treatment plans for health problems and continued follow up. Request consultations from physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate and quality patient care.
• Knowledge of CPR or open cardiac massage and other such procedures as requested.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. Comply with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times. Obtain necessary CEUs to maintain all certification(s).
• Submit timely and accurate billing for services rendered.