Cardiac Surgery First Assist- Washington D.C.

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The incumbent of this role works as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. The primary focus of this position is the cardiac surgery operating room.

The PA/APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and experienced APPs while developing skills in first assisting, conduit harvesting, surgical exposure, and perioperative care.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program.
• RN First Assistant (RNFA) program required for Nurse Practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the cardiac surgery operating room, including open and minimally invasive procedures.
• Serve as a first or second assistant based on experience and demonstrated competency.
• Develop skills in endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting.
• Collaborate with surgeons, APPs, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, and the cardiac surgery team.

Job description

About the Job

The incumbent of this role works as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. The primary focus of this position is the cardiac surgery operating room. The PA/APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and experienced APPs while developing skills in first assisting, conduit harvesting, surgical exposure, and perioperative care.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews relevant patient history, diagnostic studies, and imaging in preparation for surgery.
• Participates in a structured orientation and competency-development program.
• Assists in the cardiac surgery operating room. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Assisting cardiac surgeons during open and/or minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures.
  • Serving as a first or second assistant based on experience and demonstrated competency.
  • Participating in procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and other cardiac surgical procedures.
  • Developing skills in endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting.
  • Working collaboratively with surgeons, APPs, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, and other members of the cardiac surgery team.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program.
• RN First Assistant (RNFA) program required for Nurse Practitioners.

Experience

• Previous operating room, cardiac surgery, cardiovascular, or related clinical experience preferred but not required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Physician Assistant: Current or eligible for Physician Assistant licensure in the District of Columbia.
• Nurse Practitioner: Current or eligible for Nurse Practitioner licensure in the District of Columbia and completion of an RN First Assistant program.

Compensation

Total compensation for this position is a combination of base salary, a first-assist adjuster, and an off-shift adjuster.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $115,000.00 - USD $190,000.00 /Yr.