PA, Physician Assistant/ NP, Nurse Practitioner - Cardiothoracic Surgery

CHRISTUS Health; Texarkana (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Malpractice coverage

PTO

CME allowance

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

CHRISTUS Health is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team in Texarkana, TX. This full-time role involves surgical first assisting, vein harvesting, and patient care in a high-acuity environment. Candidates must have a Texas license, national certification, and preferred cardiothoracic experience. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Current Texas license as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.
• National certification (AANP, ANCC, or NCCPA) is required.
• Experience in cardiothoracic surgery preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
• Perform vein harvesting using endoscopic or open techniques.
• Provide pre- and post-operative patient care.
• Conduct outpatient clinic visits including follow-ups.

Skills

Cardiothoracic experience

First assist experience

Vein harvesting

Strong clinical skills

Education

Current Texas license as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner

National certification (AANP, ANCC, or NCCPA)

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team in Texarkana, TX. This role focuses on surgical first assist and vein harvesting, with additional responsibilities in clinic and perioperative patient care.

The ideal candidate will have experience in cardiothoracic surgery or a related surgical specialty and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as first assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including CABG and valve surgeries
• Perform vein harvesting (endoscopic or open techniques)
• Provide pre- and post-operative patient care
• Conduct outpatient clinic visits including follow-ups and surgical evaluations
• Assist with patient management, care coordination, and treatment planning
• Order and interpret labs, imaging, and diagnostic studies
• Collaborate closely with cardiothoracic surgeons and multidisciplinary teams
• Educate patients and families regarding procedures, recovery, and long‑term care
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the EMR

Qualifications

• Current Texas license as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner
• National certification (AANP, ANCC, or NCCPA)
• Cardiothoracic or surgical experience preferred
• First assist experience required
• Vein harvesting experience strongly preferred
• Strong clinical skills and ability to work in a high-acuity surgical environment

Schedule & Compensation

• Full‑time position with schedule aligned to surgical and clinic needs
• Call responsibilities as part of the surgical team
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice coverage, PTO, CME allowance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match