| Location | Austin, TX |
General NotesResponsibilities 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%)Directly supports surgeons during surgical proceduresOpening and closing surgical incisionsSurgical first assistingManages Perioperative and Postoperative Care (25%)Performs comprehensive history and physical examinations across the perioperative continuumConducts pre-operative risk assessments and surgical readiness evaluations.Performs daily inpatient rounds including ICU and step-down units.Manages post-operative complications such as bleeding, wound complications, infectionCollaborates with the Multidisciplinary Care TeamCoordinates discharge planning and follow-up care plansPrescribes medications and therapeutic interventions per scope and protocols.Communicates patient status and plans during handoffs and interdisciplinary rounds.Participates in clinical pathway development and standardization efforts.Performs Invasive and Bedside Procedures (5%)Performs bedside procedures such as thoracentesis, chest tube management, and bronchoscopy assistance.Performs advanced wound care procedures such as intrathoracic negative pressure dressing changesProvides Outpatient Management in Clinic and Virtual Visit Settings (15%)Performs comprehensive assessments of new and established thoracic patientsOrders, interprets, and responds to diagnostic studies.Conducts pre-operative risk assessments and surgical readiness evaluationsPrescribes 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.Communicates clinical updates to patients, families, and referring providers.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 projectsParticipates in peer review, morbidity and mortality reviews, and audits.Marginal or Periodic Functions: Participates in community outreach, education, or professional development activitiesAssists with orientation and mentorship of new APPs, residents, or traineesAssists with development or revision of thoracic surgical pathways and protocolsContributes to research, scholarly projects, or clinical trials as applicableServes on departmental or system-wide committees or task forcesPerforms other related duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIESFunctional/Technical Skills Applies advanced surgical first assisting skills during proceduresProficientWith endoscopic and robotic surgeriesDemonstrates procedural competence and clinical judgment in complex casesProcedural proficiency with thoracentesis and chest tube thoracostomyApplies advanced thoracic and surgical clinical knowledge in patient careUses evidence-based guidelines to inform treatment decisionsClinical Judgment Recognizes subtle changes in patient condition and intervenes appropriatelyBalances risks and benefits of interventions in high-acuity settingsEscalates care when clinical thresholds are exceededCollaboration Engages effectively with physicians, nurses, and ancillary staffFacilitates smooth handoffs across care settingsBuilds trust and rapport within high-performing clinical teamsComposure Performs effectively and functions calmly during high-stress scenarios, emergencies or rapid clinical deteriorationMaintains professionalism in emotionally charged patient or family interactionsModels calm decision-making in high-pressure environmentsPatient Focus Communicates diagnoses, procedures, and care plans clearly and empatheticallyAdvocates for patient needs and preferencesSupports patient experience and satisfaction goalsLearning on the Fly Integrates new surgical, procedural and clinical protocols and technologiesSeeks feedback to enhance clinical performanceAdapts to evolving surgical techniques and care modelsEDUCATION & EXPERIENCEMinimum Qualifications:Masters degree in Nursing or Physician Assistant StudiesLicensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) and Prescriptive Authority or Physician Assistant with Prescriptive AuthorityMinimum 2 years of relevant clinical experience in surgeryRelevant education or experience may be substituted where appropriatePreferred Qualifications:Masters or Doctoral degree with surgical focus2+ years of thoracic surgery experiencePrior experience in a tertiary or academic medical centerLICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONSRequired: Current Texas Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification with National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC)or PA licenseNational certification (ANCC/AANP for NP or NCCPA for PA)Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)Preferred:Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certificationAdvanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)Thoracic-specific continuing education or certification#healthstartshere4Salary Range:$133,000+ depending on qualificationsWORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENTStandard office equipmentRepetitive use of a keyboardMay be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above. Required QualificationsSalary Range :$133,000+ depending on qualificationsWORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENTStandard office equipmentRepetitive use of a keyboardMay be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.