ICU – Advanced Practice Provider; APP​/PA​/NP​/Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Job Summary

Candidate provides comprehensive critical care management to postoperative cardiothoracic surgical patients, including those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, heart and lung transplants, and mechanical circulatory support. Duties include rounding, writing orders, managing MCS, performing procedures, discharge planning, and participating in care provided to cardiothoracic surgery patients while in the ICU. Close collaboration with attending physicians, residents, nurses, and allied health professionals is required.

The APP will be integral to ensuring the highest standards of patient care, safety, and outcomes in a high‑acuity, fast‑paced environment. This is an overnight shift position with some weekend work. Candidate will also participate in protocol development and quality improvement for the care of cardiothoracic surgery patients. Eligibility for prescriptive authority is required.

• Evaluate and manage critically ill patients on the cardiothoracic surgery service lines while in the ICU.
• Evaluate and manage patients with urgent or emergent complaints in conjunction with the surgical team and intensivist.
• Perform comprehensive assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and initiate management plans for critically ill postoperative cardiac and thoracic patients.
• Independently manage ventilators, vasoactive medications, ECMO, and temporary mechanical circulatory devices under the supervision of CT ICU intensivists or cardiothoracic surgeons.
• Perform procedures including central line placement, arterial line insertion, chest tube management, IABP management, bronchoscopy, and other credentialed procedures.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and actively contribute to care planning and coordination.
• Monitor patients’ progress, interpret lab and imaging results, and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Document all assessments, procedures, and care plans accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams regarding care goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
• Participate in research activities, including identifying patients appropriate for open clinical trials and facilitating their participation.
• Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested.
• Maintain competency and enhance professional growth through continuing education, conferences, and seminars.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; assist in maintaining compliance with JCAHO accreditation and other regulatory standards.
• Support and uphold established organizational policies related to quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Participate in the application process and development of a Center of Excellence designation as required.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Demonstrate collaboration, excellent communication, and teamwork across disciplines.

Onsite – the role is expected to be on site in Aurora, CO.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
• Must be eligible for certification with independent prescriptive authority.

• Experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery.
• Prior APP experience in a CT ICU setting.
• Four years of work experience aligned with position requirements.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with a diverse patient population.
• Ability to maintain quality control standards.
• Knowledge of the professional medical and surgical practice to give and evaluate patient care in cardiothoracic surgery.

• Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care.
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of medicine and surgery to provide ongoing patient care.
• Skill…