Avera Health·Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The APP serves as a surgical first assistant for vascular procedures and an independent clinician in the outpatient vascular clinic. Responsibilities include providing intraoperative technical support and managing the long-term care of patients with vascular diseases.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
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 employee, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Requires a graduate degree from an accredited PA or NP program with current state licensure and DEA certification. Candidates should have 1-2 years of clinical experience in an inpatient or procedural setting, preferably in vascular surgery.
Market context
Advanced-practice openings in South Dakota often reflect steady demand in emergency and rural care settings, where employers look for clinicians who can work independently and handle high-acuity cases. These roles are competitive because they typically require state licensure, ER experience, and current ACLS, PALS, and ATLS credentials. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly confirm fit, then verify your certifications and emergency experience before applying.
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