UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas, which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

Under the direction of the Division Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, incumbent functions as a provider of patient care in the fields of Cardiothoracic Surgery/Intensive Care Units. Provides full clinical support in the management of inpatient and outpatient procedures and clinical needs. Plans, implements and evaluates healthcare treatments for cardiac and thoracic surgery patients. Provides patient care on specific surgical in- and out-patient services. Functions as assistant in the outpatient clinics, and on the wards, all in coordination with established surgical services. Direct supervision will occur by assigned attending surgeons or chief residents.

The position requires a strong emphasis on the complete care of the cardiothoracic surgical patient, from pre- to peri- to post-op settings. Participates in ongoing research and/or quality assurance studies. Functions as liaison to counselors, social workers, research nurses. Position requires special knowledge, skills and abilities in the fields of cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery and wound care.

• Must be a graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program.

• California Registered Nurse (RN) license, California Nurse Practitioner (NP) license, and Furnishing License Certification.

• Current UCSD ART certification, or BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Current Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certification (AGACNP or ACNP).

• Must have recent Cardiothoracic Surgery NP experience; or Cardiothoracic Surgery floor or ICU RN experience.

• Theoretical background in: anatomy, physiology, general medicine, pulmonary, emergency and critical care medicine, management of common diseases, concepts of medicine and surgery, therapeutics including pharmacology, counseling techniques and interpersonal dynamics.

• Ability to perform initial history, and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• Skill to operate appropriate medical equipment, i.e., Swan-Ganz catheters, central venous pressure monitors, electrocardiograph machines, cardiac defibrillator, transducer systems, digital read-out equipment, and medical computer systems.

• Skills necessary to function as first assistant in operative procedures, and knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

• Ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner. Knowledge of operating room standards and techniques. Knowledge necessary for instructing housestaff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Writing skills to prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data and progress notes, as well as policies, procedures and protocols for patient care management.

• Ability to perform various medical procedures, for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology.

• Ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.

• Ability to properly counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate or death and dying situations.

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health care personnel.

• Ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with physicians in-charge, laboratory personnel, and members of the health care team.

• Ability to write orders regarding execution of inpatient, outpatient plans of treatment.

• Skill at providing clear written, verbal and telephone communication with a wide variety of people.

• Ability to assess the daily status and progress of patients and report this effectively to the physician in-charge and other medical care personnel associated with the patient.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patients care and well-being and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.

• Some weekend work may be required. Overtime required as needed.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment.

• Current UCSD NPIII employees may be hired at the NPIII level pending review and approval by Health Human Resources and the UCSD Advanced Practice Council.