RN - Cardiac LVAD Coordinator
Wellstar Health Systems

Facility: Kennestone Hospital
Job Summary: Under the direction of the Cardiac Director of Nursing, Executive Director of Nursing, Clinic Nurse Manager and in collaboration with the Advanced Heart Failure (AHF) MD, participates in the development of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program processes, guidelines, policies, and procedures. Works collaboratively with the inclusive LVAD Team in the clinical management of pre-and post- implant patients practicing within scope of RN licensure. Coordinates the clinical evaluation of Advanced Heart Failure (AHF) potential LVAD candidates including preparation of information to be shared at the weekly LVAD Patient Selection Committee. In partnership with the hospital Care Coordination team develops discharge plans. Is responsible for providing extensive knowledge of the LVAD device and its management prior to discharge to patients and where applicable the caregiver. Provides follow-up consultation for discharged patients and participates in outpatient AHF and LVAD clinic visits in collaboration with medical providers. 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. Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions: Clinical Expectations: * 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/Bridge to Transplant Candidacy * 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 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. Reporting and Data Management: * Documents appropriate information in patients 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. Performs other duties as assigned Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct. Required Minimum Education:

• *** Format Error Associates Nursing

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s): All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

• Reg Nurse (Single State) or RN - Multi-state Compact-Preferred
• Basic Life Support or BLS - Instructor-Preferred
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support or ACLS - Instructor-Preferred or ACLS - Provisional

Additional License(s) and Certification(s):Required Minimum Experience: Minimum 2 years clinical experience in VAD Coordinator role Preferred For clinically qualified candidates who hold an associates degree in nursing, for consideration of the LVAD Coordinator role, he or she must commit to completing a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) within 24 months of starting the role. At time of acceptance of the LVAD Coor position, the candidate must provide a physical letter of acceptance into said nursing program. Failure to complete the BSN program within 24 months would make the team member ineligible to remain in the role. Required 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.

---