Heart Transplant/VAD RN Coordinator
University of Maryland Medical System

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

Under general supervision provides and coordinates the care provided to LVAD patients in the pre and post VAD/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.

Notifies VAD team members of admissions, including admitting personnel, AHF team referring provider, and patient placement center.

Monitors VAD function for inpatients and outpatients undergoing procedures

Provides pre- and post-VAD patient and family education on device care, operation, and follow-up

Provides ongoing post LVAD care maintenance.

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.

Leads the VAD SuperUser group in development and administration of staff education, including Intro to VAD, yearly VAD Marathon, and just-in-time training.

Provides appropriate nursing units with VAD-specific educational materials and continual updates as needed or when requested.

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.

See patients in VAD clinic with HF cardiologist/NP, maintain outpatient management in conjunction with provider to ensure appropriate outpatient follow-up

Record and complete patient follow-up issues form VAD clinic

Coordination and preparation to participate in bi-annual JCAHO survey

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

Company Description
THE MEDICAL HEART OF MARYLAND

Treating over 330,000 patients every year, the University of Maryland Medical Center is at the vital core of Maryland's health care system and community. We're known for our prestigious expertise in innovative research and education, along with the talented staff and advanced centers that make it all possible. The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the world's first center dedicated to trauma, treats more than 7,500 critically injured patients a year with an incredible 97 percent survival rate. We also have one of the nation's largest kidney and pancreas transplant programs at The Joseph and Corinne Schwartz Division of Transplantation, home to Maryland's first steroid-free protocol and pancreas/kidney transplant. From our National Cancer Institute-designated UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center to The University of Maryland's Children's Hospital, one of the largest pediatric centers in the state, we are dedicated to saving and transforming lives.

Qualifications
Education and Experience

Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland is required. BSN preferred.

Critical Care or Transplant/VAD experience is preferred.

Encouraged to obtain/maintain ICCAC VAD Coordinator certification within 2 years of hire, or within a time frame determined by management.

Demonstrates effectiveness as a multidisciplinary team member.

Demonstrates ability to plan, organize and follow through independently on assignments and/or projects. Ability to analyze and conceptually develop ideas and proposals.

6. Ability to learn and use computer systems in order to manage patient information.

7. Demonstrates highly effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated effectiveness as a multidisciplinary team member promoting a healthy work environment.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and follow through on assignments and/or projects. Ability to analyze and conceptually develop ideas and proposals.
• Ability to learn and use computer systems in order to manage patient information respecting all HIPPA regulations related to protected health information.
• Demonstrated highly effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication.

Patient Safety

• Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.

Additional Information

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