Physician Assistant​/Surgery - Thoracic Locum Tenens​/Cardiac Chief OR ACNP​/PA D.C.

Chief Advanced Practice Provider (APP) ? Cardiac Surgery First Assist
Med Star Washington Hospital Center
General Summary of Position

The Chief Advanced Practice Provider (APP) will work as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. This provider will assist with the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of cardiac surgery patients within the operating room and serve as Chief APP for the Cardiac Surgery First Assist APP and Cardiac Surgical Assistant team.

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Review and interpret patient charts, medical histories, and clinical imaging as part of preoperative planning.

• Recognize and respond appropriately to abnormalities on electrocardiograms in the OR and ICU settings, assisting in the stabilization of arrhythmias and hemodynamic parameters.

• Assist in the cardiac surgery operating room, including but not limited to:

  • Performing midline sternotomy.

  • Preparing patients for arterial and venous cannulation.

  • First-assisting on cases including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement (open and robotic), aortic arch repair, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplantation.

  • Assisting in the percutaneous insertion of devices.

  • Harvesting and preparing conduits for CABG, including internal mammary artery, greater saphenous vein, and radial artery.

  • Placing epicardial pacing wires and mediastinal/pleural drains.

  • Closing the sternum.

  • Teaching and mentoring less experienced staff.

Leadership Responsibilities (Chief APP):

• Supervise and coordinate work activities of APPs within the cardiac surgery service line to ensure efficient, high-quality patient care.

• Oversee clinical, teaching, and research activities within the team.

• Develop, implement, and monitor quality assurance and quality control programs; ensure clinical competencies are met.

• Participate in recruitment, hiring, training, performance management, and?when necessary?disciplinary actions in coordination with the department?s leadership.

• Ensure all APPs maintain appropriate licensure and certification; monitor and implement updates in regulatory requirements.

• Organize onboarding, orientation, and continuing medical education programs for APP staff.

• Stay current with advancements in cardiac surgery and patient care, communicating relevant updates to the team.

• Coordinate preceptorships for students in accredited NP/RNFA or PA programs.

• Facilitate process improvements and organizational changes to align with service line and system goals.

• Maintain an active clinical practice as defined above.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.

• RN First Assistant certification required for Nurse Practitioners.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of cardiac surgery care experience preferred.

• At least 2 years of operating room experience required.

• 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Licenses and

Certifications:

• Current licensure as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (with RNFA certification for NPs) in the District of Columbia required.

If interested, please apply and email your CV to

This position has a hiring range of $166,938 - $188,619