Physician Assistant Cardiothoracic Surgery

RCM Healthcare Services seeks a Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant to join a leading cardiothoracic team. Responsibilities include pre-op assessments, first-assist in OR, vein harvesting, post-op ICU and step-down management, and discharge planning. Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff to optimize outcomes and patient safety. Ideal candidates bring strong cardiothoracic or critical care experience, excellent clinical judgment, and comfort in a fast-paced surgical environment. Join a collaborative, mission-driven organization focused on quality, integrity, and exceptional patient care.

Responsibilities

• Perform preoperative histories, physicals, and risk assessments for cardiothoracic surgery patients.
• First-assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including exposure, retraction, and suturing.
• Perform endoscopic or open vein harvesting and conduit preparation as credentialed.
• Manage postoperative care in ICU and step-down units, including hemodynamic monitoring and ventilator management per protocols.
• Write orders, prescribe medications as allowed, and adjust treatment plans in collaboration with attending surgeons.
• Conduct daily rounds, monitor progress, and communicate plans with the multidisciplinary care team and families.
• Participate in discharge planning, patient education, and coordination of follow-up care.
• Respond to in-hospital consults and urgent clinical issues related to cardiothoracic patients.
• Document all patient encounters accurately and timely in the electronic medical record.
• Support quality improvement, protocol development, and adherence to evidence-based cardiothoracic care pathways.

Required Skills

• Cardiothoracic surgical first-assist skills
• Endoscopic or open saphenous vein harvesting
• ICU and critical care management
• Hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation
• Ventilator management and weaning protocols
• Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
• Central line and arterial line management
• Postoperative cardiac patient assessment
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) documentation
• Evidence-based perioperative care and protocols