VAD Program Coordinator-RN - Main Advanced Heart Failure - Full Time - Days

About the role

A Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Patient Coordinator is a clinical expert registered nurse who applies clinical expertise in evidence-based practice. The role integrates care with a multidisciplinary team (within the hospital, practice, and community) to facilitate VAD patient care from pre-implant through discharge and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates or supports implementation of the nursing process for VAD/Heart Failure (HF) patients as a clinical expert and consultant.
• Evaluates competency of clinical staff (inside and outside the hospital), patients, family members, physicians, and community health resources related to VAD care.
• Functions as Study Coordinator or Co-Investigator for national investigational studies related to VAD and HF; utilizes and communicates research to improve practice.
• Acts as case manager for all VAD patients from referral to implant through discharge, with ongoing case management thereafter.
• Manages equipment, supplies, policies, and procedures related to the VAD Program.
• Actively promotes improved relationships between patients, nursing staff, and internal/external customers to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrates leadership through professional contribution and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team and Program Manager.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures; makes sound decisions and handles situations not covered by written or verbal instructions.
• Interviews and screens patients prior to and during clinic appointments within scope of practice.
• Completes clinical evaluation of potential candidates for percutaneous valve implantation; provides preoperative patient and family education.
• Collaborates with Patient Financial Representatives regarding insurance coverage.
• Provides post-operative education to patients and families; serves as the primary resource for clinical and technical support (on call 24/7).
• Provides support and education, via phone or hands-on, to nursing staff and other health professionals regarding patient care.
• Maintains a database to provide reports to medical teams, the hospital, and others as requested.
• Actively participates in local and national meetings to exchange knowledge and information in cardiac surgery, including valve replacement techniques.
• Collects data required by the hospital, the FDA, and other regulatory bodies related to implanted devices and submits it to the appropriate agencies.
• Coordinates implantation lists and status changes, including forms completion and computer entry.
• Coordinates readmissions for patients requiring inpatient management due to complications.
• Develops and integrates new matrices and policies/procedures for the Percutaneous Valve (PV) Program with medical director oversight.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: BSN degree required; recent VAD experience will be considered. Minimally requires a BSN degree.

Experience: Two years of recent clinical nursing experience as a Registered Nurse, including two years in cardiology or cardiac surgery. Acute care experience (critical care, transplantation, VAD, or HF) is preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of computers and regulatory agency reporting requirements.
• Experience developing educational materials and providing education to patients and professionals.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrates compassionate behavior toward patients, staff, and the community.

Qualifications

• RN licensed in the State of Ohio required.
• Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain BLS and ACLS certifications.