Electrophysiology Nurse Practitioner

Electrophysiology Nurse Practitioner (Inpatient)

The Electrophysiology (EP) Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice provider responsible for the comprehensive management of hospitalized patients with cardiac arrhythmias and other electrophysiologic disorders. Working collaboratively with electrophysiologists, cardiologists, hospitalists, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary teams, the NP provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, procedural support, patient education, and continuity of care for patients requiring electrophysiology consultation, device management, and invasive EP procedures.

The NP functions as an independent practitioner within the scope of licensure and organizational policies while promoting quality outcomes, patient safety, evidence-based practice, and efficient patient throughput.

Clinical Practice

• Conduct comprehensive history and physical examinations for EP consultations and follow-up patients.
• Evaluate and manage patients with:
• Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
• Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
• Bradyarrhythmias and conduction disorders
• Syncope and presyncope
• Sudden cardiac arrest survivors
• Formulate differential diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Order, interpret, and communicate diagnostic testing including:
• Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
• Ambulatory rhythm monitoring
• Telemetry monitoring
• Laboratory studies
• Echocardiograms
• Cardiac CT and MRI studies as appropriate
• Initiate, adjust, and monitor antiarrhythmic medications and anticoagulation therapies in collaboration with the electrophysiologists
• Manage inpatient arrhythmia-related complications and urgent clinical issues.

Electrophysiology Procedure Management

• Assess patients pre-procedure for:
• Catheter ablation
• Electrophysiology studies
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation
• Permanent pacemaker implantation
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation
• Lead extraction procedures
• Coordinate procedural scheduling and inpatient preparation.
• Obtain informed consent in accordance with institutional policies and scope of practice.
• Review imaging, laboratory results, and anticoagulation status before procedures.
• Provide post-procedure assessment and management.
• Monitor for procedural complications including:
• Hematoma
• Pericardial effusion
• Cardiac tamponade
• Vascular complications
• Device-related complications
• Arrhythmia recurrence

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) Management

• Perform evaluation and management of:
• Pacemakers
• ICDs
• CRT-P and CRT-D devices
• Implantable loop recorders
• Interpret device interrogation reports.
• Collaborate with device representatives and EP physicians.
• Assist in troubleshooting device-related issues.
• Participate in inpatient device rounds and device optimization.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate care with:
• Electrophysiologists
• Cardiologists
• Hospitalists
• Cardiothoracic surgeons
• Nursing staff
• Case management
• Rehabilitation services
• Facilitate discharge planning and transition of care.
• Ensure timely outpatient follow-up appointments.
• Communicate treatment plans to patients, families, and referring providers.

Documentation

• Complete accurate and timely medical documentation within the electronic health record.
• Document consultations, progress notes, discharge summaries, and procedure-related encounters.
• Ensure compliance with billing, coding, CMS requirements, and hospital standards.

Quality and Professional Practice

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to:
• Arrhythmia management
• Readmission reduction
• Device infection prevention
• Patient safety
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and cardiovascular service meetings.
• Maintain required certifications, licensure, and continuing education.

Education and Experience

Required

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or equivalent advanced nursing degree.
• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
• Current RN and APRN licensure.
• Board certification as:
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
• BLS and ACLS certification.

Preferred

• Minimum 2-3 years of cardiology, critical care, or electrophysiology experience.
• Prior experience with inpatient cardiovascular services.
• Experience in device management and arrhythmia care.

Typical Inpatient Responsibilities

• Daily inpatient EP consult service coverage.
• Follow-up management of hospitalized EP patients.
• Participation in electrophysiology rounds.
• Pre- and post-procedure patient management.
• Device interrogation review and management.
• Coordination of discharge planning and outpatient follow-up.
• Participation in call coverage as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of cardiac electrophysiology principles.
• Understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and treatment modalities.
• Proficiency in ECG and telemetry interpretation.
• Knowledge of antiarrhythmic and anticoagulation therapies.
• Ability to recognize and manage cardiovascular emergencies.
• Strong clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple patients in a fast-paced inpatient environment.