LCMC Health·Metairie, Louisiana
Serve as a first assist during complex cardiovascular and thoracic surgical procedures while managing patient care from pre-operative evaluations to post-operative recovery. Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to implement treatment plans and provide inpatient rounding and consult support.
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Physician Assistant / First Assist – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery (CVT) East Jefferson General Hospital | Metairie, Louisiana Advance your surgical career with one of the region's leading heart and vascular programs.
East Jefferson General Hospital, a proud member of LCMC Health, is seeking a highly skilled Physician Assistant / First Assist to join our growing Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery (CVT) team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside experienced cardiovascular surgeons in a collaborative, high-acuity environment dedicated to exceptional patient outcomes.
As a key member of the surgical team, you will provide comprehensive patient care across the continuum—from pre-operative evaluations and inpatient management to assisting in complex cardiovascular and thoracic surgical procedures.
What You'll Do Surgical First Assist Responsibilities Serve as First Assist during cardiovascular and thoracic surgical procedures Assist with surgical exposure, tissue handling, hemostasis, suturing, wound closure, and other operative duties as directed by the surgeon Participate in preoperative planning and postoperative management Assist with surgical/procedural consent preparation and patient education Pre-Op, Intra-Op, Post-Op, Inpatient Rounding and Clinics.
On Call for Nights and Weekends as needed.
Clinical Practice Obtain comprehensive patient histories and perform physical examinations Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians Order and interpret diagnostic tests, laboratory studies, and imaging as delegated Evaluate patient progress and monitor therapeutic interventions Perform procedures within scope of practice including wound care, suturing, and follow-up care Provide inpatient rounding and consult support Coordinate referrals and communicate findings with physicians and multidisciplinary care teams Collaboration & Patient Care Partner with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care Assist with telephone triage and patient follow-up Serve as a clinical resource and educator for staff and patients Participate in quality improvement initiatives, committees, and patient care projects Professional Development & Research Support departmental research initiatives and evidence-based practice Maintain current knowledge of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery advancements Participate in continuing education and professional development activities Maintain all required certifications and licensure
Education Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program (MS-PAS) Licensure & Certifications Current Louisiana Physician Assistant license through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners Current NCCPA Certification Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association Preferred Experience Previous experience in cardiovascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, or surgical first assisting preferred Strong clinical assessment and procedural skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced surgical environment Excellent communication and teamwork abilities Why East Jefferson General Hospital? At East Jefferson General Hospital, you'll be part of a nationally recognized healthcare organization committed to innovation, excellence, and compassionate care. As part of LCMC Health, you'll enjoy: Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits Collaborative physician-led environment Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education State-of-the-art surgical facilities and technology The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients throughout the Greater New Orleans community Join Our Team If you're a motivated Physician Assistant who enjoys both complex surgical cases and direct patient care, we invite you to bring your expertise to our Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery team at East Jefferson General Hospital. WORK SHIFT: Variable Hours (United States of America) LCMC Health is a community. Our people make health happen. While our NOLA roots run deep, our branches are the vessels that carry our mission of bringing the best possible care to every person and parish in Louisiana and beyond and put a little more heart and soul into healthcare along the way. Celebrating authenticity, originality, equity, inclusion and a little “come on in” attitude is the foundation of LCMC Health’s culture of everyday extraordinary About East Jefferson General Hospital East Jefferson General Hospital, a landmark of LCMC Health’s incredible community of care, has been the go-to hospital for health, wellness, and one-of-a-kind care in East Jefferson Parish for over 50 years. And we’re only beginning to realize our greatest potential. Learn more about East Jefferson General Hospital and our legacy, our future, and our national recognition as a Nurse Magnet Hospital. Your extras Deliver healthcare with heart. Give people a reason to smile. Put a little love in your work. Be honest and real, but with compassion. Bring some lagniappe into everything you do. Forget one-size-fits-all, think one-of-a-kind care. See opportunities, not problems – it’s all about perspective. Cheerlead ideas, differences, and each other. Love what makes you, you - because we do You are welcome here. LCMC Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The above job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. LCMC Health reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Simple things make the difference. 1. To get started, take your time to fully and accurately complete the application for employment. Incomplete applications get bogged down and are often eliminated due to missing information. 2. To ensure quality care and service, we may use information on your application to verify your previous employment and background. 3. To keep our career applications up-to-date, applications are inactive after 6 months and, therefore, require a new application for employment to be completed. 4. To expedite the hiring process, proof of citizenship or immigration status will be required to verify your lawful right to work in the United States.
Requires a Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program and a current Louisiana PA license. Must hold NCCPA certification and BLS certification, with previous experience in cardiothoracic or vascular surgery preferred.
Market context
Advanced-practice roles in Louisiana often draw steady demand in clinical settings that need experienced patient assessment, prescribing, and care coordination. These positions are competitive because employers typically want candidates who already hold, or can quickly obtain, a Louisiana PA or NP license plus DEA and DOT credentials; benefits such as PTO, dental, disability, life insurance, and EAP support are also common considerations. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your licensure timeline before applying.