Advanced Practice Provider (PA or APRN) - Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Nurse Practitioner & Physician Assistant to support the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (TCVS), a highly specialized team focused on delivering advanced surgical and oncology care to complex patient populations. The Nurse Practitioner & Physician Assistant will work on the P7 Thoracic Surgery inpatient floor, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to manage high-acuity patients and provide comprehensive care across the continuum.

The Advanced Practice Provider plays a vital role in advancing the mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to eliminate cancer through exceptional patient care, research, and education. In this role, the Nurse Practitioner & Physician Assistant will contribute to a compassionate, collaborative environment supporting patients and families while delivering high-quality clinical outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a background in oncology, experience working with complex patient populations such as ICU or SICU patients, and familiarity with surgical patient management; candidates with approximately two years of experience are preferred, though new graduates with strong relevant clinical training and foundational certifications will also be considered.

Salary Range: Minimum $117,500.00 - Midpoint $146,500.00- Maximum $176,500.00
The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday 6:30a - 3:30p with a rotation schedule for Saturdays with one flex day during the week.
Work Location: P7 Thoracic Surgery inpatient floor (on-site)

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of oncology and surgical care, supporting patients with complex needs while collaborating with leading experts in thoracic surgery. The position fosters professional growth through exposure to advanced clinical practices, research opportunities, and an environment grounded in compassion, teamwork, and excellence, with a structured schedule that promotes work-life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Key Responsibilities
Clinical Expertise & Medical Knowledge
• Apply advanced understanding of pathophysiology, patient presentation, differential diagnosis, and disease prevention
• Deliver clinical care incorporating surgical principles and medical management strategies
• Evaluate and manage pharmacologic treatments, including indications, contraindications, and adverse reactions
• Demonstrate knowledge of evolving biomedical and clinical sciences relevant to thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
Patient Care Delivery
• Provide direct and indirect care to complex oncology and surgical patients, including ICU and SICU populations
• Deliver patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care across the healthcare continuum
• Educate patients and families on disease processes, treatments, and preventive care strategies
• Promote wellness and support care plans that maintain or improve patient health outcomes
Professional Collaboration & Conduct
• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care
• Maintain professional accountability, ethical practice, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards
• Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse patient populations and uphold high standards of responsibility
• Commit to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence
Practice-Based Learning & Improvement
• Analyze clinical practice and medical literature to support continuous improvement
• Participate in evaluation and improvement of patient care processes
• Apply scientific research findings to clinical decision-making and patient management
System-Based Practice
• Utilize healthcare resources efficiently while maintaining quality patient care
• Advocate for patients navigating complex healthcare systems
• Promote a safe care environment and participate in addressing system-based issues impacting outcomes

EDUCATION

Required
Degree requirements as defined by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) or Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners (TSBPAE) as required for clinical licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant.

Work Experience
Required: APP with 2+ years of experience in a surgical oncology setting for high complex patients
Preferred: Thoracic Surgery experience

Licensure/Certification
REQUIRED: Written authorization from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) or Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners (TSBPAE) to function as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant. Related authorization must be consistent with clinical practice area and patient population. Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. MAY BE REQUIRED: Eligible to be granted limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas.

PREFERRED: American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification as required by patient care area

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 181364
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 117,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 146,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 176,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: No

#LI-Onsite