The Physician Assistant will assist in thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries, performing intraoperative duties such as tissue retraction, vessel harvesting, and wound closure, while providing preoperative and postoperative patient care. The role requires collaboration with surgical teams, adherence to aseptic techniques, and maintaining professional competencies in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist during thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries, including emergency procedures, by performing tissue retraction, vessel harvesting, and wound closure as directed by the surgeon.
• Prepare the patient preoperatively and assist in postoperative care to facilitate recovery.
• Monitor patient vital signs, anesthesia levels, and physiological responses throughout procedures.
• Maintain hemostasis using appropriate surgical instruments and techniques, including cautery, ligation, and application of hemostatic agents.
• Assist in the placement of drains, sutures, and wound dressings, and ensure proper closure of all wound layers.
• Assist in procurement of saphenous vein and radial artery via endoscopic or open methods, preparing vessels for use as conduits.
• Handle pharmaceutical agents on the surgical field under physician and nurse supervision, and maintain aseptic technique.
• Coordinate patient transfer, positioning, and discharge planning, and communicate with healthcare team members regarding patient care and management plans.

Compensation

• Salary-based compensation (W-2 tax status).

Requirements

• Valid Physician Assistant license in Kentucky or ability to obtain one.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Previous experience in cardiothoracic surgery preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aseptic techniques and intraoperative procedures.
• Ability to assist with vessel harvesting and wound closure techniques.
• Strong clinical judgment, technical competency, and professionalism.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with surgical teams and patient education.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining hospital privileges, licensures, and certifications.
• Ability to handle pharmaceutical agents and assist with intraoperative patient management.