PA - Cardiovascular Surgery

Experienced CTS PA – CHRISTUS Ochsner Health, Lake Charles, LA

Salary Range: Commensurate with years of experience

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Christus Ochsner Health in Southwest Louisiana, located at St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles, is actively seeking an Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) to join our dedicated team. This represents an excellent opportunity to collaborate with two other NPs and Ochsner Health's highly skilled board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons, who utilize state-of-the-art technology and innovative approaches for patients diagnosed with heart, lung, and foregut/esophageal diseases. The John & Sylvia Stelly Regional Heart Center at CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick features a new Hybrid OR suite and conducts TAVR procedures. Additionally, we perform Robotic Da Vinci thoracic surgery along with minimally invasive cardiac surgeries.

Christus Ochsner Health in SWLA:

The region boasts a comprehensive and expanding cardiology, electrophysiology, and structural heart program, all housed within the ACC-designated Heart Center. Our cardiac surgery program has the longest-standing history in the area.

Post-operative care is enhanced by Impella support, UF/Aquadex technology, and advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems, including Hemosphere, Flo Trac, and ClearSight.

Throughout the year, numerous opportunities for research, teaching, and community engagement are available.

Additionally, the program features a robust multidisciplinary thoracic oncology initiative and a growing thoracic robotic surgery program. This is supported by the Christus Ochsner Foundation and Board, a faith-based, not-for-profit organization.

Enjoy a balanced professional and personal lifestyle:

• Paid CME
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Malpractice Insurance
• Matched 401K
• EPIC EMR
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Responsibilities:

Assisting in surgery, endo vein harvesting, in-patient rounding, and outpatient clinic.

Shared call 1 in 3 calls

Rotating shifts, 24/7 service coverage with night shifts and weekends.

Surgical Assist in cardiovascular and thoracic cases

Outpatient Ambulatory Visits & Hospital Rounding

Assess new consults in the clinic and hospital admissions

Assist with vein harvesting, CABG and valve surgeries

ICU and Telemetry experience is preferred

Perform comprehensive history and physical exams

Diagnose and treat conditions, providing follow-up care as needed

Assist in surgeries, including first and second assisting

Manage inpatient care, preoperative, and postoperative evaluations

Perform invasive procedures (will train), including:

Central vascular access

Swan-Ganz insertion

Chest tube insertion

Endoscopic vessel harvesting

Must be able to interact positively with all members of a multidisciplinary care team, patients and their families and possess the emotional intelligence to work collaboratively in a fast paced, high-acuity environment where quality and caring come first.

Requirements:

Current BLS and ACLS certifications

Must have an active Louisiana PA license or be eligible to be licensed

Physician Assistant Board Certification 

Cardiac Surgical Experience (Minimum 5 years) Hospital & Ambulatory experience is required 

Experience with robotic surgery is a plus, but we will train if not experienced with robotic surgery

Recruiter:

Richelle Howell

richelle.howell@christushealth.org