Acute Care Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant – Thoracic Cardiovascular ICU

About the role

Ochsner Health is seeking an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join the Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgical ICU team. This full‑time position works in a collaborative model with residents, fellows, attendings, and staff to provide critical care for severely ill patients.

Key responsibilities

• Provide primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization, and ongoing care for critically ill patients.
• Teach and mentor residents, medical students, and staff; participate in staff development and education.
• Collaborate with the Medical Director, PCCs, staff nurses, and discharge coordinators on patient care planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Deliver patient and family education, discharge planning, and community outreach as needed.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Nursing OR Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from an approved program.
• Current APRN license (Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner) with ANCC or AANPCP certification, OR active Physician Assistant license with NCCPA certification.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
• Eligible for prescriptive authority in the state of practice.
• Preferred: 3 years of related clinical experience; required: none.

Required skills

• Proficient computer skills, including Windows‑style applications and data entry.
• Effective verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (24/7, weekends, holidays, on‑call) and reliable transportation for travel between facilities.