Advanced Practice Provider, Cardiothoracic Surgery - Inpatient/First Assist

UW Health; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 150,473 - 166,302; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary range

Generous vacation and CME benefits

Flexible insurance package

Retirement Plan match and contribution

Malpractice with tail coverage

Job summary

UW Health in Rockford, Illinois is seeking an Advanced Practice Provider (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) to join the Cardiothoracic Surgery team. This role involves inpatient care, assisting in surgeries, and managing patient transitions. Ideal candidates possess strong procedural skills and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Candidates will enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities for ongoing professional development. Rockford offers a low cost of living and rich cultural amenities.

Qualifications

• Licensed as a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner with First Assist in Illinois.
• Experience in cardiothoracic surgery, critical care, or cardiology strongly preferred.
• Strong procedural skills and commitment to compassionate care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver inpatient care for cardiothoracic patients, including daily rounding in the ICU.
• Serve as first assist in the operating room for robotic-assisted procedures.
• Manage pre- and post-operative care ensuring seamless transitions.

Skills

Procedural skills

Patient-centered care

Experience in cardiothoracic surgery

Education

Licensed Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner

Active DEA license

Job description

UW Health in northern Illinois is seeking an exceptional Advanced Practice Provider (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner w/ First Assist) to join our dynamic Cardiothoracic Surgery team. This is a unique opportunity to become a vital part of a growing and innovative service line dedicated to providing outstanding care to our cardiothoracic patients.

We are looking for experienced or highly motivated APPs with a passion for cardiothoracic surgery and a commitment to excellence in patient care. As part of our team, you will benefit from:

• Professional Growth: Enjoy ongoing professional development opportunities, including access to continuing education, mentorship, and the ability to expand your scope within advanced procedures.
• Impact & Innovation: Be part of a forward‑thinking program where your contributions directly shape the future of cardiothoracic care in northern Illinois.
• Work‑Life Balance: We value your well‑being and support a balanced schedule that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally.

Your clinical support includes the following:

• Deliver inpatient care for cardiothoracic patients, including daily rounding in the ICU and step‑down units.
• Serve as first assist in the operating room, including opportunities to participate in robotic‑assisted cardiac and thoracic procedures.
• Manage pre‑ and post‑operative care, ensuring seamless transitions from surgery through recovery and discharge.
• Collaborate with the team on advanced programs such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and lung cancer care with the Carbone Cancer Center.
• Be part of a robust call schedule (1:4 rotation) with additional weekend/call compensation.
• Join the region's only designated Heart Hospital, serving a 12‑county regional referral base of over 500,000 people.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment at one of Forbes' Best‑In‑State employers in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Licensed as a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner with their First Assist (NP w/ RNFA) in the state of Illinois and active DEA license (or the ability to obtain licensure prior to or upon hire).
• Experience in cardiothoracic surgery, critical care, or cardiology strongly preferred.
• Strong procedural skills and a desire to grow in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
• Commitment to providing patient‑centered, compassionate care.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Competitive salary range (based on experience):
  • $150,473 - $166,302
• Generous vacation and CME benefits
• Potential opportunity for additional compensation
• Professional society dues, credentialing expenses & hospital dues covered
• Interview and relocation expenses paid
• Flexible insurance package with health, dental, vision, disability and life
• Retirement Plan match and contribution
• Malpractice with tail coverage
• Generous provider referral bonus

About the Greater Rockford Area

Recently named the number one housing market in America by The Wall Street Journal, Rockford and northern Illinois offer world‑class attractions – all at a cost of living significantly below those of most metropolitan areas. The greater Rockford area offers superb cultural, recreational, and outdoor amenities along with an eclectic arts community of theater, symphony, museums and dance. With an award‑winning park district, Rockford has unrivaled outdoor opportunities, including Golf Digest‑ranked golf courses, endless bike trails and extensive indoor and outdoor sports centers. We have excellent private, parochial and public‑school options, including the Gifted Academy with graduates ranked in the top 5% nationally. Our proximity to Chicago O'Hare International Airport opens up countless travel possibilities, and Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison are each just 90 minutes away or less.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.