Cardiac RN Transplant Coordinator

Tufts Medical Center is recognized by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing. Magnet® recognition is the highest and most prestigious credential a health care organization can achieve for nursing excellence and quality patient care. Magnet® recognition signals to nurses that the organization is committed to nursing. The nurses at Tufts Medical Center are integral to everything we do. They are often the first and most frequent point of contact for patients, playing a critically important role. Our nurses are well-supported, well-respected, and very well-appreciated, embracing an intense and fast-paced environment where responsibility and accountability begin immediately.

About the Role

The heart transplant registered nurse coordinator specializes in the care of advanced heart failure, cardiac transplant (pre and post), and VAD patients (pre and post). RNs actively participate in continuing education and quality initiatives to care for this complex patient population, including transplant team meetings such as QAPI and M&M. Team members collaborate with multiple disciplines across the continuum of patient care to create a holistic experience for patients. EKG arrhythmia interpretation, advanced hemodynamics, and VAD experience are required. Outpatient heart transplant coordinator experience is required; CCTC is preferred.

The role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders, including assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care needs of a designated group of patients. This position may direct the work of other lower-level professionals or manage processes and programs, requiring advanced knowledge typically acquired through education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes theoretical and evidence-based knowledge to partner with patients and their families to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate care.
• Assesses and collaborates with patients, families, and other disciplines to identify expected outcomes, cultural needs, and develop individualized care plans.
• Plans and develops:
  • Outcomes-based care plans incorporating patient and family readiness and barriers to learning.
  • Validates a plan of care for each shift and initiates interdisciplinary patient/family meetings.
  • Coordinates discharge plans using unit-based and community resources for seamless transitions.
  • Ensures the plan of care incorporates principles of project, organizational, or systems management.
• Implements the plan of care safely and timely, documents modifications, and collaborates with nursing colleagues and others.
• Provides and coordinates health teaching for individuals, families, and groups to maintain optimal health levels.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of planned strategies in relation to patient responses and updates the plan of care as needed.
• Demonstrates and applies critical thinking skills to implement evidence-based nursing interventions and procedures.
• Performs procedures and treatments using nursing knowledge and judgment, adhering to unit and hospital guidelines.
• Safely administers medications and assesses patient responses, utilizing knowledge of pharmacology and hospital standards.
• Maintains clinical competency with technology and equipment, ensuring safe usage.
• Acts as a patient and family advocate and educator, providing high-quality care efficiently and safely.
• Participates in hospital and unit-based patient safety and quality activities, using data trends to improve clinical practice.
• Engages in performance improvement activities through data collection, analysis, and evaluation.
• Champions quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and patient-family satisfaction.
• Facilitates cooperative and collaborative relationships among disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery.
• Delegates responsibilities appropriately based on others' roles, knowledge, and capabilities.
• Influences others to achieve service excellence by promoting a positive, professional, and respectful work environment.
• Participates in professional development and lifelong learning activities to maintain competence and enhance practice.
• May assume charge nurse functions in collaboration with unit leadership.
• Facilitates communication by sharing job-related information, promoting a culture of respect, and actively participating in staff meetings.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Certifications (e.g., ACLS, PALS) relevant to the department and type of care may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum:
  • EKG arrhythmia interpretation, advanced hemodynamics, and VAD experience.
  • Outpatient heart transplant coordinator experience.
• Preferred:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
  • Specialty nursing certifications (e.g., CCTC).

Skills

• Provides care to patients across the lifespan, considering aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.
• Interprets age-specific data and tailors care and communication accordingly.
• Applies critical thinking and evidence-based practice to nursing care.
• Demonstrates leadership as a delegator, collaborator, facilitator, and communicator.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking.
• Lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients and equipment.
• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
• Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, sick patients, bodily substances, noise, and possible exposure to radiation, lasers, or electric shock.
• Regular exposure to the risk of bloodborne diseases and other transmissible infections.
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances, including emergencies and crisis situations.
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations, irregular hours, and potential contact with hazardous materials.