RN Navigator Heart Failure VAD

Location: 399 9th Street North, Naples, FL, 34102
Work type: Full Time, 8-hour day

About NCH

NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care. NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System™ and we’re proud to:

• Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence
• Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships
• Have endowed chairs
• Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials
• Partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan

Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH—for you and every person we serve together.

About the Role

The RN Navigator Heart Failure/VAD works independently to plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care in patient care situations using standards of care, policy, and procedure in conjunction with the Heart Failure Department and other members of the Heart Failure Team. Provides direct nursing care to patients, assumes teaching and leadership responsibilities for heart failure and ventricular assist device (VAD) patients. Participates in shared decision making, referrals, and heart failure/VAD activities.

Responsibilities

• Works directly with the heart failure physician(s) to provide care to heart failure/VAD patients.
• Coordinates the referral process and introduction of patients into the Heart Failure/VAD Program.
• Employs patient teaching to promote health and safety; evaluates progress toward outcomes.
• Practices ethically.
• Receives incoming referrals from physicians and hospitals and responds quickly to ensure rapid access into the system.
• Triages referrals according to written criteria to meet patients’ needs on a priority level.
• Communicates back to referring physicians and hospitals the plans for acceptance into the program.
• Educates the patient and family regarding the referral process, steps of evaluation, and keeps them informed throughout the entire process.
• Demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting.
• Collaborates with patient, family, the inter-professional team, and others in the conduct of nursing practice.
• Utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide nursing services that are safe, effective, and financially responsible.
• Practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner.
• Manages inpatient and outpatient responsibilities for the nursing care of patients.
• Works in collaboration with providers and clinic staff to assure a smooth transition of patients during preadmission, hospitalization, preparation for discharge, and outpatient services.
• Develops VAD Program and policies with Section Head of Heart Failure Program.
• Performs thorough assessments of the patient as required by policy to determine qualifications for the procedure (clinical, psychosocial, surgical risk scoring, frailty, mobility, KCCQ, etc.).
• Schedules and manages, according to protocols, appropriate testing that completes the assessment process (e.g., Cardiac Cath, TTE, TEE) and reviews with the Heart Failure/VAD team members.
• Follows all protocols for documentation and maintenance of any databases related to the Heart Failure/VAD Program.
• Participates in and coordinates outreach to current and potential referring physicians.
• Oversees internal staff education and competencies and serves as a resource to all nursing units for the care of this patient population.
• Manages the healthcare of patients with VADs.
• Assists in obtaining medications and supplies from appropriate sources according to patients’ insurance coverage.
• Manages supplies in hospital and office in conjunction with supply chain.
• Develops and implements educational materials for patients and families, ensuring consistency in information presented and considering their learning needs and barriers to learning; documents the education provided.
• Maintains currency with all required compliance training programs.
• Maintains a commitment to professional growth and competency, including pursuit of related certifications.
• Assists in the coordination of a post-discharge clinic to evaluate patient progress toward expected outcomes and identify any care issues.
• Maintains quality database and identifies and facilitates solutions to quality issues arising from VAD quality data.
• Actively participates in research projects related to the Heart Failure/VAD Program as directed by faculty and administration.
• Identifies potential topics for research related to the program.
• Stays up to date on current literature and studies pertaining to the Heart Failure/VAD Program and serves as the primary resource to share this information with others.
• Provides written reports as requested to support research projects.
• Regularly networks with other organizations regarding Heart Failure/VAD programs and participates in conferences and educational forums to ensure the most up-to-date evidence-based standards are followed.
• Maintains and updates protocols for care of heart failure/VAD patients based on evidence.
• Maintains a database of clinical protocols for reference and review on a recurring basis (at least annually) to assure quality outcomes.
• Develops and assists with the implementation of outpatient components/protocols of care for patients and families.
• Navigates and coordinates major aspects of care delivery for the Heart Failure/VAD Program patients.
• Maintains open communication with leadership at NCH Healthcare Systems, including NCH Physician Group, regarding quality improvement, protocols, and finances (e.g., facilitates a quarterly Quality and Finance meeting).

Requirements

• BSN preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in cardiac care required.
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Florida.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills; ability to maintain flexibility.
• Intermediate computer knowledge: proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.