Advanced Practice Professional (APP)

Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) – General Cardiology

High Desert Heart & Vascular Location: Meridian, Idaho Job Type: Full-Time Salary: $115,000–$135,000 per year

Position Summary

High Desert Heart & Vascular is seeking a compassionate and motivated Advanced Practice Provider (APP)-either a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA)-to join our growing cardiology team. This position provides a bridge between nursing or clinical support and specialized physician care, delivering comprehensive cardiovascular care in both outpatient clinic and inpatient hospital settings in collaboration with board-certified cardiologists and healthcare professionals.

The APP will evaluate, diagnose, and manage acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions, support procedural and post-procedural care, assist with hospital discharges, lead independent follow-up and new-patient consultation clinics, and provide patient education designed to improve long-term cardiovascular health outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Perform comprehensive cardiovascular assessments, including medical histories, physical examinations, and risk evaluations.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions, including:
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart failure
• Hypertension
• Arrhythmias
• Valvular heart disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Hyperlipidemia
• Amyloidosis
• Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
• Develop and monitor evidence-based treatment plans, adjusting medication regimens as needed based on patient response and clinical guidelines within the APP scope of practice.
• Order, interpret, and communicate results from diagnostic testing, including:
• Electrocardiograms (ECGs/EKGs)
• Echocardiograms
• Stress testing
• Cardiac monitoring studies
• Laboratory testing
• Cardiac imaging
• Pre- and post-testing and procedure education, including risks and benefits.
• Prescribe, titrate, and manage medications for cardiovascular conditions within scope of practice and established protocols.
• Perform inpatient rounding and coordinate post-procedure patient care.
• Facilitate hospital discharges, ensuring continuity of care and appropriate follow-up.
• Conduct preoperative cardiac risk stratification to assess surgical risk for patients undergoing non-cardiac procedures.
• Lead independent clinics for follow-up visits and new-patient consultations as appropriate.
• Monitor treatment outcomes and adjust care plans as needed.

Collaboration and Care Coordination

• Coordinate care between cardiologists, other physicians, nursing staff, hospitalists, primary care providers, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Coordinate patient care across inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Make appropriate referrals to community resources and other interdisciplinary providers.
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff regarding cardiovascular disease management and treatment protocols.
• Act as a liaison for physicians, in-house and in the community, when communicating with patients and families.
• Cover other providers' task baskets and PAQ during their absences to support timely patient care and practice continuity.
• Participate in multidisciplinary discussions and care planning.

Patient Education and Advocacy

• Educate patients and families regarding cardiovascular diagnoses, treatment options, medications, and disease management.
• Promote heart-healthy lifestyle modifications, including:
• Nutrition and weight management
• Exercise recommendations
• Smoking cessation
• Counsel patients on preventive cardiovascular care and risk reduction.
• Advocate for patients while ensuring understanding of treatment plans and available resources.

Documentation and Quality Improvement

• Complete accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and organizational standards.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinical performance measures.
• Stay current with advances in cardiology through continuing education and professional development.
• Participate in research initiatives and practice improvement projects as applicable.

Qualifications

Required Education and Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited:
• Nurse Practitioner program or
• Physician Assistant program
• Licensed in the State of Idaho as an Advanced Practice Provider.
• Accreditation through a recognized certifying body, such as ANCC, AANP, or NCCPA.
• Current DEA registration or ability to obtain.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification; EKG interpretation, stress test supervision, and medication titration experience preferred.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of cardiology experience preferred; strong candidates with relevant internal medicine, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, or critical care experience may be considered.
• Experience evaluating and managing cardiovascular patients in either inpatient or outpatient settings preferred.
• Familiarity with cardiac medications, diagnostics, and evidence-based cardiovascular treatment guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and independent decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to patient-centered care and quality outcomes.
• Proficiency with EMR systems and cardiovascular diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Work Schedule and Call

• Full-time position.
• Combination of outpatient clinic and outpatient hospital responsibilities.
• Take night call for the practice on a rotating basis with physician backup.
• No routine overnight hospital coverage.
• Attend all regularly scheduled staff meetings and quarterly physician meetings.
• Participate in annual peer evaluations.
• Earn CMEs as appropriate to maintain compliance with state and national licenses and maintain all licensures on time.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout clinic and hospital environments for extended periods.
• Ability to assist patients as needed.
• Occasional travel between practice and hospital locations may be required.
• May encounter emergency situations requiring rapid assessment and decision-making.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $115,000–$135,000 annually
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• CME allowance and paid CME time
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Malpractice coverage

Work Location

In Person Meridian, Idaho 83646

High Desert Heart & Vascular is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to providing exceptional cardiovascular care while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for our providers and staff.