Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery APP - St Joseph's Children's Hospital, Tampa Florida

Position Overview

BayCare Medical Group's Cardiac Center of Excellence, based out of St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, is seeking an experienced board-certified APRN/PA-C Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Surgery Advanced Practice Provider.

The Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) provides comprehensive outpatient care for pediatric cardiac surgery patients across the continuum of care. Working collaboratively with pediatric cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, and multidisciplinary team members, the APP is responsible for evaluating, managing, educating, and coordinating care for patients before and after cardiac surgery in the ambulatory setting. This position is clinic-based and does not include inpatient, ICU, operating room, or call responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Conduct comprehensive outpatient assessments, including obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations.
• Evaluate patients in preoperative and postoperative cardiac surgery clinics.
• Monitor patient progress and identify complications requiring intervention or escalation of care.
• Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans in collaboration with pediatric cardiac surgeons.
• Order, interpret, and review laboratory tests, imaging studies, and diagnostic procedures.
• Prescribe medications and therapies in accordance with state regulations and institutional policies.
• Manage wound assessments and postoperative recovery concerns in the ambulatory setting.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate preoperative evaluations, testing, and surgical readiness.
• Facilitate postoperative follow-up appointments and longitudinal patient management.
• Collaborate with pediatric cardiology, nursing, case management, social work, and ancillary services to ensure continuity of care.
• Serve as a primary clinical resource for patients and families regarding surgical care plans and recovery expectations.
• Address patient inquiries, telephone triage, and electronic patient portal communications.

Patient and Family Education

• Provide education regarding congenital heart disease, surgical procedures, postoperative care, medications, activity restrictions, and recovery expectations.
• Counsel patients and families on treatment options and preventive health measures.
• Promote family-centered care and support informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current Florida APRN or PA licensure (or eligibility).
• National certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant, as applicable.
• Current BLS and PALS certification.
• Pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac surgery, or congenital heart disease experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Knowledge of congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiac surgical procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex medical information to patients and families.
• Excellent organizational and care coordination skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and outpatient clinical documentation.