Full Time (80 Hours Biweekly)Day ShiftJob DescriptionUnder the general direction of, and in collaboration with the Mechanical Circulatory Support Program Coordinator and, physicians, coordinates inpatient and outpatient care for patients with a ventricular assist device (VAD), including, but not limited to, patient education, staff education, community education, surgical coordination, clinic visits and record keeping.Duties and ResponsibilitiesCompletes clinical evaluation of potential candidates for VAD intervention: Coordinates transplant evaluation for patients who would receive a device as a bridge to heart transplant; Collaborates with medical team about alternatives based on the results of the transplant evaluation.Provides preoperative patient and family education for device candidates: Develops and utilizes patient educational guidelines for each device; Reviews and updates guidelines annually and/or as needed; Documents education provided and communicates with nursing staff about additional teaching required.Collaborates with Patient Financial representatives about insurance coverage for the device prior to surgery. Informs physicians of coverage decisions by insurance providers. Coordinates insurance appeal, if necessary.May assist in pump preparation and start up activities in operating room as needed by surgical team.Provides post-operative education to the patient and family in collaboration with nursing staff in preparation for discharge from the hospital.Provides support and education to surrounding staff and other health professionals regarding the device, its implications for the patient and how to troubleshoot alarms and alerts. Assists with trouble shooting onsite, as needed.Verifies patient knowledge base regarding the equipment used for mechanical support prior to discharge from hospital.Serves as resource person to patients after discharge for clinical and technical support.Provides support and education to community health care professionals who will have contact with the patient.Interviews and treats patients during clinic appointments within scope of practice.Coordinates readmissions for patients having difficulties that require inpatient management.Moderates regularly scheduled clinical review meetings of implanted patients and/or prospective patients.QualificationsMinimum Experience:3 years of experience in cardiovascular nursing, cardiac surgical nursing, critical care nursing, Cardiac transplantation, and/or care of the patient with ventricular assist devicesMinimum Education:Bachelor's DegreeRequired Certification:Registration and current license as RN in PA; ACLS certification