Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Cardiac Surgery

Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (APRN) – Cardiac Surgery

Work where every moment matters.

About the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute

The Institute brings together cardiac care specialists to provide comprehensive services including prevention, treatment, surgery, and research. It has been recognized by the Joint Commission and other national awards.

Role Overview

The Institute is seeking a dynamic Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner APRN to join the growing Department of Cardiac Surgery under the direction of a cardiothoracic surgeon. Responsibilities include assisting cardiovascular surgical procedures, vessel harvesting, preoperative evaluation, postoperative care in outpatient settings, and patient education.

Also support patient care from admission to discharge across service lines, including Step‑Down unit and ICU. Duties involve managing multiple critically ill patients, performing comprehensive physical assessments, interpreting diagnostic results, managing hemodynamic and ventilator support, and performing invasive procedures such as arterial lines, central lines, chest tubes, feeding tubes, and pacer wire removal.

Scope of Practice

In collaboration with physicians and the care team, develop plans for further evaluation, refer appropriate specialists, and provide treatment within scope per protocols. Identify problems beyond scope and refer to physicians.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner APRN Master’s program.
• Licensed, or eligible to be licensed, as a PA or APRN in Connecticut.
• Certification, or eligible for certification, as a PA or APRN.
• 2+ years experience in cardiovascular surgery and/or in a critical‑care setting.
• First assistant experience, including endoscopic vein harvesting, preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Matching 401(k), tiered medical, dental and vision plans.
• Generous paid‑time off.
• Reimbursement for CME, professional society membership, licensure and malpractice.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• On‑boarding and ongoing mentorship.
• Access to the Office of Advanced Practice.
• Leadership development opportunities.

Location & Setting

SVMC 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06606 – inpatient cardiac surgical services.

Schedule: Full‑time salaried, rotating includes day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday coverage.