Surgery, Advanced Practice Provider - Surgical First Assist

Thoracic Surgery Advanced Practice Provider
Dell Medical School

Immediately

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.

Provides Advanced Surgical First Assisting Support (45%)

Directly supports surgeons during surgical procedures

Opening and closing surgical incisions

Surgical first assisting

Manages Perioperative and Postoperative Care (25%)

Conducts pre-operative risk assessments and surgical readiness evaluations.

Performs daily inpatient rounds including ICU and step-down units.

Collaborates with the Multidisciplinary Care Team

Coordinates discharge planning and follow-up care plans

Performs bedside procedures such as thoracentesis, chest tube management, and bronchoscopy assistance.

Performs advanced wound care procedures such as intrathoracic negative pressure dressing changes

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

Conducts pre-operative risk assessments and surgical readiness evaluations

Prescribes medications and therapies in accordance with department protocols.

Coordinates progression of care and readiness for discharge.

Documents and Communicates Clinical Information (5%)

Completes timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the electronic medical record.

Ensures documentation supports quality outcomes, billing, and compliance standards.

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

Adheres to evidence-based practices, clinical guidelines, and organizational policies.

Identifies opportunities for quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Participates in morbidity and mortality reviews, peer review, and quality improvement projects

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

Applies advanced surgical first assisting skills during procedures

With endoscopic and robotic surgeries

Applies advanced thoracic and surgical clinical knowledge in patient care

Balances risks and benefits of interventions in high-acuity settings

Escalates care when clinical thresholds are exceeded

Engages effectively with physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff

Facilitates smooth handoffs across care settings

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

Communicates diagnoses, procedures, and care plans clearly and empathetically

Integrates new surgical, procedural and clinical protocols and technologies

Seeks feedback to enhance clinical performance

Adapts to evolving surgical techniques and care models

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

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

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

Standard office equipment

Retirement Plan Eligibility
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]

Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]

Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and if this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report.