Surgery, Advanced Practice Provider - Surgical First Assist

Thoracic Surgery Advanced Practice Provider

The Thoracic Surgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP) delivers comprehensive perioperative and longitudinal care to adult thoracic surgery patients in inpatient, outpatient, and procedural settings. This role functions as an integral member of the cardiovascular and thoracic surgery team, providing advanced surgical first assisting skills, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination for patients undergoing thoracic surgical interventions. The APP reports to the APP Manager and works closely with thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, bedside nurses, pharmacists, and care management teams. Responsibilities span preoperative evaluation, intraoperative and postoperative management, rounding, procedures, patient education, and transitions of care. The APP contributes to quality, safety, throughput, and patient experience while practicing at the top of license under applicable Texas regulations and evidence-based protocols.

Responsibilities:

Provides Advanced Surgical First Assisting Support (45%)

Manages Perioperative and Postoperative Care (25%)

Performs Invasive and Bedside Procedures (5%)

Provides Outpatient Management in Clinic and Virtual Visit Settings (15%)

Documents and Communicates Clinical Information (5%)

Supports Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance (5%)

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

Participates in community outreach, education, or professional development activities

Assists with orientation and mentorship of new APPs, residents, or trainees

Assists with development or revision of thoracic surgical pathways and protocols

Contributes to research, scholarly projects, or clinical trials as applicable

Serves on departmental or system-wide committees or task forces

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Functional/Technical Skills

Applies advanced surgical first assisting skills during procedures

Demonstrates procedural competence and clinical judgment in complex cases

Procedural proficiency with thoracentesis and chest tube thoracostomy

Applies advanced thoracic and surgical clinical knowledge in patient care

Uses evidence-based guidelines to inform treatment decisions

Clinical Judgment

Recognizes subtle changes in patient condition and intervenes appropriately

Balances risks and benefits of interventions in high-acuity settings

Escalates care when clinical thresholds are exceeded

Collaboration

Engages effectively with physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff

Facilitates smooth handoffs across care settings

Builds trust and rapport within high-performing clinical teams

Composure

Performs effectively and functions calmly during high-stress scenarios, emergencies or rapid clinical deterioration

Maintains professionalism in emotionally charged patient or family interactions

Models calm decision-making in high-pressure environments

Patient Focus

Communicates diagnoses, procedures, and care plans clearly and empathetically

Advocates for patient needs and preferences

Supports patient experience and satisfaction goals

Learning on the Fly

Integrates new surgical, procedural and clinical protocols and technologies

Seeks feedback to enhance clinical performance

Adapts to evolving surgical techniques and care models

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Nursing or Physician Assistant Studies

Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) and Prescriptive Authority or Physician Assistant with Prescriptive Authority

Minimum 2 years of relevant clinical experience in surgery

Relevant education or experience may be substituted where appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Doctoral degree with surgical focus
• 2+ years of thoracic surgery experience
• Prior experience in a tertiary or academic medical center

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

Current Texas Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification with National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC)

or PA license

National certification (ANCC/AANP for NP or NCCPA for PA)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Preferred:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Thoracic-specific continuing education or certification

The University of Texas at Austin Staff