RN, VAD Coordinator (TMC)

Memorial Hermann Health System

About The Position

The VAD Coordinator is a designated member of the heart transplant and ventricular assist device (VAD) teams. The position coordinates clinical care from evaluation for bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy through post-procedure care, including patient assessment, education, treatment, and management. The coordinator addresses complex clinical problems and communicates with attending surgeons, cardiologists, fellows, and residents. The role also develops, implements, and monitors mechanical-assist policies and processes to improve patient care, and collaborates with heart transplant coordinators when a patient becomes a transplant candidate. The coordinator oversees care for patients requiring cardiac assist-device implantation, serves as a liaison among physicians, provides education and training for patients, families, and care teams, and supports discharge planning and long-term outpatient care. The position provides on-call coverage for pre- and post-VAD patients and may cross-call for heart transplant patients. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Registered Nurse with a current State of Texas license to practice professional nursing.
Minimum three years of experience in cardiovascular nursing, cardiac surgical nursing, critical care nursing, cardiac transplantation, and/or care of patients with ventricular assist devices.
ACLS and BLS Support Provider certifications.
Ability to promote teamwork, build effective relationships, and lead or facilitate work groups.
Ability to develop and direct VAD program processes.
Ability to operate clinic and hospital computer systems effectively.
Strong customer service skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinate care for patients requiring cardiac assist-device implantation, including patients awaiting heart transplant and patients receiving a device as permanent treatment.
Ensure pre-surgical radiological studies, diagnostics, and consultations are completed before surgery.
Serve as the primary liaison for cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, other involved physicians, and referring physicians during evaluation, implantation, and post-surgical care.
Attend daily rounds and discharge planning and provide required documentation in the hospital EMR.
Serve as a content expert for internal and external customers on VAD patient care.
Provide and collaborate on training for hospital nursing staff, the emergency center, the operating room, and community agencies such as EMS as needed for post-operative VAD care.
Educate patients and families during pre-operative, intra-operative, post-operative, and discharge phases.
Plan and prepare patients and families for discharge home, stabilization at home, and a long-term care plan with the outpatient clinic.
Collaborate with unit educators on device-specific nurse competencies for ICU and floor nurse use.
Provide on-call coverage for pre- and post-VAD patients and potentially cross-call for pre- and post-heart-transplant patients.
Ensure oversight of accurate and timely regulatory database entries.
Provide safe care and adhere to organizational policies, procedures, standards, and budgetary specifications, including time, supply, productivity, and service-quality management.
Maintain professional growth through mandatory and continuing education and skills competency requirements; support department goals and serve as a preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.
Model safe, caring, personalized, and efficient service for patients and the workforce.
Perform other duties as assigned.