Registered Nurse – VAD Coordinator

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

The VAD coordinator is a designated member of the heart transplant and VAD team(s) and is primarily responsible for coordinating clinical aspects of care from the evaluation phase for bridge to transplant or destination therapy, through post procedure, including patient assessment, education, treatment and management. The incumbent solves complex clinical problems and communicates with attending surgeons, cardiologists, fellows and residents. He/She develops, implements and monitors the mechanical assist policies and processes to improve patient care and coordinates and collaborates with heart transplant coordinators if or when patient becomes transplant candidate.

Job Description

Must have BSN, ACLS, BLS

Minimum three (3) years experience in cardiovascular nursing, cardiac surgical nursing, cardiac transplantation, and/or care of patients with ventricular assist devices

Mon-Fri/8a-5p

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Licenses/Certifications: Registered Nurse with a current State of Texas license to practice professional nursing.Other required licenses and certifications are dependent on the modality/specialty of the incumbent:

• Pediatric VAD Coordinator:
  • Certified in PALS required

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Minimum three (3) years experience in cardiovascular nursing, cardiac surgical nursing, critical care nursing, cardiac transplantation, and/or care of patients with ventricular assist devices
• Ability to promote teamwork, build effective relationships, and lead/facilitate work groups; ability to develop and direct VAD program processes; ability to effectively operate clinic and hospital computer systems
• ACLS and BLS Support Provider
• Strong customer service skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Principal Accountabilities

• Provides coordination of care for patients requiring implantation of cardiac assist device including patients awaiting heart transplant or those having a device implanted as a permanent treatment; ensures that all pre-surgical radiological, diagnostics and consults are completed prior to surgical procedure.
• Serves as primary liaison for cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiologists, other involved physicians and referring physicians during the evaluation, implantation and post surgical stages.
• Attends daily rounds and discharge planning and provides necessary documentation in hospital EMR.
• Serves as content expert for internal and external customers in the care of VAD patients; provides and collaborates on training for hospital nursing staff, EC, OR and community agencies (such as EMS) as needed for provision of care for the post operative VAD patient.
• Provides education to patient and family during pre, intra-operative, post operative and discharge phases; plans and prepares patient and family for discharge to home, stabilization at home, and long-term care plan with outpatient clinic.
• Collaborates with unit educators for device specific nurse competencies for ICU/floor nurse utilization.
• Provides on call coverage for pre and post VAD patients, may be asked to cross-call for pre and post heart transplant patients.
• Ensures/provides oversight that regulatory database entries are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann service standards of providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and our workforce.
• Other duties as assigned.