Thoracic Surgery Advanced Practice Provider

Job Description

The Thoracic Surgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP) delivers comprehensive perioperative and longitudinal care to adult thoracic surgery patients in inpatient, outpatient, and procedural settings. This role functions as an integral member of the cardiovascular and thoracic surgery team, providing advanced surgical first assisting skills, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination for patients undergoing thoracic surgical interventions. The APP reports to the APP Manager and works closely with thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, bedside nurses, pharmacists, and care management teams. Responsibilities span preoperative evaluation, intraoperative and postoperative management, rounding, procedures, patient education, and transitions of care. The APP contributes to quality, safety, throughput, and patient experience while practicing at the top of license under applicable Texas regulations and evidence-based protocols.

Responsibilities:

• Directly supports surgeons during surgical procedures

• Opening and closing surgical incisions

• Surgical first assisting

• Performs comprehensive history and physical examinations across the perioperative continuum

• Conducts pre-operative risk assessments and surgical readiness evaluations.

• Performs daily inpatient rounds including ICU and step-down units.

• Manages post-operative complications such as bleeding, wound complications, infection

• Collaborates with the Multidisciplinary Care Team

• Coordinates discharge planning and follow-up care plans

• Prescribes medications and therapeutic interventions per scope and protocols.

• Communicates patient status and plans during handoffs and interdisciplinary rounds.

• Participates in clinical pathway development and standardization efforts.

• Performs bedside procedures such as thoracentesis, chest tube management, and bronchoscopy assistance.

• Performs advanced wound care procedures such as intrathoracic negative pressure dressing changes

• Performs comprehensive assessments of new and established thoracic patients

• Orders, interprets, and responds to diagnostic studies.

• Conducts pre-operative risk assessments and surgical readiness evaluations

• Prescribes medications and therapies in accordance with department protocols.

• Coordinates progression of care and readiness for discharge.

• Completes timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the electronic medical record.

• Communicates clinical updates to patients, families, and referring providers.

• Ensures documentation supports quality outcomes, billing, and compliance standards.

• Adheres to evidence-based practices, clinical guidelines, and organizational policies.

• Identifies opportunities for quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

• Participates in morbidity and mortality reviews, peer review, and quality improvement projects

• Participates in peer review, morbidity and mortality reviews, and audits.

• Participates in community outreach, education, or professional development activities

• Assists with orientation and mentorship of new APPs, residents, or trainees

• Assists with development or revision of thoracic surgical pathways and protocols

• Contributes to research, scholarly projects, or clinical trials as applicable

• Serves on departmental or system-wide committees or task forces

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Nursing or Physician Assistant Studies

• Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) and Prescriptive Authority or Physician Assistant with Prescriptive Authority

• Minimum 2 years of relevant clinical experience in surgery

• Relevant education or experience may be substituted where appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree with surgical focus

• 2+ years of thoracic surgery experience

• Prior experience in a tertiary or academic medical center

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

• Current Texas Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification with National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC)

• or PA license

• National certification (ANCC/AANP for NP or NCCPA for PA)

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Preferred:

• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification

• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

• Thoracic-specific continuing education or certification

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Salary Range:

$133,000+ depending on qualifications