Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Worker Type: Regular
Work Shift: Primarily days with night, weekend, and holiday on-call involvement (United States of America)
At Avera Heart Hospital, you're not just joining a workplace - you're becoming part of a family. With more than 700 dedicated employees, we deliver care that truly makes a difference. Our commitment to excellence has earned us the distinction of being one of only a handful of hospitals nationwide - out of more than 4,000 - to achieve a double 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Position Highlights
Position Summary: The Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider (APP) functions as both a skilled surgical first assistant to the vascular surgery team and an independent/collaborative clinician in the outpatient vascular clinic.
This dual-role position requires advanced clinical judgment, technical proficiency in the operating room, and strong diagnostic and management skills in the clinic setting. The Vascular First Assist APP plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical and ambulatory care while supporting optimal patient outcomes across the continuum of care.
Responsibilities
Surgical First Assist Responsibilities (OR) • Act as first assistant in vascular surgical procedures, including open and endovascular cases. • Provide expert tissue handling, exposure, retraction, hemostasis, and suturing under surgeon direction. • Assist with vessel exposure, anastomosis preparation, and graft placement. • Participate in wound closure, dressing application, and intraoperative decision-making as appropriate. • Maintain sterile technique and anticipate surgical needs throughout the procedure. • Assist with intraoperative troubleshooting and complication management in collaboration with the surgeon.
Outpatient Vascular Clinic Responsibilities • Independently or collaboratively evaluate new and established vascular patients. • Perform focused history and physical examinations related to vascular disease. • Order, interpret, and act on appropriate diagnostic testing (e.g., duplex ultrasound, ABI, CTA, labs) in collaboration with supervising physicians. • Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans for conditions including: • Peripheral arterial disease • Carotid disease • Venous insufficiency and varicose veins • Wound care related to vascular disease • Postoperative follow-up care • Provide preoperative evaluations and surgical clearance coordination. • Conduct postoperative clinic visits including: • Wound assessment and management • Suture/staple removal when appropriate • Complication recognition and triage • Medication management and patient education • Counsel patients on: • Risk factor modification (smoking cessation, exercise, medication adherence) • Surgical vs. non-surgical treatment options • Expectations for recovery and long-term vascular health • Collaborate closely with vascular surgeons, vascular sonographers, and nursing staff. • Document thoroughly and accurately in the electronic medical record.
Education: Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program or Nurse Practitioner programs (MSN/DNP). Current, unrestricted PA license (state) with NCCPA certification or NP license (state) with national board certification (AANP/ANCC as applicable). Current DEA license for prescribing. BLS required; ACLS required or obtained within a defined onboarding period.
Experience: Minimum 1-2 years clinical experience as an APP in an inpatient and/or procedural setting or strong surgical rotation background with readiness to function in perioperative workflows. Prior APP experience in Vascular Surgery preferred. Prior first assist experience with vein harvest/endovascular preferred.