Sanford Health·Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Provide comprehensive preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care for adult cardiovascular and thoracic surgery patients. Responsibilities include serving as a first assistant in the OR, managing ICU and inpatient care, and conducting outpatient clinic consults.
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.
8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Practice includes 3 full time Cardiothoracic surgeons and 3 full time APPs, looking to add a 4th full time APP.
The 4th APP will be utilized to provide practice wide support in the following ways:
First Assistant to all three surgeons in a variety of surgical cases including coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG), valve repair and replacements, aneurysm repairs, thoracic surgery, and more.
Learning the necessary skills for endoscopic vein and endoscopic radial artery harvesting for use in CABG.
In addition to the OR, APPs in the practice provide care for operative patients preoperatively and postoperatively including ICU and inpatient management.
Clinic responsibilities to include post-operative appointments as well as new patient consults.
Consult responsibilities include outpatient and inpatient surgical consults in conjunction with the surgeon.
Provide clerical support for the practice in the office (e.g.: in basket messages, phone calls, scheduling, medical leave paperwork) After completion of orientation, APP on call days include one to two days per week, one in four weekends per month and possible holiday coverage. Hours are 6:00-4:30 pm but will vary on clinical responsibilities assigned day to day.
This position offers the opportunity to work with a tight knit group of APPs and surgeons, learn a skillset that is unique to cardiothoracic surgery and rare among practicing APPs. Additionally, this career offers excellent work life balance unique to other areas.
The Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing care for adult patients undergoing cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. Working in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the multidisciplinary care team, the NP plays a critical role in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments, risk stratification, and patient education.
Participate in daily inpatient rounds, monitor clinical progress, and adjust care plans accordingly.
Perform procedures such as chest tube removal, wound care, central line removal, and suture/staple removal (as credentialed).
Manage post-op complications in collaboration with the attending surgeon.
Order and interpret diagnostic studies (labs, imaging, EKGs) and initiate appropriate interventions.
Facilitate discharge planning including medication reconciliation and patient teaching.
Serve as first or second assist in the operating room when required (if credentialed).
Coordinate care transitions between ICU, step-down, and medical-surgical units.
Provide handoffs to referring physicians and ensure follow-up continuity.
Conduct post-op follow-up visits in clinic, manage wound healing, monitor recovery, and address patient concerns.
Educate patients and families on procedures, recovery expectations, lifestyle modifications, and cardiac health.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Stay current with evidence-based guidelines and clinical protocols in CVTS care.
This position also provides on-call coverage outside of regularly scheduled hours.
Completion of a master’s, postmaster’s, or doctorate from an accredited nurse practitioner program accredited by the Commission on the Collegiate of Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. If Licensing prior to August 1, 1995, master's degree in nursing is preferred.
1–3 years of experience in cardiovascular/thoracic surgery, critical care, or surgical specialties strongly preferred
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.
Requires a master's or doctorate from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program and national board certification as an AGACNP or ACNP. Current RN and NP licensure, along with a DEA permit, are mandatory, with 1-3 years of specialty experience strongly preferred.
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.
