BH Mechanical Circulatory Support RN Coordinator

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for coordinating comprehensive, specialized care for advanced heart failure patients who are candidates for ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy and following VAD implantation. Essential in day-to-day functionality of the program, with primary job roles including scheduling, education and regulatory compliance.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Collaborates in the development, implementation and maintenance for all aspects of VAD (MCS) patient care with physicians and a multidisciplinary team, in collaboration with the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator.

3. *Coordinates and assists in the management of the care of high-risk patient populations throughout the continuum; including but not limited to, evaluations, treatments and follow-up care, in collaboration with the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator.

4. *Responsible for tracking patient data and aftercare for all VAD patients, in collaboration with (or absence of) the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator.

5. *Responsible for coordinating and scheduling all appointments for the program, including standard follow up appointments with labs, echocardiography, APP appointments and VAD physician appointments, as well as any urgent appointments or outpatient studies needed.

6. *Responsible for assisting in coordination of the Joint Commission disease specific certification process and visits, in collaboration with (or absence of) the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator.

7. Facilitates interaction between our partnership and the chosen transplant center, in collaboration with (or absence of) the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator.

8. *Ensures compliance with the worldwide INTERMACS registry, in collaboration with (or absence of) the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator.

9. *Works closely with the VAD surgeons, heart failure cardiologists and the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator to advance the program's interest throughout the region Bryan Heart serves.

10. Organizes and leads heart failure patient selection conferences in conjunction with our transplant center partnership to evaluate new patients and follow-up on prior patients, in collaboration with (or absence of) the MCS Advanced Practice Provider(s) or Program Coordinator.

11. *Maintains Regulatory Compliance with the Joint Commission, INTERMACS and the FDA to keep program in good standing.

12. Maintains day-to-day VAD equipment management, both capital and reusable equipment, including maintaining accurate records in Thoratec Connect equipment management program.

13. *Maintains role of Nurse Educator/Navigator for all inpatient and outpatient patient VAD education.

14. *Maintains role of Nurse Educator/Navigator for hospital wide VAD education and competency, with ongoing documentation and communication to nursing leaders.

15. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

16. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

17. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient's growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of professional nursing theory, regulations and practices in giving and evaluating patient care.

4. Knowledge of medical clinic safety hazards and precautions.

5. Knowledge of medications and their possible effects on patients.

6. Knowledge of corporate compliance plan.

7. Skill in applying current principles, methods and techniques of professional nursing in the use of a variety of medications and treatments to provide quality care.

8. Skill in organizing and prioritizing work.

9. Skill in identifying problems and recommending solutions.

10. Skill in preparing/maintaining records, writing reports and responding to phone calls and correspondence.

11. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

12. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

14. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

15. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

16. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

17. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the Nebraska Board of Nursing is required. Two (2) years of experience in acute care or with advanced heart failure care is required. Prior VAD experience preferred. Active membership with International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) or other MCS related national group desired. Ventricular Assist Device Certification (VAD-C ) required following one (1) year of employment and experience.