RN - Cardiac LVAD Coordinator

Facility : Kennestone Hospital

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Program Director and in collaboration with the Advanced Heart Failure (AHF) MD, implements LVAD Program policies and procedures.

Works collaboratively with the AHF MD and / or APPs, including the APP LVAD Coordinator. Participates in the clinical management of pre-and post- implant patients in collaboration with the providers.

Coordinates the clinical evaluation of potential LVAD candidates. Coordinates discharge plans and verifies patient knowledge base prior to discharge.

Provides follow-up consultation for discharged patients and participates in outpatient AHF and LVAD clinic visits.

Educates nursing staff and patient / caregiver on patient care, maintaining LVAD equipment, and safety measures. Provides education and support to community health care professionals who may encounter LVAD patients.

Serves as a clinical expert and consultant to nursing, and team members at WellStar Health System. Ensures compliance with state, federal, and organizational guidelines and other regulatory agencies.

Performs other related duties as required.

Clinical Expectations

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions :

• Coordinate clinical evaluation of potential candidates for ventricular assist device implantation
• a. Coordinate multi-disciplinary evaluation for patients who have been identified for possible candidacy for LVAD implantation for Destination Therapy
• b. Coordination of referral with partnering medical facility(ies) for patients requiring evaluation for Bridge to Transplant or Transplant.
• c. Coordinate and participate in LVAD Patient Selection Committee
• Provide pre-implant education to patients and caregivers; document
• Provide post-implant educations to patients and caregivers; document
• Provide education
• a. Develop and utilize patient educational guidelines for device
• b. Review and update guidelines annually and prn
• c. Provide and document education for nursing and other clinical staff
• d. Provide community education
• Provide post-operative education to patient and caregiver(s) in collaboration with clinical staff in preparation for discharge from the hospital
• Serve as a LVAD resource person for inpatient and outpatient team members and providers
• Serve as a LVAD resource person to patients and caregiver(s) after discharge for clinical and technical support
• Maintain no greater than a 15 : 1 implanted patient to coordinator ratio Reporting and Data Management :
• Documents appropriate information in patient’s medical record.
• Participates in data management and review
• Identifies adverse trends and reports on them as well as conclusion and recommendations based on this data.
• Maintains a patient tracking system. Maintains oversight over required regulatory and program specific data. Staff Resource :
• Acts as a consultant within WellStar Health System and the LVAD community.
• Identifies competency / learning needs and collaborates with LVAD leadership, providers and team members to design orientation and on-going educational activities related to care of LVAD patients.
• Provide support and education to nursing staff and other health professionals regarding the device, its implications for the patient, and how to troubleshoot alerts and alarms.
• Under the direction of LVAD leadership and providers, develop educational materials and provides classes for team members and LVAD team members.

Required Minimum Education

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing Required and

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Required

Required Minimum License(s) And Certification(s)

Reg Nurse (Single State) 1.00 Required

RN - Multi-state Compact 1.00 Required

Basic Life Support 2.00 Required

Advanced Cardiac Life Support 3.00 Require

Required Minimum Experience

Minimum 2 years clinical experience in VAD Coordinator role Preferred

Required Minimum Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Products.

Ability to organize and lead meetings as well as present in groups.

Strong ability to work independently, delegate, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Must be able to implement change, collect, analyze, and present data.