Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Cardiac Surgery Step-down unit, Full-time, Rotating

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Loan forgiveness

401(k) matching

Lifecycle benefits

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine in Chicago seeks a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant for the inpatient Cardiac Surgery Step-down unit. The APP will manage post‑operative cardiac patients on the step-down unit, with no OR responsibilities or ICU rounds.

The role requires a Master’s degree, Illinois licensure, and APRN or PA credentialing, plus ACLS/BLS certifications; 1–2 years in cardiac surgery is preferred. This is a full‑time on‑site position with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited nursing school or APRN program.
• Current Illinois RN license and APRN license, or PA license with board credentials.
• BLS certification required; ACLS certification required as specified by department.
• Privileged and credentialed through the Medical Staff Office (MSO).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive health assessments and physical examinations.
• Provide direct clinical care to post-surgical cardiac patients.
• Prescribe or order medications and diagnostic tests per privileges.
• Educate patients and families; develop educational resources.
• Mentor graduate students and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to unit/departmental quality and research activities.

Skills

Clinical expertise

Patient care

Collaboration

Teaching/Mentoring

Quality improvement

Education

Master's degree in nursing or APRN program

IL RN license + APRN/PA credentialing

BLS certification

ACLS certification

Job description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for either a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant to work in our inpatient Cardiac Surgery Step-down unit. The APP will be providing inpatient management of post-surgical cardiac patients on the cardiac surgery step-down unit (no OR responsibilities or ICU rounds).

Schedule

13-hour shifts, rotating, 8-10 weekends per year, and holidays are required.

• Weekends and holidays required

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge through patient care activities which may include diagnosis and management of a wide range of health problems.
• Responsible for health outcome of an assigned patient population.
• Confers with collaborating physician and other health professionals in area of clinical expertise.
• Develops appropriate educational systems for patients, families and staff in areas of expertise.
• Mentors graduate students in aspects of advanced practice and patient care.
• Actively participates in quality improvement and/or research pertinent to area of expertise.

Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients' health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in clinical area.
• Provides direct clinical care to patients.
• Prescribes/orders medications, therapies; orders/interprets laboratory tests, x-rays and procedures according to clinical privileges.
• Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care.
• Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and families.
• Documents in the medical record all care and education provided and/or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible.
• Refers to other disciplines as appropriate.
• Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise.
• Integrates research based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making.
• Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
• Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community.
• Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging.
• Serves as a patient advocate and role model for "Patients First".
• Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as appropriate.
• Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families.
• Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff.
• Serves as a role model and preceptor to students.
• Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.
• Participates in quality improvement and/or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
• Acute care certification required for APRNs
• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. OR Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois.
• Privileged and credentialed through the Medical Staff Office (MSO)
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (issued by the American Heart Association) certification
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required as specified by department
• Controlled substance license and DEA registration required as specified by the department.

Preferred

• 1-2 years in cardiac surgery (ICU or floor)

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position)

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.