Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider | Heart Hospital

Location

Sioux Falls, SD

Regular

Primarily days with night, weekend and holiday on-call involvement (United States of America)

The Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider (APP) functions as both a skilled surgical first assistant to the vascular surgery team and an independent/collaborative clinician in the outpatient vascular clinic. This dual‑role position requires advanced clinical judgment, technical proficiency in the operating room, and strong diagnostic and management skills in the clinic setting. The Vascular First Assist APP plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality surgical and ambulatory care while supporting optimal patient outcomes across the continuum of care.

• Act as first assistant in vascular surgical procedures, including open and endovascular cases.
• Provide expert tissue handling, exposure, retraction, hemostasis, and suturing under surgeon direction.
• Assist with vessel exposure, anastomosis preparation, and graft placement.
• Participate in wound closure, dressing application, and intraoperative decision‑making as appropriate.
• Maintain sterile technique and anticipate surgical needs throughout the procedure.
• Assist with intraoperative troubleshooting and complication management in collaboration with the surgeon.

• Independently or collaboratively evaluate new and established vascular patients.
• Perform focused history and physical examinations related to vascular disease.
• Order, interpret, and act on appropriate diagnostic testing (e.g., duplex ultrasound, ABI, CTA, labs) in collaboration with supervising physicians.
• Develop and implement evidence‑based treatment plans for conditions including:
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Carotid disease
  • Venous insufficiency and varicose veins
  • Wound care related to vascular disease
  • Post‑operative follow‑up care
• Provide pre‑operative evaluations and surgical clearance coordination.
• Conduct postoperative clinic visits for:
  • Wound assessment and management
  • Suture/staple removal when appropriate
  • Complication recognition and triage
  • Medication management and patient education
• Counsel patients on:
  • Risk factor modification (smoking cessation, exercise, medication adherence).
  • Surgical vs. non‑surgical treatment options.
  • Expectations for recovery and long‑term vascular health.
  • Collaborate closely with vascular surgeons, vascular sonographers, and nursing staff.
  • Document thoroughly and accurately in the electronic medical record.

Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program or Nurse Practitioner programs (MSN/DNP).

Current, unrestricted PA license (state) with NCCPA certification or NP license (state) with national board certification (AANP/ANCC as applicable).

Current DEA license for prescribing.

BLS required; ACLS required or obtained within a defined onboarding period.

Minimum 1‑2 years clinical experience as an APP in an inpatient and/or procedural setting or strong surgical rotation background with readiness to function in perioperative workflows.

Prior APP experience in Vascular Surgery preferred.

Prior first assist experience with vein harvest/endovascular preferred.

The policy of Avera to provide opportunities for all qualified employees or applicants without regard to disability and to provide reasonable accommodations for all employees or applicants who may be disabled. Avera is committed to ensuring compliance in accordance with the Americans with Disability Act. For assistance, please contact HR Now at 605‑504‑4444.

For TTY, dial 711.

Avera is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Employer:

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.