VAD Coordinator

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

19d • Onsite

About The Position

An OHSU VAD Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the comprehensive specialized care for advanced heart failure patients in both the inpatient and outpatient environment. These patients are candidates for advanced heart failure therapy using MCS/VAD support with the intent of one either bridge to transplant or destination therapy. In this position, the coordinator will collaborate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of all aspects of care for patients with a VAD in combination with physicians and other members of a multidisciplinary care team. In addition, the VAD Coordinator should demonstrate autonomy with respect to patient evaluation, optimal treatment and follow-up care.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ cardiac clinical experience with an understanding of the care of adult cardiology and cardiothoracic critical care patients or minimum 3 years’ current experience including 2 years working with VADs or equivalent experience.
• BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date. Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
• BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in nursing or a related field
• Previous MSC/VAD experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the patient care of this high-risk patient population throughout the continuum.
• Ensure optimization of the patient’s clinical, functional, and psychosocial status.
• Provide the communication link in developing patient care among the multidisciplinary team members including social work and the transplant team.
• Organize and orchestrate INTERMACS and DNV Disease-Specific VAD certification, focusing on continually improving patient outcomes.
• Assist in the pre-authorizing process.
• Facilitate participation in cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery-related clinical research trials.
• Support professional knowledge and healthcare management through effective interactions and communications with clinicians, healthcare administrators, community agencies and other professionals.
• Provide 24/7 on call support for both inpatient and outpatient care.
• Work closely with OHSU medical teams, VAD vendors and outside facilities to maximize the medical management of patients in the VAD Program.
• Oversee internal and external staff education and competencies.
• Manage and maintain all VAD related equipment and supplies.
• Work with the various members of the multi-interdisciplinary team in delivering both inpatient and outpatient care.
• Facilitate VAD education to patients and their families, nursing, Cath Lab techs, perfusionists, in house staff and EMS personnel.
• Attend inpatient rounds with the Heart Failure team for VAD patients and patients who are being considered for advanced MCS/VAD therapy.
• Provide VAD support and consultation.
• Assist in VAD clinic with initial patient assessment and VAD interrogation.
• Order future labs and procedures, train clinic staff and coordinate clinic patient admissions to inpatient status.
• Manage patient and VAD during many outpatient procedures and inpatient surgical interventions (OR, IRU and RHC/VAD ramping).
• Work with inpatient staff educators and Specialty Practice Leaders/Professional Practice Leaders in developing and maintaining basic and advanced VAD training and annual competencies that are consistent throughout OHSU.
• Educate patients and their families about advanced therapies such as MCS/VAD, heart failure and lifestyle changes both pre-implantation and post-implantation.
• Administer VAD patients heart failure and neuro/cog study tools pre-implant and at appropriate intervals post-implant.
• Work with patients/families, medical teams and palliative care in the setting of comfort care and end of life situations.
• Be a presence during the termination of MCS/VAD therapy.
• Work with outside nursing care facilities, OSH’s and EMS personnel in VAD patient education.
• Facilitate VAD patient discharge to home with their community organizations and medical supply vendors.
• Maintain excellent customer service and patient satisfaction.
• Work with MCS vendors and OHSU staff to comply with, maintain and advance the MCS/VAD Program for heart failure patients at OHSU.
• Ensure knowledge of and compliance with OHSU policies and procedures, DNV-GL Standards, HIPAA and other regulatory bodies’ standards.
• Work in collaboration with Clinical Technology Services to ensure both inpatient and home VAD equipment is operating within vendor recommendations.
• Develop and maintain the clinical pathways, standards, policy/procedures and order sets for the care both of inpatients and outpatients.
• Develop methods to best utilize the MCS/VAD Program’s resources to service inpatient, outpatient and OHSU staff.
• Make recommendations and participate in the procurement of new equipment while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Coordinate VAD patient care with other areas in the OHSU organization.
• Coordinate VAD patient care with other VAD Centers for patients who are traveling outside the OHSU service area.
• Collaborate with the INTERMACS Coordinator to maintain up to date and accurate patient information and outcomes.
• Participate in weekly Patient Care Conference with other members of the Heart Failure team.
• Collaborate with the Cardiac Service Line Quality Committee on process improvements.
• Participate and help lead ongoing VAD Operations meetings.
• Participate in quarterly VAD Best Practice Committee.
• Create, maintain and participate in opportunities for professional development through MCS vendor conferences, professional organization conferences and networking throughout the MCS community.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
• Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
• Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree