PA or ACNP, Staff or Senior (Cardiac Surgery - Harrisburg Hospital)

UPMC Harrisburg is seeking a Full-Time Physician Assistant or Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) to support the Cardiac Surgery department at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, located at 111 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

About the Role

The ideal candidate has a strong interest and some experience in critical care and/or cardiac surgery, with about 2 years of Advanced Practice Provider (APP) experience. This inpatient-focused role involves managing a CTICU census of 6–10 patients, handling cardiac surgery cases, stat consults, and ER admissions. There is no outpatient call requirement.

Schedule

Shifts are 12 hours, either 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with 12 shifts per month (6 per pay period).

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care activities for a group of patients and their families through independent judgment, communication, and collaboration with the care team.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with physicians, other healthcare providers, patients, and families to achieve desired outcomes.
• Apply professional practice knowledge and skills appropriate for the setting, demonstrating critical thinking and effective communication.
• Formulate and implement individualized care plans based on patient needs.
• Demonstrate initiative in improving clinical practice and seek opportunities for professional development.
• Build relationships with patients, families, and colleagues while identifying ethical situations and seeking guidance.
• Actively engage in the clinical development of the healthcare team and accept increasing patient load and complexity.
• Identify patient and family education needs and provide basic education to support care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, demonstrating knowledge of how innovation impacts patient safety and satisfaction.
• Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity, workplace safety, and professional accountability.
• Perform procedural skills such as central and arterial line cannulation, ventilator management, airway management, and point-of-care ultrasound.
• Drive clinical leadership by identifying opportunities for innovation in care delivery and workflow improvement.

Requirements

• Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) or Physician Assistant (PA) with current state licensure and national certification.
• For CRNPs: Successful completion of an approved nurse practitioner program; BSN or MSN preferred; professional nursing and/or nurse practitioner experience preferred.
• For PAs: Graduate of an ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant program; BS or MS preferred; clinical experience preferred.
• Current CPR certification and ability to obtain required clearances (Act 33, 34, 73).
• Strong interest and some experience in critical care and/or cardiac surgery.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with executives, managers, providers, staff, and patients/families.
• Critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills related to patient care.
• Mobility, visual manual dexterity, and physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning of patients.

Qualifications (Senior Level)

• Minimum 3 years of experience or completion of a post-graduate residency.
• Solid/Strong/Good performance rating or higher on annual evaluations.
• Completion of an OAPP-approved professional contribution within one year of hire or promotion.
• Department chair approval for promotion.
• ACLS, ITLS, NALS, PALS, or other AHA-certified courses (didactic and skills components) within 30 days of hire.

Department Details

• 19-bed ICU with upwards of 1,000 cases per year.
• High level of autonomy with a Three Star STS Rating in three categories for the Cardiac Surgery division.
• Full specialty support and seamless care coordination through system-wide EPIC EMR.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay with merit and premium pay opportunities.
• Sign-on bonus available if applicable.
• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits (medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance).
• Exceptional retirement program.
• Work-life balance support: PTO, wellness programs, paid parental leave.
• Career path development for current and future positions.

Skills

• Central and arterial line cannulation, ventilator management, airway management, and point-of-care ultrasound (preferred).
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Strong clinical judgment and leadership in applying standards of practice.
• Commitment to community and healthcare profession.