Nurse Practitioner First Assist or Physician Assistant - Cardiovascular Surgery

We’ve made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed – our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. Every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This position works in a collaborative model with residents, fellows, attendings, and staff who care for perioperative, hospital, and outpatient clinic patients. The role reports to the Medical Director or an approved staff physician and partners with staff nurses in planning, implementing, and evaluating medical and nursing care. Responsibilities include primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization, preceptorship of Advanced Practice Provider students, staff development and education, patient education, and discharge planning.

• Master’s degree in Nursing (for a Nurse Practitioner)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduation from an approved Physician Assistant training program (for a Physician Assistant)

• No required prior experience.
• Preferred: 3 years of related working experience.

• Nurse Practitioner:
  • Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice.
  • Certification in a related specialty through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
  • RN First Assist (RNFA) certification through an accredited program.
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
  • Eligible for prescriptive authority as outlined by the State Board of Nursing/Medical Examiners.
• Physician Assistant:
  • Current license as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice.
  • NCCPA certification.
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
  • Eligible for prescriptive authority as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web‑based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Analytical skills with the ability to use a logical process to formulate practical solutions.
• Excellent judgement, decision‑making and time‑management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally with people from all backgrounds.
• Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at the department and system level.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including 24/7, weekend, holiday, and on‑call duties.

• Utilize the approved medical practices process to deliver patient care.
• Provide care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to patient ages.
• Maintain an attitude of inquiry toward medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
• Provide education to patient families, staff, other health professionals, and the community.
• Adapt behavior and communication style to meet specific patient population needs and privacy requirements.
• Track panel size, productivity, and annual clinical outcome metrics as outlined by the practice group.
• Provide on‑call responsibilities, including up to five additional shifts per month, and meet facility call requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Medium work:
  May require lifting or moving objects weighing 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, or lesser amounts constantly, as part of normal duties.
• Work may involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, hazardous medications, and hazardous waste.

This employer maintains compliance with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct. This is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.