Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Department/Unit: Surgery Administration

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to join our high-performing Cardiac Surgery team at Albany Med Health System. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to work in a high-acuity surgical and intensive care setting. This position is for a nonsurgical role with potential to grow into a surgical role if so desired and deemed appropriate.

Cardiothoracic ICU and Post Operative Responsibilities

• Provide care to critically ill patients in the Cardiothoracic ICU, including those on ECMO, Impella, IABP, and CRRT.
• Perform bedside procedures: Thoracentesis, central/arterial line placement, hemodialysis line placement and chest tube insertion/removal.
• Temporary pacing wire removal and other advanced interventions.
• Manage preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care, including consults and discharge planning.
• Conduct daily rounds, write progress notes, and lead care coordination efforts.
• Collaborate closely with cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and nursing teams to ensure high-quality outcomes.

General Inpatient Medical Management

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and physical exams.
• Order and interpret laboratory and imaging tests; develop and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Prescribe medications and therapies based on current clinical guidelines.
• Participate in the care of patients on inpatient services, including those admitted under Surgery, Medicine, Trauma, Pediatrics, and Ob/Gyn who require Cardiac Surgery consultation.
• Support emergency and inpatient assessments, triage decisions, and follow-ups.
• Educate patients and families about procedures, recovery expectations, and health management strategies.

Clinical Leadership & Support

• Serve as a clinical resource during shifts to ensure efficient workflow and high standards of care.
• Ensure accurate documentation, coding, and billing practices.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies, prepare patients for procedures, and ensure a safe, organized clinical environment.

Work Schedule

• 24/7 in-house coverage of Cardiac Surgery Service utilizing 24-hour shifts.
• Flexibility for 8 and 10-hour shifts based on clinical demand.

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited NP or PA program with current board certification.
• Active NYS NP/PA license and prescriptive authority.
• 2 years’ experience in a surgical or hospital-based acute care setting preferred.
• Skilled in ICU management and invasive bedside procedures.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical care.
• Excellent clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication skills.

Key skills/competency

• Cardiac Surgery
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Physician Assistant (PA)
• Critical Care
• ECMO
• Hemodynamic Monitoring
• Patient Management
• Bedside Procedures
• Care Coordination