Cardiac Surgery First Assist - Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (RNFA) - ** $10,000 Sign-on Bonus **

The Cardiac Surgery First Assist - Physician Assistant at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center is responsible for providing crucial support during cardiac surgeries, specifically in first and second assist roles. This includes conducting conduit harvesting and collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary surgical team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Furthermore, you'll share on-call duties within the team to provide continuous patient care.

To qualify for the Cardiac Surgery First Assist position at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, candidates must possess a Master’s degree as a Physician Assistant or as a Nurse Practitioner with RNFA certification. Additionally, Maryland licensure as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner, current Basic Life Support certification, and ideally two years of experience in cardiac surgery would make you an excellent fit for the role.

Working as a Cardiac Surgery First Assist at UM SJMC not only brings the opportunity to impact cardiac care positively but also offers a range of excellent benefits. These include competitive salaries, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid malpractice insurance, generous paid time off, CME leave, a CME allowance, and a retirement plan with an employer match.

Yes! The University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center offers a generous $10,000 sign-on bonus for experienced candidates applying for the Cardiac Surgery First Assist position. This is part of our commitment to attracting skilled professionals to our renowned cardiac surgical team.

The Cardiac Surgery First Assist position at UM SJMC involves a four ten-hour shifts per week schedule. This allows for ample time off within the week, aiding in work-life balance, while also ensuring that patient care is consistently managed through a shared on-call arrangement amongst team members.

When answering this question, be specific about the types of procedures you have assisted with, detailing your exact role. Mention any particular challenges you faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your technical skills and ability to work in a high-stakes environment.

In your response, emphasize your methodical preparation which includes reviewing the patient's medical history, confirming procedure details, and ensuring all necessary equipment and instruments are available. Highlight your teamwork with surgical staff to create an efficient operating room environment.

Discuss practical methods you employ to remain calm under pressure, such as deep breathing techniques or maintaining focus on your specific duties during surgery. Illustrate how this enables you to contribute effectively to the surgical team.

Be prepared to discuss a specific case where you encountered unexpected challenges. Detail your thought process and the actions you took, emphasizing your critical thinking skills and adaptability in a fast-moving environment.

You should articulate that qualities such as communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital, as these traits help in ensuring a smooth surgical process and optimal patient care. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in your work.

Talk about your commitment to continuous learning, such as attending workshops, subscribing to relevant medical journals, or participating in professional organizations. This shows your dedication to professional growth and improving patient care.

Discuss your training and hands-on experience in conduit harvesting, underlining any specific types of conduits you've harvested. Explain how this experience equips you for the complexities of cardiac surgery.

Emphasize the importance of communication and respect in a surgical team. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with surgeons, nurses, and other team members to enhance the surgical process.

Articulate that patient safety is paramount and discuss comprehensive strategies you employ to uphold high safety standards, like adhering to protocols, double-checking instruments, and advocating for patients throughout their surgery.

Share your passion for cardiac care and any personal stories or professional experiences that led you to this career path. This adds a personal touch to your interview and helps interviewers connect with your motivations.