Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA) / Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Location: Great Falls, MT
Job Type: Permanent
Company: Palm Careers
Category: Healthcare
Job Description Apply Now
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA) / Nurse Practitioner (NP) position offers an opportunity for an experienced advanced practice provider to become an integral member of a dedicated cardiothoracic surgery team in Great Falls, MT. This full-time role is designed for highly skilled professionals eager to work within a comprehensive and collaborative heart program, delivering leading-edge surgical, inpatient, and outpatient care to patients in need of specialized cardiovascular and thoracic services.
As a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP), you will participate in a full continuum of care, working closely with experienced surgeons and a multidisciplinary clinical team. The practice environment supports autonomy and professional growth, with ample opportunities to make a direct impact on patient outcomes and contribute to the ongoing expansion and success of the heart program. The facility is noted for its stability as a stand-alone, not-for-profit health system that prioritizes quality, patient-centered care for the community and region.
In this role, you will enjoy a blend of surgical and medical responsibilities, including extensive time in the operating room where you will first assist in procedures, perform vein harvesting (both traditional and endoscopic techniques), and manage complex intraoperative and postoperative tasks such as device removal, wound closure, and patient stabilization. You will also conduct hospital consults, participate in inpatient rounding (including specialized units such as the CVICU), and manage pre- and post-operative care in the outpatient clinic. The collaborative call schedule is shared among the surgeons and PA/NP colleagues, ensuring balanced workload distribution and robust support during all shifts.
Located in Great Falls, MT, this position offers the advantages of working in an area with a high quality of life, access to a regional tertiary center, and a supportive medical community. The health system features a broad range of specialty support and fosters provider wellness through comprehensive professional development and wellness programs. A competitive compensation package, generous paid time off, CME support, and retirement benefits are available to ensure career satisfaction and long-term growth for the Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA) / Nurse Practitioner (NP).
Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA) / Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Summary- Advanced practice provider role specializing in cardiothoracic surgery
- Full continuum of surgical and medical patient care
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with growth potential
- Position based in Great Falls, MT, within a not-for-profit health system
- Work directly with surgeons in the operating room with dedicated first assist duties
- Perform traditional and endoscopic vein harvesting
- Autonomously manage procedures in the OR when required
- Conduct surgical openings, closures, and removal of devices such as chest tubes, Swan-Ganz catheters, pacemaker wires, drains, and intra-aortic balloon pumps
- Provide inpatient care including hospital consults and rounding, particularly in CVICU
- Order and prescribe medications, manage treatment plans, and complete discharge summaries
- Deliver patient education and coordinate pre- and post-operative care in the outpatient clinic
- Participate in a shared call schedule with surgeons and PA/NP colleagues
- Competitive compensation structure with incentive bonus potential
- 28 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 dedicated CME days annually
- Annual CME allowance of $5,000 plus $1,000 for licensing and dues
- Retirement plan featuring 5-7% match and a 457b program
- Provider wellness programs and professional development resources
- Previous experience in cardiovascular/thoracic surgical settings is required
- Competence in both open and endoscopic vein harvesting techniques
- Strong background in critical care, including Pleur-evac and chest tube management
- Current licensure as a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) as applicable
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of patient safety and quality care
- Experienced advanced practice provider with a passion for cardiothoracic surgery
- Demonstrates both technical and clinical excellence in surgical and critical care settings
- Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to contribute to a growing heart program
- Values high quality, patient-focused care and continuous professional growth
- Regional tertiary center with robust specialty support including neurosurgery, pulmonology, neurology, endocrinology, rheumatology, advanced gastroenterology, and more
- Stand-alone, financially stable health system committed to serving the local and regional population
- Easy access to an international airport with direct flights to multiple major cities
- Inclusive, team-oriented culture that values provider well-being and community impact
- Equal opportunity employer (EEO); all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status
If you are a dedicated Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) seeking a rewarding career in a dynamic and supportive environment, we encourage you to apply today by clicking the job application button to take the next step in your professional journey.