Cardiac Surgery Nocturnist – Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant (NP/PA) - South Dakota

Cardiac Surgery Nocturnist – Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant (NP/PA)

Position Summary

The Cardiac Surgery Nocturnist Advanced Practice Provider provides overnight clinical coverage for patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. Working collaboratively with on-call cardiac surgeons and multidisciplinary care teams, this role focuses on postoperative management, urgent clinical evaluation, and continuity of care during nighttime hours in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) and step-down units.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide overnight clinical management of postoperative cardiac surgery patients

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and respond to acute changes in clinical status

• Manage postoperative issues including hemodynamics, arrhythmias, ventilation, fluid balance, and pain control

• Interpret diagnostic data including laboratory results, telemetry, imaging, and hemodynamic monitoring

• Manage invasive devices such as central and arterial lines, chest tubes, pacing wires, and surgical drains

• Initiate and adjust treatment plans in collaboration with the on-call cardiac surgeon

• Respond to emergencies including rapid response events and postoperative complications

• Coordinate care with nursing staff, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and consulting services

• Provide clear handoffs to daytime cardiac surgery teams

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation

• Participate in patient safety, quality improvement, and nighttime workflow initiatives

• Comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program

• Current NP or PA certification and state licensure

• Eligibility for hospital credentialing and privileging

• DEA registration or eligibility

• Prior experience in cardiac surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, critical care, or ICU-based care preferred

Skills and Competencies

• Strong critical care assessment and decision-making skills

• Knowledge of cardiac surgical procedures and postoperative management

• Ability to manage high-acuity patients independently overnight

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills

• Ability to function effectively in fast-paced, high-stress environments

• Commitment to evidence-based practice and patient safety

Work Environment

• Cardiovascular intensive care units, step-down units, and inpatient hospital settings

• Night shift, including weekends and holidays as required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and respond rapidly throughout clinical units

• Manual dexterity for procedural and bedside clinical tasks

• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient monitoring and emergency response