APP LVAD Coordinator

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) LVAD Coordinator

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) LVAD Coordinator is responsible for the clinical, operational, and programmatic oversight of the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) program. This role combines advanced clinical practice with leadership responsibilities, including patient management across the continuum of care, coordination of multidisciplinary services, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance.

The APP serves as a key liaison between cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, inpatient and outpatient services, and ensures alignment with national standards including INTERMACS registry participation and CMS requirements.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Provide direct patient care as an NP or PA for LVAD candidates and recipients (inpatient and outpatient)
• Lead pre-implant evaluation and post-implant management
• Manage device-related complications (e.g., driveline infections, thrombosis, bleeding)
• Participate in surgical planning and perioperative management
• Provide 24/7 clinical support coverage structure (shared call)

Program Coordination

• Oversee LVAD patient selection workflow and ensure completion of evaluation criteria
• Coordinate multidisciplinary selection committee meetings
• Ensure documentation meets Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements
• Manage patient tracking from referral through long-term follow-up
• Serve as primary point of contact for referring providers

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and mentor LVAD coordinators
• Provide education and competency validation for team members
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance multidisciplinary environment

Quality & Regulatory Oversight

• Lead quality improvement initiatives for LVAD outcomes
• Monitor and report key metrics (survival, readmissions, adverse events)
• Ensure compliance with The Joint Commission and CMS standards
• Oversee participation and data submission to INTERMACS / STS databases
• Prepare for audits, site visits, and certification reviews

Patient & Caregiver Education

• Ensure comprehensive patient and caregiver training on LVAD management
• Oversee discharge readiness and outpatient transition planning
• Develop and maintain patient education materials and protocols

Operational & Program Development

• Assist in development and implementation of policies and procedures
• Support growth of the LVAD and future transplant program
• Participate in strategic planning and program expansion initiatives
• Collaborate on budgeting, resource planning, and supply management

Research & Performance Improvement

• Participate in clinical research and registry-driven initiatives
• Implement evidence-based practices aligned with American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology
• Analyze outcomes data and recommend process improvements

Education, Experience And Qualifications

Minimum of Master's Degree in Nursing or related field from an accredited school of nursing and have completed advanced practice or nurse practitioner program.

Minimum of experience in clinical with outstanding teaching skills and the ability to facilitate organizational change.

Must have Board Certification in area of specialty, board eligible candidates will be considered with commitment to obtain certification within 6 months of hire. New Graduates must be certification eligible upon employment and obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Minimum 5 years of advanced heart failure, cardiology, ICU, or cardiothoracic surgery experience.

Minimum 23 years of LVAD or mechanical circulatory support experience preferred.

Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Licensed as an Advanced Practice Provider in the State of Florida.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association within 3 months of hire.

Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association within 3 months of hire.

Completes all NCH yearly competencies within the allotted timeframe.

Maintains professional licensing requirements.

Completion of all continuing education requirements needed to practice as an Advanced Practice Provider.

Advanced knowledge of heart failure and mechanical circulatory support.

Familiarity with LVAD devices (e.g., HeartMate platform).

Strong clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills.

Expertise in anticoagulation management.

Excellent communication and team leadership skills.

Knowledge of CMS and registry requirements.

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