Heart Transplant/Vad Rn Coordinator

Full time, day shift position (8AM-4:30PM)

Under general supervision provides and coordinates the care provided to transplant patients in the pre and post transplant phase of care, and serves as a fully effective and participating member of the multidisciplinary patient care services team.  Demonstrates and models the full range of professional practice in the delivery of patient care and in participation of the development of strategies to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction with service and cost effectiveness.  Is accountable to patients and families for the processes and outcomes of care during the pre and post-transplant phase of care.  Is accountable to peers for the advancement of group practice within the Department of Thoracic Transplantation.

Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. 1. Notifies VAD team members of admissions, including admitting personnel, AHF team referring provider, and patient placement center.
   2. Monitors VAD function for inpatients and outpatients undergoing procedures
   3. Provides pre- and post-VAD patient and family education on device care, operation, and follow-up
   4. Provides ongoing post LVAD care maintenance.
   5. A.            Under provider supervision, assists patients with medication management, prescription refills, and authorizations as required.

B.            Reviews laboratory studies and reports abnormal results to provider. 

C.            Reviews vital signs and interrogates VAD parameters during clinic visits and reports any anomalies to provider.

D.            Reviews and records medications on flowsheets at time of clinic visit, admission to hospital, at discharge and intermittently as needed.

E.            Sees every patient on day of discharge, ensuring medication orders are appropriate and patient has appropriate follow-up.

1. 1.  Leads the VAD SuperUser group in development and administration of staff education, including  Intro to VAD, yearly VAD Marathon, and just-in-time training.
   2. Provides appropriate nursing units with VAD-specific educational materials and continual updates as needed or when requested.
   3. Provides ongoing patient/family education and support

A.            Provides patient education and pertinent VAD-specific information to post VAD recipients.

B.            Assists in the development of patient and family educational materials.  Ensures that all material is updated, as new information becomes available.

1. 1. See patients in VAD clinic with HF cardiologist/NP, maintain outpatient management in conjunction with provider to ensure appropriate outpatient follow-up
   2. Record and complete patient follow-up issues form VAD clinic
   3. Coordination and preparation to participate in bi-annual JCAHO survey
   4. Initiates home monitoring services with Acticare or Acelis as insurance allows and follows remote monitoring date provided by patient.  Coordinates with patient and company driveline care supplies