RN- Navigator: Iowa Heart Center

About the Role

At MercyOne, we believe health care extends beyond treating illness—it’s about improving the health of our communities and keeping you well. MercyOne Central Iowa leads the way in personalized and convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded in 1893, is Iowa’s largest medical center with 802 beds and one of the Midwest’s largest referral centers. With over 7,000 colleagues and nearly 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa’s largest employers.

MercyOne Iowa Heart Center Des Moines delivers advanced, high-quality cardiovascular care to central Iowa. Our team of experienced heart and vascular specialists diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of heart and vascular conditions with expertise and compassion. Located on the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center campus, we offer comprehensive inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular services.

As an RN-Navigator: Heart Failure, you will assist in developing and implementing a Center of Excellence for Heart Failure Management Program using evidence-based guidelines. This role focuses on promoting and navigating care transitions, providing support, education, and coordination for patients and their families. You will guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, advocate for their needs, and ensure efficient integration across care areas.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate care for heart failure patients throughout the continuum of care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
• Reconcile daily census to identify heart failure patients in the hospital and conduct daily rounds.
• Participate in patient education through assessment, needs evaluation, and discharge planning.
• Collaborate with physicians, primary nurses, coordinators, ancillary staff, and extended care providers to develop and execute the patient’s plan of care and final discharge plan.
• Act as an advocate for patients and families, providing follow-up support post-discharge at specified intervals.
• Conduct follow-up phone calls as required and participate in data collection for quality improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the heart failure team and serve as an alternate heart failure nurse as needed (in office or hospital settings).
• Provide patient and family education, including developing and updating educational materials.
• Collaborate with physicians, offices, staff, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care, coordination, and education.
• Work closely with the heart failure team and extended care providers (home health, skilled care, rehabilitation, outpatient physical therapy) to ensure quality 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 for small and large groups.
• Valid BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required within three months of hire (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers).

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Shift: 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 benefits, culture, and career development opportunities.