Location & Practice Overview

This advanced practice role is based at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pennsylvania, within the LVPG-L Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery department of the Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute. The position provides non-surgical clinical coverage in an inpatient critical care environment focused on postoperative cardiothoracic patients.

Facility Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
Department LVPG-L Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery
Care Setting 11-bed cardiothoracic surgery ICU (Open Heart Unit)
Practice Model Non-surgical advanced practice coverage
Work Arrangement Onsite

Responsibilities

  • Manage postoperative medical care for cardiac and thoracic surgery patients in collaboration with attending cardiothoracic surgeons and non-surgical providers
  • Perform initial clinical evaluations, comprehensive histories, and physical examinations on assigned patients
  • Place invasive monitoring lines, including central venous catheters, arterial access, and dialysis lines
  • Support clinical management of patients requiring ECMO and LVAD therapy
  • Educate patients and families regarding the inpatient treatment and recovery process
  • Participate in departmental quality improvement activities, clinical education initiatives, and relevant research projects

The CRNP contributes to coordinated inpatient care continuity while performing bedside procedures associated with cardiothoracic surgical recovery.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate prior independent clinical practice as an advanced practice clinician. Applicants should confirm Pennsylvania CRNP authorization requirements directly with the employer, as the posting references medical license language alongside the CRNP classification.

Education
Graduation from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program
Board Status
Board Eligible or Board Certified
Licensure
Valid Pennsylvania authorization or ability to obtain
Experience
Previous independent clinician practice required
Preferred Background
ICU or critical care experience

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation aligns with specialized cardiothoracic critical care advanced practice roles in the Allentown market. Confirmed professional supports are listed below; additional details may be available during the application process.

  • Compensation: $120,000–$150,000 per year
  • Malpractice insurance with tail coverage
  • Dedicated CME time and CME allowance
  • Eligibility for a starting bonus
  • Relocation assistance, if applicable

Schedule & Work Environment

Employment Type Full-time
Shift Length 13-hour shifts
Rotation Pattern Two weeks days followed by two weeks nights
Weekend Coverage Two weekends per month
Work Setting Onsite cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit

Patient Population & Clinical Setting

The role centers on adults recovering from complex cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures who require intensive medical management in a dedicated open-heart critical care unit.

Patient Type Postoperative cardiothoracic surgical inpatients
Acuity Level High-acuity critical care
Clinical Complexity Patients needing advanced cardiovascular support and invasive hemodynamic monitoring
Unit Capacity 11-bed Open Heart Unit

Clinical Focus & Key Services

The position concentrates on non-surgical medical management within cardiothoracic critical care, emphasizing advanced circulatory support and invasive monitoring for patients after cardiac and thoracic operations.

Postoperative Cardiac Care Medical management following cardiac surgical procedures
Thoracic Surgery Support Clinical care after thoracic surgical procedures
Advanced Circulatory Support ECMO and LVAD management
Invasive Monitoring Hemodynamic access and related bedside procedures

Role Highlights

This cardiothoracic CRNP opportunity offers a dedicated advanced practice position within Lehigh Valley Health Network's specialized Open Heart Unit. The clinical environment combines focused postoperative cardiac and thoracic care with exposure to advanced mechanical circulatory support. Its structured day-and-night rotation and integration into a dedicated cardiothoracic surgery department distinguish it from general hospital-based nurse practitioner positions.

  • Dedicated advanced practice position within an 11-bed cardiothoracic Open Heart Unit
  • Specialized inpatient practice focused exclusively on cardiac and thoracic surgical recovery
  • Clinical exposure to advanced mechanical circulatory support, including ECMO and LVAD
  • Integrated practice alongside attending cardiothoracic surgeons and other advanced practice clinicians
  • Structured two-week daytime and two-week nighttime rotation within a full-time ICU coverage model

About Lehigh Valley Health Network

Lehigh Valley Health Network is a regional health system serving eastern Pennsylvania. It operates multiple hospital campuses and specialty institutes, including the Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, which delivers advanced cardiovascular services such as TAVR and complex mitral valve repair. LVHN is part of Jefferson Health and maintains Magnet recognition for nursing excellence at its hospitals.

Organization Type Integrated health network
Primary Region Eastern Pennsylvania / Lehigh Valley
Key Institute Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute
Flagship Campus Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
System Affiliation Part of Jefferson Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior ICU experience mandatory for this CRNP role?
ICU experience is preferred but not listed as a strict requirement. Previous independent clinical practice as an advanced practice clinician is required.
Does this position involve surgical first-assist or operating room duties?
No. The role is designated as non-surgical clinical coverage focused on medical management of postoperative patients in the cardiothoracic ICU.
What procedural skills are expected in the Open Heart Unit?
Responsibilities include placement of central venous catheters, arterial lines, and dialysis access as part of invasive monitoring and bedside care.
How does the day/night rotation work?
The schedule alternates two consecutive weeks of daytime 13-hour shifts with two consecutive weeks of nighttime shifts, plus two weekends per month.
Who should candidates contact for clarification on licensing language?
Stephanie Hubler, Supervisor of Clinician Onboarding, is identified as a contact. Applicants should verify Pennsylvania CRNP authorization details directly with LVHN before applying.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) in Allentown, PA

Lehigh Valley Health Network offers a Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) opportunity in Allentown, Pennsylvania, within its specialized cardiac and thoracic surgery service. Based at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, this position is situated in an 11-bed Open Heart Unit serving patients recovering from complex cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. The clinical environment is part of the Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, providing a focused setting for advanced practice clinicians working in postoperative cardiothoracic critical care. The position also involves exposure to specialized treatment pathways involving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), distinguishing this opportunity from general acute care nurse practitioner positions.

Submit Application

Apply for This Position Submit your application through MedCareerHub USA or the official LVHN careers site