"ICU – Night NP/PA Open Rank-Instructor, Sr. Instructor"

Job Summary:

The candidate will provide 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. Specific duties of the position will include inpatient responsibilities such as rounding, writing orders, managing MCS, performing procedures, discharge planning, and participating in the 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 a night shift position, and the candidate will be required to work some weekends. The candidate will also be expected to participate in the development of protocols and quality improvement for the care of cardiothoracic surgery patients. Eligibility for prescriptive authority is required.

Typical Physical Demands: The NP/PA position requires the ability to handle and lift patients and operate required equipment. The position may also require a stationary position or movement for extended periods as required during the provision of services. This position requires frequent communication and must be able to exchange accurate information. The NP/PA may also be exposed to communicable diseases and bodily fluids, and it is expected that the candidate will be appropriately knowledgeable regarding universal safety precautions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and manage critically ill patients on the cardiothoracic surgery services lines while in the ICU. This includes a detailed history, physical and a full chart review represented with appropriate documentation detailing an assessment and care plan daily or as needed with change in clinical status.
• 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 CTICU intensivists or cardiothoracic surgeons.
• Perform procedures including central line placement, arterial line insertion, chest tube management, IABP management, bronchoscopy and more (as credentialed).
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and actively contribute to care planning and coordination.
• Monitor patients' progress, interpret lab/imaging results, and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Document all assessments, procedures, and care plans accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams regarding care goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
• Participate in research activities including the identification of patients appropriate for open clinical trials and facilitating their participation in clinical research.
• Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested.
• Maintain competency and enhance professional growth and development through continuing education, conferences, and seminars. Attend mandatory training.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; assist in maintaining compliance with JCAHO accreditation and other internal and external regulatory standards.
• Support and uphold established organizational policies, procedures, objectives 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.

Why Join Us:

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the CU School of Medicine has a faculty position available for a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) at the rank of Instructor. The cardiothoracic surgery service at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) is a high volume, high acuity service providing tertiary level care across the entire spectrum of cardiothoracic surgery. Under the direction of the full-time faculty, this position provides critical care services to cardiothoracic surgery patients housed in the CT ICU.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Instructor, or Senior Instructor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Instructor:

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

Sr. Instructor:

• Experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Prior APP experience in a CT ICU setting
• 4 years work experience aligned with position requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively 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 the area of cardiothoracic surgery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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 on-going patient care.
• Skill in taking medical history, assessing medical condition and interpreting findings.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence.
• Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients and their family members, medical staff, residents, fellows, medical students, and the public.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly as an integral member of a team.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Stephanie Schneider, Stephanie.Schneider@cuanschutz.edu

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range for this position has been established as:

Instructor: $112,362 to $144,622

Sr. Instructor: $130,087 to $160,023