We are seeking a highly skilled vascular/cardiothoracic surgery advanced practice provider (APP) to join our dynamic North Central Heart Clinic team. As an Advanced Practice Provider, you will play a pivotal role in providing independent comprehensive care and clinical expertise to patients who are hospitalized at Avera Mckennan Hospital and are in need of Vascular or cardiothoracic surgery consultation/referrals. You will work closely with the vascular physicians and cardiothoracic surgeons to collaborate to help triage urgent consult needs and improve collaboration and responsiveness with the hospitalists and other referring physicians.

 

Responsibilities:

- Provide direct patient care at Avera Mckennan Hospital, working closely with the vascular and cardiothoracic surgery teams to provide comprehensive care to patients referred by Avera Mckenann hospitalists and subspecialists, including but not limited to preoperative care,  intraoperative assist if needed, referral management, and postoperative care. The APP will perform clinical evaluations, manage patient care in the ICU and step-down units, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality care delivery.

 

- Conduct thorough patient assessments, including reviewing medical history, performing physical examinations, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as CTs, Vascular studies, Labs, and all other testing needed to evaluate our surgical patients.

- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient’s conditions, needs, and preferences, incorporating evidence-based guidelines.

- Prescribe medications, provide patient education on the risks of surgery, complete acute evaluation notes in the chart and facilitate discharge instructions and discharge summaries for smooth care transitions to the outpatient clinic.

- Administer various cardiac procedures and treatments, including pulling chest tubes, assisting the physician in any bedside debridement or additional needs

- Collaborate with our physicians and the referring physicians to coordinate patient care, ensuring seamless transitions between outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as effective communication and continuity of care.

- Participate in shared on-call duties, responding to urgent or emergent surgical needs and providing appropriate triage and interventions.

- Document patient encounters, assessments, treatments, and interventions accurately and timely in the electronic health record (EHR), ensuring compliance with regulatory and organizational guidelines.

- Engage in professional development activities, staying abreast of current vascular and CT surgical research, emerging trends, and evidence-based practices.

 

Requirements:

- Current unrestricted Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant license in South Dakota.

- Master's degree or doctorate in Nursing with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner or Master’s degree as a Physician Assistant.

- Certification as a Nurse Practitioner in Adult-Gerontology or Family Practice.

- Minimum 2 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in acute vascular/ CT surgical care.

- Solid knowledge and clinical expertise, including diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, and current guidelines.

- Proficiency in interpreting vascular and CT diagnostic tests, such as evaluating vascular studies, chest tube output and air leak, and EKGs.

- Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills, with the ability to make informed decisions and develop appropriate treatment plans.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, demonstrating flexibility and a positive attitude.

- Competence in using electronic health records (EHR) and other clinical software applications.

- Commitment to providing patient-centered care with a focus on empathy, compassion, and shared decision-making.

- Dedication to continuous professional development and a willingness to expand knowledge through ongoing learning opportunities.

If you are a dedicated and experienced Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant seeking a challenging and rewarding role as an inpatient Vascular and CT surgery APP, we encourage you to apply for the advanced practice provider position.  Join our team and contribute to providing exceptional Vascular and cardiothoracic surgery care to our patients at our Avera Mckennan campus.