Physician Assistant (PA) - Surgery - Cardiothoracic in Rapid City, SD

Physician Assistant | Surgery - Cardiothoracic
Location: Rapid City, SD
Employer: AAS Locum Tenens
Pay: Competitive weekly pay (inquire for details)
Start Date: ASAP

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team in Rapid City, South Dakota. This night-shift role provides a unique balance of professional autonomy and strong physician support, caring for post-operative cardiac and thoracic surgery patients in both the ICU and inpatient ward settings.

Schedule: Night Shift: 5:00 PM – 6:30 AM | 168 Shifts Annually |14 shifts per month

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage 3–6 critically ill post-operative cardiac patients in the ICU overnight.
• Provide care for 10–15 cardiothoracic surgery inpatients on the hospital ward each night.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and ongoing monitoring.
• Respond promptly to changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate interventions.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests, laboratory studies, and imaging.
• Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with surgeons and intensivists.
• Perform procedures and clinical interventions within scope of practice and hospital privileges.
• Communicate effectively with nursing staff, physicians, and multidisciplinary care teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Facilitate smooth patient handoffs to the daytime care team.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $1,250 per shift ($210,000 annually)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• CME allowance
• Paid onboarding and credentialing
• Full malpractice insurance with tail coverage
• Two weeks off every month with a predictable schedule

Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited NP or PA program.
• Current or eligible South Dakota NP or PA licensure.
• National certification as a NP or NCCPA certification for PA.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Previous ICU, critical care, cardiac, or acute care experience.

Preferred:

• Cardiothoracic surgery experience.
• Critical care or cardiovascular ICU background.
• Experience managing post-operative cardiac surgery patients.