Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
• Completed RN First Assistant program for nurse practitioners.
• At least 5 years of experience in cardiac surgery care preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years operating room experience required.
• Licensed as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with RN First Assist certification in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret patient charts, medical histories, and clinical imaging for preoperative planning.
• Recognize electrocardiogram abnormalities in the OR and ICU, taking action to stabilize patients.
• Assist in the cardiac surgery operating room, including opening the sternum using mid-line sternotomy technique.
• Prepare patients for arterial and venous cannulation during procedures.
• First assist cardiac surgeon in various surgical interventions including bypass grafting and valve repair.
• Assist with percutaneous device insertions and harvesting conduits for bypass grafting.
• Place epicardial pacing wires and mediastinal/pleural drains, and close the sternotomy.
• Teach and mentor less experienced staff in the operating room.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in high-stakes surgical settings with skilled surgical teams.
• Involvement in advanced cardiac procedures, including robotics and heart transplants.
• Mentoring role for less experienced staff, enhancing leadership skills.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Dynamic work environment with direct patient impact and collaboration with physicians.