Thoracic Advanced Practice Provider (APP) (NP/PA)

Job Summary:

The candidate will be expected to provide independent clinical services for patients seen on the cardiothoracic surgery service. There will be involvement in the complete spectrum of care from initial patient contact through discharge. Specific duties of the position will include inpatient responsibilities such as rounding, writing orders, discharge planning and execution, and participating in the care provided to cardiothoracic surgery patients while they are in the hospital. Outpatient duties include patient assessment, patient education, care coordination, and disease management. Close collaboration with the cardiothoracic surgeons, hospital, and clinic staff will be necessary. The candidate may be asked to work some weekends as patient volume and acuity dictate. The candidate will also be expected to participate in the development of protocols for the care of cardiothoracic surgery patients. The candidate may also be asked to participate in marketing and networking opportunities with referring providers. Eligibility for prescriptive authority is required.

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 patients who are candidates for cardiothoracic surgery. This includes obtaining a thorough history and performing an appropriate physical examination and ordering appropriate testing with particular attention to cardiothoracic related co-morbidities and post-operative complications. Monitoring compliance with diet, exercise, and behavior modifications and providing education about the risks and benefits of the surgical procedures is also expected.
• See and evaluate patients in the hospital, provide documentation, an assessment and care plan for the inpatient stay and discharge care planning.
• Evaluate and manage patients with urgent or emergent complaints in conjunction with the primary surgeon.
• Participate in clinic sponsored educational opportunities.
• Participate in the research activities of the clinic including the identification of patients appropriate for open clinical trials and facilitating their participation in clinical research.
• Perform procedures such as chest tube management and assist in the operating room as needed.
• Triage patient telephone calls and e-mails and provide consultation.
• Provide monitoring and continuity of care for patients between physician visits.
• 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.

Why Join Us:

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine has a faculty position available at the rank of Instructor for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA). Under the direction of the full-time faculty or designee, this position provides inpatient and outpatient medical care services at the University of Colorado Hospital. The cardiothoracic surgery service at the University of Colorado Hospital is a high volume, high acuity service.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

NP Minimum Qualification: Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner. Must be eligible for certification with independent prescriptive authority.

PA Minimum Qualifications: Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant. Must be eligible for certification with independent prescriptive authority.

NP/PA Preferred Qualifications:

Experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Educational and/or work experiences aligned with position requirements. Surgical First Assist Experience. Da Vinci Robotic Surgery training. Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with a diverse professional and patient population.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the professional medical and surgical practice to give and evaluate patient care in the area of cardiothoracic surgery. 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 maintain quality control standards. 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): A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position. Curriculum vitae / Resume. 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: Christian Scott, CHRISTIAN.SCOTT@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by November 1, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range for this position has been established as $106,808 to $145,496.