University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department: Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Job Title ICU – Day NP/PA | Open Rank – Instructor, Sr. Instructor Position #: ; Requisition #: 37793 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 include rounding, writing orders, managing MCS, performing procedures, discharge planning, and participating in the care of 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 primarily a daytime position; however, the candidate is expected to work some nights, weekends, and holidays. 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. Typical Physical Demands: The NP/PA position requires the ability to handle and lift patients and operate required equipment. The position may also require a stationary position or movement for extended periods as required during the provision of services. This position requires frequent communication and must be able to exchange accurate information. The NP/PA may also be exposed to communicable diseases and bodily fluids, and it is expected that the candidate will be appropriately knowledgeable regarding universal safety precautions. 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. Benefits Medical: Multiple plan options Dental: Multiple plan options Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours) Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual) Holiday Days: 10/year Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service Additional perks & programs with CU Advantage Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Must be eligible for certification with independent prescriptive authority 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 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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 Statement 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 Background Check Statement 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 Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr