RN Navigator Heart Failure VAD

• DEPARTMENT: 67016 - RHI
• LOCATION: 399 9th Street North, Naples, FL, 34102
• WORK TYPE: Full Time
• WORK SCHEDULE: 8 Hour Day

ABOUT NCH

NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.

NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we're proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan.

Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.

JOB SUMMARY

The RN Navigator Heart Failure/VAD 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 Heart Failure Department and other members of the Heart Failure Team. Provides direct nursing care to patients, assumes teaching and leadership responsibilities for heart failure and ventricular assist device patients Participates in shared decision making, referrals and heart failure/VAD heart activities.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Other duties may be assigned.
• Works directly with the heart failure physician(s) to provide care to heart failure/VAD patients.


Coordinates the referral process and introduction of patients into the Heart failure/VAD 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.
• Will have inpatient and outpatient responsibilities for the nursing care of patients.


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.
• Develops VAD Program and policies with Section Head of Heart Failure Program.
• 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 Heart Failure/VAD team members.
• Follows all protocols for documentation and maintenance of any databases related to the Heart Failure/VAD 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.
• Manages the healthcare of patients with VAD's.
• Assist in obtaining medications and supplies from appropriate source according to patients' insurance coverage.
• Manages supplies in hospital and office in conjunction with supply chain.
• 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.
• Maintains quality database. Identifies and facilitates solutions to quality issues which arise from VAD quality data.
• Actively participates in research projects that arise from the Heart Failure/VAD 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 Heart Failure/VAD 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 Heart Failure/VAD 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 heart failure/VAD 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 Heart Failure/VAD 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)
• Follows all protocols for documentation and maintenance of databases related to the Heart Failure/VAD 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.


EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
• BSN preferred.
• 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.