MCS Coordinator

MultiCare Health System•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

MultiCare’s Pulse Heart Institute is a physician led institute with multi-specialty partnership with Cardiothoracic surgery, vascular and cardiovascular service lines. Our team and state-of-the-art programs create a world-class health care organization and the destination center for cardiac, thoracic, and vascular care with complex structural heart disease and interventions, advanced heart failure service as well as advanced imaging with cutting edge technologies. The Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Coordinator acts as both a clinical leader and essential liaison within the institution and throughout the broader region. This individual coordinates care for patients requiring durable LVADs in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as those needing ECMO, tMCS, or management for cardiogenic shock. The role encompasses not only direct patient care and support but also significant contributions to system-level shock coordination, data monitoring, and the facilitation of care pathways—including urgent transport protocols—to ensure patients receive the best possible outcomes regardless of where they present within the region.

Requirements

Registered Nurse (RN), holding a current state-specific license.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is mandatory.
Minimum two years of experience in cardiac critical care, heart failure, or MCS is required.
Candidates with prior experience managing ECMO, tMCS, and LVAD patients are strongly preferred, as these therapies form the backbone of the coordinator’s daily responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Oversee the comprehensive evaluation, procedural implantation, and ongoing follow-up of patients with durable LVADs, ensuring that their journey from pre-implant assessment through long-term management is coordinated and consistent.
Serve as the primary clinical contact and resource for LVAD patients and their caregivers, available for both routine and emergent needs in inpatient and outpatient contexts. This includes device monitoring, patient education, troubleshooting, and the provision of around-the-clock support as required.
Ensure that all care provided strictly adheres to standards and guidelines set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), DNV certification requirements, and institutional protocols.
Monitor and analyze quality metrics relevant to LVAD, maintain performance dashboards, and lead quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing patient outcomes, process efficiency, and adherence to evidence-based standards.
Lead comprehensive educational initiatives for patients and caregivers—preparing them for LVAD therapy, supporting their adaptation to life with the device, and empowering them to manage their health proactively.
Develop, implement, and maintain robust staff education and training programs on all aspects of LVAD management, ensuring that all members of the multidisciplinary team remain proficient in current best practices, safety protocols, and device troubleshooting.
Develop and implement comprehensive onboarding programs for new staff, covering all aspects of LVAD management, patient safety, and emergency protocols. Include hands-on training, device troubleshooting, and interdisciplinary communication exercises as part of onboarding to prepare staff for routine and critical situations.
Establish an annual recertification process for all relevant staff, requiring demonstration of competency in LVAD-related skills and adherence to established protocols. Ensure annual recertification incorporates both didactic and practical assessments, as well as updates on the latest evidence-based practices.
Maintain clinical proficiency and safety standards across the multidisciplinary team through ongoing ed Education and regular competency checks.