University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Job Title: Cardiac Surgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP) / (PA/NP) Department of Surgery, Instructor

Position #: 00851498 – Requisition #:40808

Job Summary:

The candidate will be expected to provide independent clinical services for patients seen on the cardiothoracic surgery service.  There will be involvement in the complete spectrum of care from initial patient contact through discharge.  Specific duties of the position will include inpatient responsibilities such as rounding, writing orders, discharge planning and execution, and participating in the care provided to cardiothoracic surgery patients while they are in the hospital.  Outpatient duties include patient assessment, patient education, care coordination, and disease management.  Close collaboration with the cardiothoracic surgeons, hospital, and clinic staff will be necessary.  The candidate may be asked to work some nights and weekends as patient volume and acuity dictate.  The candidate will also be expected to participate in the development of protocols for the care of cardiothoracic surgery patients.  The candidate may also be asked to participate in marketing and networking opportunities with referring providers.  Eligibility for prescriptive authority is required.

Typical Physical Demands: The NP/PA position requires the ability to handle and lift patients and operate required equipment. The position may also require a stationary position or movement for extended periods as required during the provision of services. This position requires frequent communication and must be able to exchange accurate information. The NP/PA may also be exposed to communicable diseases and bodily fluids, and it is expected that the candidate will be appropriately knowledgeable regarding universal safety precautions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and manage patients who are candidates for cardiothoracic surgery.  This includes obtaining a thorough history and performing an appropriate physical examination and ordering appropriate testing with particular attention to cardiothoracic related co-morbidities and post-operative complications.  Monitoring compliance with diet, exercise, and behavior modifications and providing education about the risks and benefits of the surgical procedures is also expected.
• See and evaluate patients in the hospital, provide documentation, an assessment and care plan for the inpatient stay and discharge care planning. 
• Evaluate and manage patients with urgent or emergent complaints in conjunction with the primary surgeon.
• Participate in clinic sponsored educational opportunities.
• Participate in the research activities of the clinic including the identification of patients appropriate for open clinical trials and facilitating their participation in clinical research.
• Triage patient telephone calls and e-mails and provide consultation.
• Provide monitoring and continuity of care for patients between physician visits.
• Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested.
• Maintain competency and enhance professional growth and development through continuing education, conferences, and seminars.  Attend mandatory training.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; assist in maintaining compliance with JCAHO accreditation and other internal and external reg