RN- Navigator: Iowa Heart Center

At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities — that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well. MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties.

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa’s largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest’s largest referral centers. With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa’s largest employers.

At MercyOne Iowa Heart Center Des Moines, we bring advanced, high-quality cardiovascular care to the heart of central Iowa. Our team of experienced heart and vascular specialists diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of heart and vascular conditions with advanced expertise and genuine care. Located on the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center campus, our Des Moines location offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular services.

About the role

As an RN Navigator: Heart Failure at MercyOne, you will assist with the development and implementation of a Center of Excellence for Heart Failure Management Program using evidence-based guidelines for recommended care. This position focuses on strategies to promote and navigate care transitions. The navigator provides support, education, and coordination of care for patients and their families, guiding them through the complexities of the health care system while acting as an advocate. You will communicate across health care areas to ensure systems integrate efficiently to best serve patients, staff, physicians, and the community.

The Heart Failure Navigator is experienced in cardiovascular nursing and the care of heart failure patients, integrating a working knowledge of diagnoses and procedures to assist patients in the outpatient setting, through hospital stay and rehabilitation, and post-acute care. You will coordinate patient care with other multidisciplinary team members and report to the Director of Cardiac Specialty Services in the Cardiovascular Service Line.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate care for all appropriate patients throughout the continuum of care from diagnosis through rehabilitation.
• Reconcile daily census for identifying heart failure patients in the hospital.
• Conduct daily rounds on heart failure patients.
• Participate in education through patient assessment, needs assessment, and initiation of discharge planning.
• Collaborate with the patient’s physician(s), primary nurse, coordinator, ancillary staff, and extended care providers throughout the patient’s hospital stay to coordinate the patient’s plan of care and final discharge plan.
• Participate in data collection and other quality improvement initiatives during hospitalization as directed.
• Act as an advocate for the patient and/or family.
• Provide follow-up support post-discharge at specified intervals, including required follow-up phone calls.
• Participate in data collection post-operatively and post-discharge as directed.
• Work collaboratively with the heart failure team and serve as an alternate heart failure nurse as needed (office or hospital).
• Provide patient/family education as directed and assist with reviewing, developing, and updating educational materials.
• Collaborate with physicians, offices, staff, and other multidisciplinary team members to facilitate continuity of care, coordination of care, and education.
• Work closely with the heart failure team and act as an alternate to the nurse when appropriate.
• Work cooperatively with extended care providers (home health, skilled care, rehabilitation, and outpatient physical therapy) to ensure quality patient outcomes.
• Participate in Joint Bundle committees as directed.

Requirements

• Registered nurse with a valid license in the State of Iowa.
• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field or actively pursuing one (BSN preferred).
• Two (2) years of related work experience required; four (4) years preferred.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to the population served within three (3) months of hire.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with small and large groups.
• Valid BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required within three (3) months of hire (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers).

Schedule

Full time, 40 hours a week, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. No weekends or holidays.

Benefits

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunities for growth throughout the system. Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care.