ICU – Advanced Practice Provider (APP)/(PA/NP)/Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery -Open Rank

University of Colorado; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 112,362 - 144,622; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Health plans

Retirement contributions

Job summary

A leading medical institution is seeking a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to manage critical care for cardiothoracic surgery patients at their Aurora, CO campus. The successful candidate will work in a high-acuity environment, performing vital procedures and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. A current license and eligibility for prescriptive authority are mandatory. This position offers a competitive salary and emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills and quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
• Must be eligible for certification with independent prescriptive authority.
• Experience in Cardiothoracic Surgery is required for Sr. Instructor role.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage critically ill patients on the cardiothoracic surgery service.
• Perform procedures including central line placement and bronchoscopy.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and actively contribute to care planning.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to maintain quality control standards

Knowledge of cardiothoracic surgical practices

Education

Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Eligibility for certification with independent prescriptive authority

4 years of related experience for Sr. Instructor

Job description

Job Summary

The candidate will provide comprehensive critical care management to postoperative cardiothoracic surgical patients, including those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, heart and lung transplants, and mechanical circulatory support. Specific duties of the position will include inpatient responsibilities such as rounding, writing orders, managing MCS, performing procedures, discharge planning, and participating in the care provided to cardiothoracic surgery patients while in the ICU. Close collaboration with attending physicians, residents, nurses, and allied health professionals is required. The APP will be integral to ensuring the highest standards of patient care, safety, and outcomes in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment. This is a night shift position, and the candidate will be required to work some weekends. The candidate will also be expected to participate in the development of protocols and quality improvement for the care of cardiothoracic surgery patients. Eligibility for prescriptive authority is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage critically ill patients on the cardiothoracic surgery services lines while in the ICU. This includes a detailed history, physical and a full chart review represented with appropriate documentation detailing an assessment and care plan daily or as needed with change in clinical status.
• Evaluate and manage patients with urgent or emergent complaints in conjunction with the surgical team and intensivist.
• Perform comprehensive assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and initiate management plans for critically ill postoperative cardiac and thoracic patients.
• Independently manage ventilators, vasoactive medications, ECMO, and temporary mechanical circulatory devices under the supervision of CTICU intensivists or cardiothoracic surgeons.
• Perform procedures including central line placement, arterial line insertion, chest tube management, IABP management, bronchoscopy and more (as credentialed).
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and actively contribute to care planning and coordination.
• Monitor patients’ progress, interpret lab/imaging results, and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Document all assessments, procedures, and care plans accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams regarding care goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
• Participate in research activities including the identification of patients appropriate for open clinical trials and facilitating their participation in clinical research.
• Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested.
• Maintain competency and enhance professional growth and development through continuing education, conferences, and seminars. Attend mandatory training.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; assist in maintaining compliance with JCAHO accreditation and other internal and external regulatory standards.
• Support and uphold established organizational policies, procedures, objectives related to quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Participate in the application process and development of a Center of Excellence designation as required.
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Demonstrate collaboration, excellent communication, and teamwork across disciplines.

Work Location

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the CU School of Medicine has a faculty position available for a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) at the rank of Instructor. The cardiothoracic surgery service at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) is a high volume, high acuity service providing tertiary level care across the entire spectrum of cardiothoracic surgery. Under the direction of the full-time faculty, this position provides critical care services to cardiothoracic surgery patients housed in the CT ICU.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Instructor, or Senior Instructor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Instructor

• Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
• Must be eligible for certification with independent prescriptive authority.

Sr. Instructor

• Experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Prior APP experience in a CT ICU setting
• 4 years work experience aligned with position requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with a diverse patient population
• Ability to maintain quality control standards
• Knowledge of the professional medical and surgical practice to give and evaluate patient care in the area of cardiothoracic surgery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations and procedures to administer patient care.
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of medicine and surgery to provide on-going patient care.
• Skill in taking medical history, assessing medical condition and interpreting findings.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence.
• Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients and their family members, medical staff, residents, fellows, medical students, and the public.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly as an integral member of a team.

How to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae / Resume
• Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Stephanie Schneider, [e-mail]

Screening and Timelines

This position may be seeking multiple candidates. Positions will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout the posting period. Upon candidate(s) selection, the posting will be closed, and no further applications will be accepted.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as

Instructor: $112,362 to $144,622

Sr. Instructor: $130,087 to $160,023

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA and Background Checks

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail] .

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

Job Details

Faculty – Job Category: Faculty – Primary Location: Aurora – Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver – Schedule: Full-time – Posting Date: Sep 10, 2025 – Unposting Date: Ongoing – Posting Contact: Stephanie Schneider – Posting Contact Email: [e-mail] – Position Number: 00839848