Locum - Nurse Practitioner - Surgery - Cardiothoracic Tacoma, WA

Join Our Esteemed Team as a Locum Nurse Practitioner – Surgery (Cardiothoracic) in Tacoma, WA


Elevate your healthcare career by providing expert surgical support at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s renowned Cardiothoracic Surgery department. We are seeking a dedicated, skilled Nurse Practitioner to deliver exceptional patient care in a dynamic inpatient setting. This pivotal role contributes directly to life-saving surgeries and postoperative management, ensuring top-tier outcomes for our patients in Tacoma, WA.


Key Responsibilities:

• Provide pre-operative assessments and post-operative care for cardiothoracic patients


• Assist as a first assistant in the operating room during complex coronary artery bypass, valve surgeries, aortic reconstructions, and robotic thoracic procedures


• Perform minimally invasive procedures, including VATS, robotic-assisted surgeries, endoscopic vein harvest, and open radial artery harvest


• Manage ICU and step-down units, handling emergent procedures as needed


• Conduct daily rounds, discharge summaries, and urgent clinic visits


• Support in patient resuscitation and emergency interventions including chest tube and arterial line insertions


• Participate in night, weekend, and holiday call to ensure continuous patient care coverage

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in cardiothoracic surgery assisting or advanced practice nursing within a surgical setting


• Proficiency in robotic thoracic procedures and minimally invasive techniques


• Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills


• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies


• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Nice to Have Skills:

• Experience with EPIC EMR systems


• Prior work with hybrid and complex thoracic procedures


• Familiarity with ICU and step-down management of postoperative patients


• Training or background in robotic-assisted surgeries and thoracic case management

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or higher


• Valid Nurse Practitioner license in Washington State


• Certification as an Acute Care or Family Nurse Practitioner


• At least 2 years of recent cardiothoracic surgical experience, including robotic procedures

Other Requirements:

• Credentialing to be completed within 10 days of the start date


• Ability to work variable hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays


• Willingness to carry a pager and respond to emergent needs


• Valid provider liability insurance covering the duration of the assignment


• Must be willing to participate in training for robotic procedures if necessary

Compensation and Schedule:

• Competitive hourly pay rate (to be confirmed upon application)


• Weekly direct deposit payments


• Benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, paid sick leave, licensure and certification reimbursements, and travel support


• Schedule typically involves 3-4 weekdays with on-call responsibilities, including weekend shifts

Step into a rewarding role that combines clinical excellence with meaningful impact. If you are a committed Nurse Practitioner eager to contribute to advanced cardiothoracic care, we encourage you to apply now and become part of our dedicated healthcare team.


VHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (“EEO”)/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/E-Verify Employer and welcomes all to apply #LiveYourLife