VAD Coordinator

VAD Coordinator

The VAD Coordinator is a specialized advanced practice nurse or experienced registered nurse responsible for the coordination and management of patients receiving mechanical circulatory support devices, including durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and temporary mechanical support systems. This role ensures seamless care across the continuum from evaluation through implantation, discharge, and long-term outpatient management.

The VAD Coordinator serves as a clinical expert, patient advocate, educator, and liaison among cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, critical care, and additional multidisciplinary team members. The work environment includes inpatient and outpatient clinic settings, on-call responsibilities required, and a high-acuity cardiovascular environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Coordination

• Coordinate evaluation and selection process for VAD candidates.
• Manage pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative care.
• Provide outpatient follow-up and long-term management of VAD patients.
• Monitor labs, anticoagulation therapy, device parameters, and complications.
• Respond to VAD emergencies and on-call coverage as required.

Patient & Family Education

• Provide comprehensive device education pre- and post-implant.
• Train patients and caregivers in device management, alarms, dressing changes, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure competency prior to discharge.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with heart failure cardiologists, CT surgeons, perfusionists, pharmacists, social workers, and rehab teams.
• Participate in selection committee meetings.
• Coordinate transitions of care (ICU → stepdown → home).

Regulatory & Quality Oversight

• Maintain compliance with CMS and Joint Commission requirements.
• Support data submission to INTERMACS registry.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with program audits and site visits.

Program Development

• Develop protocols, policies, and order sets.
• Provide education and oversee annual competency training of all that care for VAD patients.
• Assist in community outreach and referring physician education.
• Support growth of advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory support services.

Community Education and Awareness

• Educate EMS-first responders, local Emergency Departments, energy service provider companies, and other entities as needed.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; MSN preferred.

Minimum 3 years of cardiovascular or critical care nursing experience required.

Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida required.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Experience with advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory support preferred.

Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.

Expertise in anticoagulation management.

Excellent communication and patient education abilities.

Ability to function independently and in high-acuity settings.

Strong leadership and critical thinking skills.

Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.