CLINICAL SERVICES NURSE II/III/IV - VAD COORDINATOR

Clinical Services Nurse II/III/IV/VAD Coordinator

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Job Location: Duke University Hospital Heart Center

Job Summary: The Clinical Services Nurse (CSN) is responsible and accountable for advanced clinical expertise for patients with heart failure treated who are undergoing evaluation for or dependent on mechanical circulatory support devices as life-sustaining therapy, including Left Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD). This role encompasses the full spectrum of coordination and care for medically complex and high risk patient population. The incumbent functions as clinician, educator, consultant and leader. Clinical judgements are based on a syntheses of current research, concepts, principles, theories, and outcomes to solve complex problems. The CSN functions as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team, contributing to excellence in patient care, research/quality improvement, teaching, and in providing leadership in the organization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Care

• Provides advanced nursing care for patients before and after mechanical circulatory support implant including the spectrum of VADs and total artificial heart implant from inpatient to ambulatory care.
• Coordinates evaluation process for pre-VAD (referral) patients to ensure effective use of hospital and clinical resources
• Assess post-VAD patient organ function and general health status and collaboratively determine need for additional assessment or intervention
• Facilitates the scheduling of studies and procedures for diagnostic and evaluative purposes
• Participates in the development and implementation of protocols and standards of care for patients with VADs in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team
• Participate in phone triage/on call pager coverage for Duke VAD emergency pager in collaboration with the advanced practice providers and/or physician on-call
• Provide patient follow up via faxes, phone calls, emails and electronic medical record communication
• Complete paperwork for prescription prior authorizations, disability paperwork or FMLA in collaboration with physician and/or advanced practice provider
• Remain up to date with clinical resources and most recent guidelines pertaining to the care of the VAD population
• Care delivery requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by this patient population, including significant socioeconomic barriers, limited health literacy, and disparities in access to care, which directly impact outcomes and require tailored, patient-centered interventions. Refers patients and families to utilize health system and community resources.
• Deliver care in accordance with regulatory requirements

Coaching / Educator

• Serve as a VAD resource for patients and families by providing pre-operative evaluations and counseling
• Identify patient/family education needs and priorities
• Coach patients and families to help them prepare for discharge from hospital after index VAD implant
• Provide ongoing VAD education for patients and families
• Participate in developing, implementing and evaluating patient education resources and programs
• Assess learning needs of nursing staff and multidisciplinary team; plan and implement appropriate educational forums and opportunities to address critical learning needs and skills

Collaboration

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships within and across departments that promote patient safety, culturally competent care, and clinical excellence in the care of patients with VADs
• Practices collegially with multidisciplinary team including but not limited to medical staff, advanced practice providers and other members of the healthcare team
• Communicates with multidisciplinary staff, patients and family members in a timely matter in regards to patient care issues
• Role model professional nursing through conduct, appearance, communication, mutual respect, leadership, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, continuous learning and problem-solving skills
• Provides clinical experience in a preceptor roles for nursing students attending institutions that have contractual agreements with DUHS. Participates in the orientation of new nursing staff and provides expert coaching and guidance through both formal and informal one-on-one teaching with nursing staff

Evidence Based Practice, Quality Improvement and Research Utilization

• Maintain awareness of regulatory requirements for the program
• Employs evidence-based clinical practice guidelines tailored to the individual
• Integrates evidence in the management of patients, families and groups
• Collaborates in quality/performance improvement programs and projects, product evaluation, outcomes evaluation studies and/or clinical research
• Assists with clinical research when appropriate

Job Eligibility Requirements

Education

• Graduate of an accredited BSN program

License

• Current unrestricted license issued by or recognized by the NCBON.

Certification

• RN
• AHA ACLS and BLS required.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of applicable RN experience required with 1 year experience with patients with durable VAD

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and clinical practice standards.
• Able to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership, and others.
• Able to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, perform health assessments, treatment, and follow-up.
• Able to use fine motor skills
• Able to record activities, document assessments & interventions; prepare reports and presentations
• Able to use computer and learn new software programs
• Able to provide leadership in clinical area of expertise and in meeting organizational goals
• Able to navigate the Hospital and DUHS to provide clinical expertise to specific patient populations
• Able to withstand prolonged standing and walking with the ability to move or lift at least fifty pounds
• Able to remain focused and organized

Job Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5pm, call required