RN Coordinator; VAD - Mech Circulatory Program Non-Exempt; Non-Union

Overview

The VAD Transplant Coordinator provides nursing care as an RN to Ventricular Assistive Device and cardiothoracic transplant patients. Acts as the central point of contact to the Cardiothoracic Transplant Department for patients and their families who are managed with, or being considered for a VAD and cardiothoracic transplant. Provides off hours coverage to the service to handle patient phone calls, questions and troubleshooting.

Provides in-patient and out-patient care, education and community resources for both VAD and cardiothoracic transplant patients. Educates the community about the program including, local Emergency Departments and EMS squads. Position requires rounds, research protocol visits, assists with implants, work closely with physicians, members of the transplant team and clinic responsibilities for both VAD and Cardiothoracic transplant patients. Responsible for updating INTERMACS per Joint Commission protocol, waitlist management for cardiothoracic transplant and maintenance of policy and procedures, order sets and staff education for this patient population.

Position may require on-call shifts during nights, weekends, and holidays, as operationally required.

• Participates and develops appropriate educational programs, both formal and informal, for the end stage organ disease patient and family, the nursing staff and the medical staff.
• Independently facilitates the evaluation and listing process of the potential transplant patient. Collaborates with staff to formulate and implement nursing plan of care.
• Maintains communication with referring physicians and insurance case managers. Supplies referring physicians and insurance case managers with necessary information and records. Provides education regarding the transplant evaluation, listing and organ allocation process in order to facilitate patient care.
• Quality of Patient Care - identifies, evaluates and revises standards of care consistent with performance improvement findings, changes in policy or procedure, changes in national, local and state standards. Demonstrates the clinical expertise necessary to assess each patient's individual needs and to plan and implement appropriate patient care interventions.
• Responsible for development and revision of policies, procedures, pre-printed physician orders, and any other documentation tools required for the program, including care provider competency documentation tools.
• Planning and Organization - Daily clinical coordination of program. Coordinates efforts of other allied health services involved in the care of VAD patients. Participates in the development and implementation of hospital policies and procedures. Demonstrates skill in efficient time management. Development and implementation of practice guidelines, and performance improvement (PI) indicators.
• Communication / Leadership Skills - Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, physicians, administration and others in relaying information in a timely manner. Demonstrates an ability to identify and solve problems, uses sound judgment to reach quality decisions. Educates and supports professional staff as necessary to enhance staff knowledge and patient and program needs.
• Computer Skills - Type and proof various documents and reports, create spreadsheets and tables, utilizing functions (formulas) and manipulating data to retrieve desired information. Maintain computer records and files as needed. Generate presentations in various formats and develops databases.
• Customer Service - Projects USC University Hospitals values to all customers and groups. Encourages feedback from patients, families and other care providers regarding satisfaction with the VAD program initiatives.
• Community Resource/Marketing Conditions - Maintains relationships with community referral organizations as necessary. Maintains relationships with EMS and other appropriate community organizations requiring information to properly provide a safe environment for the patient when at home (e.g.) electric company, EMS. Assists patients as necessary with referrals to appropriate community services.
• Performance Improvement - Assumes day-to-day responsibility for process and performance improvement activities. Collects and analyzes data ensuring data quality and integration are maintained. Recommends, develops performance measures to be monitored. Assures that an action plan has been developed and implemented for all PI concerns. Reports as required.
• Works closely with research staff to ensure timely data input and submission to the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulation Support Database (INTERMACS).
• In collaboration with unit case managers, provides patients and their families with VAD Education prior to discharge. Ensures continuing education to hospital nursing staff with routine training/in-services related to the care of VAD patients with documented competencies.
• Attends multidisciplinary rounds on the VAD in-patients.
• Attends post…