RN Navigator Structural Heart

Structural Heart Registered Nurse

The Structural Heart Registered Nurse works independently plans, implements, and evaluates nursing care in patient care situations using standards of care, policy and procedure but also in conjunction with the Structural Heart Coordinator and other members of the Structural Heart Team. Provides direct nursing care to patients, assumes teaching and leadership responsibilities for TAVR, WATCHMAN and any other patients on the Structural Heart Team. Participates in shared decision making, referrals and structural heart activities.

Coordinates the referral process and introduction of patients into the Valve Program and/or Watchman Program. Employs patient teaching to promote health and safety. Evaluates progress toward outcomes. Practices ethically. Receives incoming referrals from physicians and hospitals and responds quickly in order to ensure a rapid access into the system. Triages referrals according to written criteria to assure those patients' needs are met on a priority level. Communicates back to referring physicians and hospitals the plans for acceptance into the program in an effective manner. Educates the patient and family regarding the referral process, steps of evaluation, and keeps patient and family informed throughout the entire process. Demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting. Collaborate with patient, family, the inter-professional team, and others in the conduct of nursing practice. Utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide nursing services that are safe, effective, and financially responsible. Practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner. Works in collaboration with the providers and clinic staff to assure a smooth transition of patients during preadmission, hospitalization, preparation for discharge and outpatient services. Performs thorough assessments of the patient as required by policy to make an accurate determination of the patient's qualifications for the procedure (clinical, psychosocial, surgical risk scoring, frailty, mobility, KCCQ, etc.). Schedules and manages, according to protocols, appropriate testing that completes the assessment process (i.e., Cardiac Cath, TTE, TEE, etc.) and reviews with the Structural Heart Coordinator or other team members. Acts as a liaison to the Structural Heart Committee and Valve/WATCHMAN Coordinator Committee (i.e., data submission, monthly webinar participation, etc.) Follows all protocols for documentation and maintenance of databases related to the Structural Heart Program. Participate in and coordinate outreach to current and potential referring physicians. Responsible for overseeing internal staff education and competencies and for serving as a resource to all nursing units for the care of this patient population. Develops and implements educational materials for patients and families to ensure consistency in information presented, taking into consideration their learning needs and barriers to learning, and documents the education provided. Maintains currency with all required compliance training programs. Maintains a commitment to professional growth and competency including pursuit of related certifications. Assists in the coordination of a post-discharge clinic to evaluate patient progress towards expected outcomes and to identify any care issues. Actively participates with the TVT and WATCHMAN registries to assure data related to valve patients is reported accurately and appropriately for purposes of Quality Improvement. Acts as a secondary resource with the Structural Heart Coordinator for the TVT and WATCHMAN registries to assure data integrity. Identifies and facilitates solutions to quality issues which arise from the TVT and WATCHMAN registries. Actively participates in research projects that arise from the Structural Heart Program as directed by faculty and administration. Identifies potential topics for research related to the program. Keeps up to date on all current literature and studies which pertain to the Structural Heart Program and serves as the primary resource to share this information with others. Provides written reports as requested to support research projects. Regularly networks with other organizations regarding valve/ WATCHMAN programs and participates in conferences and educational forums as requested to assure the most up to date evidenced based standards are being followed. Maintains and updates protocols for care of valve and WATCHMAN patients which are evidenced based. Maintains a database of clinical protocols for reference and review on a recurring basis (at least annually) to assure quality outcomes. Develops and assists with the implementation of the outpatient components/ protocols of care for patients and families. Navigates and coordinates major aspects of care delivery for the Valve/ WATCHMAN Program patients. Maintains open communication with the leadership at NCH Healthcare Systems, including NCH Physician Group in regard to quality improvement, protocols, and finances (i.e., facilitates a quarterly Quality and Finance meeting).

Education, Experience and Qualifications:

Minimum of 2 years of experience in cardiac care required. Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Florida. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Communication and Problem-Solving skills and ability to maintain flexibility. Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.

Naples Comprehensive Health - NCH