Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant - South Dakota

iRecruitmd; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

iRecruitmd is seeking a Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Rapid City, SD. The role focuses on perioperative care from preoperative evaluation to postoperative management, collaborating with cardiac surgeons and the care team to ensure patient safety and outcomes.

Responsibilities include preop optimization, postoperative ICU management, orders and care plans, hemodynamic monitoring, and assisting in the OR as privileges allow.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current NP or PA certification and state licensure.
• DEA registration or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide preoperative evaluation and optimization for cardiac surgery patients.
• Manage postoperative patients in ICU and step-down units.
• Write orders and develop care plans with surgeons.
• Monitor hemodynamics and manage postoperative issues such as arrhythmias and fluid balance.
• Assist in the operating room as appropriate per privileges.
• Coordinate discharge planning and follow-up.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Critical care

Cardiac surgery knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

High-stress environments

Education

Graduate of an accredited NP/PA program

Job description

Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant - South Dakota

• Rapid City, SD

Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant (NP/PA)

Position Summary

The Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant provides comprehensive clinical care to patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. Working collaboratively with cardiac surgeons and the multidisciplinary care team, this role supports patients throughout the perioperative continuum, including preoperative evaluation, postoperative management, and ongoing inpatient care, with a focus on patient safety, quality outcomes, and continuity of care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide preoperative evaluation and optimization for patients undergoing cardiac surgery
• Manage postoperative cardiac surgery patients in the ICU and step-down units
• Perform daily assessments, write orders, and develop care plans in collaboration with cardiac surgeons
• Monitor hemodynamics and manage postoperative issues including arrhythmias, fluid balance, and pain control
• Manage invasive devices such as central lines, arterial lines, chest tubes, pacing wires, and surgical drains
• Assist in the operating room as appropriate, including first‑assist duties or endoscopic vein harvesting, consistent with training and privileges
• Identify, evaluate, and manage postoperative complications
• Coordinate care transitions including discharge planning and outpatient follow‑up
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, nursing staff, and consulting services
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in the electronic medical record
• Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and outcomes initiatives
• Comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
• Current NP or PA certification and state licensure
• Eligibility for hospital credentialing and privileging
• DEA registration or eligibility
• Prior experience or specialized training in cardiac surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, or critical care preferred

Skills and Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical care skills
• Knowledge of cardiac surgical procedures and postoperative management
• Ability to manage complex, high-acuity patients
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
• Ability to function effectively in fast-paced, high-stress environments
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care
• Cardiac operating rooms, cardiovascular intensive care units, step-down units, and inpatient hospital settings
• Schedule may include shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage depending on program needs

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Manual dexterity for procedural and bedside clinical tasks
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient monitoring and assessment