Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider | Avera Heart Hospital

Responsibilities

• Surgical First Assist Responsibilities (OR): 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.
• Outpatient Vascular Clinic Responsibilities: 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.
• Develop And Implement Evidence-based Treatment Plans: For conditions including peripheral arterial disease, carotid disease, venous insufficiency and varicose veins, and wound care related to vascular disease.
• Provide Preoperative Evaluations and Surgical Clearance Coordination: Conduct postoperative clinic visits including wound assessment and management. Suture/staple removal when appropriate. Complication recognition and triage. Medication management and patient education.
• Counsel Patients: On 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.

Requirements

• 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.