The Nurse Practitioner is a member of the intensive care team and has as his/her primary responsibility the management of critically ill complex patients in a cardiothoracic ICU setting. The NP has specialized skill and knowledge related to the unique Cardiothoracic ICU setting in which s/he practices and performs physical exams, collects and documents data, conducts approved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, orders and schedules laboratory studies and professional consultations, prescribes appropriate interventions and medications, and provides direct patient care services in a specific Cardiothoracic ICU, according to established protocols and utilizes evidence-based clinical practice standards. The NP contributes to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, consulting, and