Proficient in endovenous and radial artery harvesting
Strong knowledge of cardiothoracic surgical procedures
BLS and ACLS certification required, with RNFA certification for APRNs.
Responsibilities
Participate in daily surgical service rounds for cardiothoracic patients
Perform preoperative and postoperative evaluations under supervision
First-assist in CT surgeries adhering to protocols
Manage perioperative care, including hemodynamic monitoring
Evaluate consults and develop management plans with teams
Communicate effectively to coordinate complex care
Engage in clinical documentation and discharge planning
Attend conferences and engage in educational initiatives
Contribute to quality improvement projects and research efforts.
Benefits
Opportunity for collaborative and independent practice
Participation in a CT Surgery Fellowship Program
Engagement in educational conferences and surgical case reviews
Access to mentorship in developing surgical knowledge
Involvement in performance improvement and QI initiatives.
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY-Cardiothoracic Surgery OR Surgical APP
The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) provides general and specialty medical services to individuals, families and groups, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention as well as diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases. The APP will have an opportunity for both collaborative and independent practice while practicing within their established scope. All TGH team members are responsible for performing job duties in accordance with the mission, vision and values in accordance with Tampa General Hospital.
Participate in daily surgical service rounds, including assessment, planning, and documentation of cardiothoracic and transplant patients
Perform and document comprehensive preoperative and postoperative evaluations under supervision of the attending surgical team
First-assist in the operating room for cardiothoracic and transplant surgical procedures, adhering to sterile technique and OR protocols
Manage perioperative care, including hemodynamic monitoring, wound care, and procedural follow-up
Evaluate new consults and assist in developing initial management plans in collaboration with surgical and multidisciplinary teams as needed
Communicate effectively with attending surgeons, anesthesia, intensivists, and nursing to coordinate complex patient care
Participate in bedside procedures (e.g., chest tube removal, line placement, wound care)
Engage in clinical documentation, order entry, and discharge planning using the electronic medical record
Attend educational conferences, didactic sessions, and participate in surgical case reviews and morbidity & mortality conferences
Contribute to QI/PI projects, research efforts, or educational initiatives related to cardiothoracic and transplant surgery
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of cardiothoracic surgical anatomy, perioperative physiology, and evidence-based post-operative management
Applies theory-based clinical judgment, infection control standards, and procedural protocols across both inpatient and surgical settings
Comfortable working within fast-paced, multidisciplinary surgical teams
Proficient with EMR systems and standard clinical applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, data capture tools, PACS, etc.)
Strong critical thinking, time management, and organizational skills to adapt in high-pressure environments
Exemplary interpersonal communication and professional etiquette when interacting with patients, families, and colleagues
Committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care with integrity and clinical excellence
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide first-assist support in CT surgeries including heart and lung transplant
Perform endoscopic vein and arterial harvesting for CABG
Participate in perioperative and postoperative patient care
Assist in management of cardiogenic shock patients and mechanical circulatory support devices
Participate in on-call rotations averaging 1 night per week and 1 in 5 weekends (subject to change)
Functions autonomously and collaboratively to assess, diagnose, and manage cardiothoracic surgical patients across the continuum of care
Maintains active supervision protocol and collaborative agreement with designated supervising physician(s) as required by institutional and regulatory policies
Orders, interprets, and responds appropriately to diagnostic studies, laboratory data, and imaging in accordance with evidence-based protocols
Engages in departmental initiatives, including pathway development, surgical protocol optimization, and simulation training
Participates in performance improvement activities, including audits, outcome tracking, and care standardization efforts
Serves as a resource and educator to students, staff, and peers in developing surgical knowledge and procedural competence
Upholds a culture of accountability, clinical excellence, and professional development within the Cardiothoracic Surgery APP team
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Requirements:
Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with RNFA (APRN) program
Current licensure as a PA or APRN in State of FL
National board certification (NCCPA for PAs, Acute care or Adult Gerontology Acute Care for APRNs)
Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience as a certified and licensed APP in CT Surgery first assist role
Proficient in endovein and radial artery harvesting
Strong technical knowledge in cardiothoracic surgical procedures
Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
For APRNs: Active RNFA certification is required
Current BLS and ACLS certification
Preferred Qualifications:
Transplant first assist experience
Effective interpersonal and communication skills in high-pressure, multidisciplinary settings
Willingness to participate in QI/PI initiatives, education, or research projects
Fellowship Opportunity
o Candidates with less than 1 year of experience may apply for our CT Surgery Fellowship Program, which enrolls annually in November. The application deadline is June 6.
About Tampa General Hospital
Tampa General Hospital is a non-profit medical center located in Tampa, Florida. The hospital was founded in 1927 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected hospitals in the state. Tampa General Hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, cancer treatment, and organ transplantation. The hospital is committed to providing high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Tampa General Hospital is also a teaching hospital, and is affiliated with the University of South Florida College of Medicine.
