Entity/Organization: MUSCP- (MUSC Physicians)

Job Title: MUSCP Advanced Practice Provider (APP - NP/PA)- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Job Summary/ Purpose: Under the direction of Departmental Cardiothoracic Surgeons, the Advanced Practice Provider will enhance the quality and efficiency of patient care in the operating rooms and post-operative recovery wards.

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Salaried/Exempt 

Hours per week: 40

Scheduled Work Hours/Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Night and weekend availability required.

Patient Population Focus
Operating Room/First Assist

Patient Population Age Range
13 years-death

Required Training and Experience   

Required Minimum Training: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant or completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as an APRN as noted below.

APRN License Type/Certification: 

• AGPNP/ANP (Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP or Adult NP)
• FNP (Family NP) 
• APRN must have Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) Certification 

Preferred Experience: Previous experience in adult cardiothoracic surgery as an APP or previous OR experience. 

Degree of Supervision
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant will be assigned a Primary Supervising/Collaborating Physician employed by MUSC and will report directly to this physician.

Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations
All certifications must be current and complete prior to start date:
Basic Life Support (BLS).
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required for Adult Surgery
If applicable, DHEC and DEA license applications must be started prior to first day.

Job Duties:

Provides direct care to patients through the following activities:

• Takes comprehensive history and performs physical examinations
• Evaluates and treats on the basis of history, physical examination, radiological, laboratory, and other diagnostic test results pursuant to the practice agreement or scope of practice guideline
• Initiates referrals to other health care providers, and/or consults with the attending physician or the collaborating physician
• Documents and bills for direct care provided
• Utilizes current research and evidence-based decision-making in all clinical practice
• Performs and participates in quality/performance improvement activities and clinical research
• Participates in and supports accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations and continuing education
• Potential to precept students at MUSC enrolled as an advanced practice provider student; and facilitates the learning of other new team members
• APRN or PA must maintain licenses, certifications, CNEs/CMEs, etc. as required by applicable policies and state law
• The Advanced Practice Provider will provide care of cardiothoracic patients primarily in the inpatient setting with a particular focus in the operating rooms. In addition the provider will provide care for hospitalized patients in both the pre-operative and post-operative settings. The Advanced Practice Provider will interact directly with attending physicians, residents and medical students of MUSC.
• The Advanced Practice Provider will:
  •  Assist in performing patient histories, physicals and discharge summaries.
  • Function as First Assistant in all aspects of cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures, including robotic procedures.
  • Harvest the greater saphenous vein or radial artery via an endoscopic or open techniques.
  • Suturing of all surgical wounds using accepted techniques, or as directed by the attending surgeon.
  • Insertion of required tubes, lines, drains including arterial, venous, chest drains or Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP), as directed by surgeon and removes IABP or chest tubes when appropriate. 

Physical Requirements: Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders, reach in all directions. Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. Maintain 20/40 vision corrected, see and recognize objects close at hand and at a distance, work in a latex safe environment and work indoors. Frequently lift, lower, push and pull and/or carry objects weighing 50 lbs (+/-) unassisted, exert up to 50 lbs of force, lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined/cramped spaces.