Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.

Work Shift:

8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Compensation:

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Summary

The Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing care for adult patients undergoing cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. Working in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the multidisciplinary care team, the NP plays a critical role in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Job Description

Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments, risk stratification, and patient education. Participate in daily inpatient rounds, monitor clinical progress, and adjust care plans accordingly. Perform procedures such as chest tube removal, wound care, central line removal, and suture/staple removal (as credentialed). Manage post-op complications in collaboration with the attending surgeon. Order and interpret diagnostic studies (labs, imaging, EKGs) and initiate appropriate interventions. Facilitate discharge planning including medication reconciliation and patient teaching. Serve as first or second assist in the operating room when required (if credentialed). Coordinate care transitions between ICU, step-down, and medical-surgical units. Provide handoffs to referring physicians and ensure follow-up continuity. Conduct post-op follow-up visits in clinic, manage wound healing, monitor recovery, and address patient concerns. Educate patients and families on procedures, recovery expectations, lifestyle modifications, and cardiac health. Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to surgical outcomes and patient safety. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR). Stay current with evidence-based guidelines and clinical protocols in CVTS care.

Qualifications

Master’s or Doctorate degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.

If APRN was licensed prior to August 1, 1995, master's degree in nursing is preferred.


1–3 years of experience in cardiovascular/thoracic surgery, critical care, or surgical specialties strongly preferred

Current licensure as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner in each state of practice.

Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) permit to prescribe controlled substances in each state of practice.

State Controlled Substance License (if required by State)

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• Prefer Physician Assistant but open to Nurse Practitioner
• Schedule: M - Fri
• Weekends and Holiday coverage split evenly across department
• Includes clinic, hospital, and OR
• New graduates will be considered
• Preferred procedural (first assist)
• Position duties/responsibilities
• Assist in clinic, hospital, and OR
• Orders, seeing post-op pts, first assisting/taking vein
• Prefer 1.0 FTE

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National board certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) or ACNPC-AG), Acute Care Adult (ACNP-BC). Additional certifications require approval from a market executive leader: Family (FNP-BC) or (FNP–C), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP-BC) or (A-GNP), Adult (ANP-C)

Obtains and subsequently maintains required specific competencies and certifications as outlined on privilege form.

Privileging documents and related credentialing requirements will supersede this job description in defining minimum qualifications, criteria, and scope of practice, if variation between documents exists.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.