APP Fellow (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) - Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac Surgery APP Fellowship

One-year fellowship focuses on clinical experiences as well as a robust didactic curriculum, to provide well-rounded education intended to fully prepare an APP for a full-time position in cardiac surgery. Ideal candidates would be a new APP or an APP wishing to change specialties. The APP fellowship will provide a primary surgical training experience, as a first assist in the OR, along with rotations on the inpatient service team, cardiothoracic ICU, and outpatient clinic, allowing the fellow to perform the highest level of care through their ability to triage, evaluate, treat, and manage cardiac disorders. Additionally, the APP Fellow will have the opportunity to learn and complete competencies on various procedures such as endoscopic saphenous vein harvest, radial artery harvest, central venous catheters, arterial catheters, and chest tube placement.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter as part of the application, highlighting how the fellowship aligns with the applicant's career aspirations. Applicants chosen for interview will be required to send 3 letters of recommendation to the department prior to their interview.

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Salaried (exempt)

Hours per week: Extended clinical schedule with additional didactic requirements Scheduled Work Hours/Shift: October 2026 through September 2027. Varied schedule based on location of rotation.

Patient Population Focus: Cardiac Surgery

Patient Population Age Range: 13 years-death

Required Minimum Training and Experience: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant or completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as an APRN as noted below.

· Physician Assistant

or

• APRN
• AGACNP/ACNP (Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner): Adult pts (13 years to death), acutely ill or injured, potentially unstable, or technologically dependent (vents, drips, monitors, etc.)
• APRN must have Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) Certification

Required Experience: None. APP Fellowship is geared for new graduates and for experienced APPs wanting to change practice specialties.

Degree of Supervision: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant will be assigned a Primary Supervising/Collaborating Physician employed by MUSC and will report directly to this physician, APP Manager, and APP Fellowship Director.

Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations:

All certifications must be current and complete prior to start date:

Basic Life Support (BLS).

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) If applicable, DHEC and DEA license applications must be started prior to first day.

Job Duties:

• Takes comprehensive history and performs physical examinations
• Evaluates and treats on the basis of history, physical examination, radiological, laboratory, and other diagnostic test results pursuant to the practice agreement or scope of practice guideline
• Performs therapeutic procedures in accordance with procedural privileges, skill and proficiency as approved by the Clinical Division Chief (see Specialty Specific Items below).
• Initiates referrals to other health care providers, and/or consults with the attending physician or the collaborating physician
• Documents and bills for direct care provided when appropriate
• Utilizes current research and evidence-based decision-making in all clinical practice
• Performs and participates in quality/performance improvement activities and clinical research
• Participates in and supports accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations and continuing education
• Attends education and academic sessions as determined by APP Fellowship Coordinator or APP Fellowship Director
• Completes presentations, lectures, QI projects or other academic requirements as set by MUSC APP Fellowship Director or Department
• Participates in required MUSC APP Fellowship activities
• APRN or PA must maintain licenses, certifications, CNEs/CMEs, etc. as required by applicable policies and state law
• Specialty Specific Items:
• Endoscopic saphenous vein harvest
• Chest tube and pacing wire removal
• Arterial line placement
• Ultrasound guided IV placement
• Wound vac placement
• Simple suture

Physical Requirements:

Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders, reach in all directions. Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. Maintain 20/40 vision corrected, see and recognize objects close at hand and at a distance, work in a latex safe environment and work indoors. Frequently lift, lower, push and pull and/or carry objects weighing 50 lbs (+/-) unassisted, exert up to 50 lbs of force, lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined/cramped spaces.

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.