University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Job Title: Cardiac Surgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP) / (PA/NP) Department of Surgery, Instructor



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 nights and 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.

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 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.
• 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.

Specific Areas of Hire:

Inpatient floor/ stepdown/ consults, weekend only

Outpatient only for general cardiac surgery

Outpatient only for the Comprehensive Aortic Program

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

NP:

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

PA:

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

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Educational and/or work experiences aligned with position requirement
• Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with a diverse 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.

Conditions of Employment:
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

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 addre

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

Questions should be directed to: Christian Scott, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 27, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$112,000 to $160,024

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125