Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Coordinator

Job Overview

The Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Coordinator is responsible for working collaboratively with the VAD Team in the coordination and management of advanced heart failure patients with an implanted VAD. This role involves coordinating patient care across multiple areas to ensure continuity of care across settings, including heart failure, heart transplant, outpatient clinic, inpatient nursing unit, and the community. The coordinator develops and maintains a variety of internal and external relationships to effectively perform these responsibilities. Provides direct patient care, including educating patients and families about advanced heart failure and VAD, managing complex drug regimens, and monitoring patients’ clinical course and stability.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and document clinical data, including VAD management summaries, clinic visit notes, and patient education materials.
• Collaborate with medical staff and other health professionals to prepare patients and families for VAD implantation and ongoing management, ensuring continuity of care between inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Educate patients and families on heart failure and VAD management, including pre- and post-discharge planning and surgical procedures like pacemaker or defibrillator placement.
• Communicate with third-party payers to address medical necessity and benefits coverage for VAD patients.
• Cook up surgical and interventional procedures and assist in patient selection for organ transplantation according to guidelines.
• Conduct medication prior authorizations and manage information systems to ensure accurate data entry for VAD patients.
• Collaborate in developing protocols, guidelines, and comprehensive patient education programs to enhance VAD patient management.
• Ensure compliance with The Joint Commission, government agencies, and OPTN guidelines for VAD and transplant programs.
• Support and participate in clinical research projects by developing protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and incorporating findings into practice.
• Participate in and lead educational activities for healthcare professionals, community, and regional groups, including presentations and travel as needed.
• Maintain and expand professional knowledge in heart failure, VAD management, and transplantation through ongoing education and participation in professional organizations.
• Engage in professional development by identifying growth areas, attending relevant conferences, and staying updated on best practices in cardiovascular and transplant nursing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Experience: 3 years of recent pediatric cardiology experience including at least two years of heart failure experience. Cardiac ICU experience preferred. Recent VAD experience preferred.
• Certification(s): BLS/CPR from the American Heart Association with at least 6 months left before expiration is required upon hire. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Adult Advanced Life Support (ACLS) Pediatric cardiology-related certification required within six (6) months after hire per unit requirements
• Licensure(s): Current Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Colorado

Department

ECMO

Status

Full-time, 40 hours per week, eligible for benefits

Shift

In person, four 10-hour shifts per week (off day variable). On call nights/weekends/holiday per department policy (more details to be shared during interview process)

Departmental Information

This position is eligible for relocation assistance, if relocating from 100 miles or greater.

Benefits Information

Here, you matter. As a Children’s Hospital Colorado team member, you will receive a competitive pay and benefits package designed to take care of your needs that includes base pay, incentives, paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, company provided life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, 403b employer match (retirement savings), a robust wellness program, and access to professional development tools, including an education benefit to help you advance your career.

Colorado Residents

If you submit materials, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

EEO Statement

It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. Be aware that none of the questions are intended to imply illegal preferences or discrimination based on non-job-related information.