Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner - Cardiology (Downtown Campus)

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

In this role as an Advanced Practice Practitioner (ARNP) in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, this position will be primarily focused on seeing return patients in a general cardiology outpatient setting at University of Iowa Health Care’s Downtown cardiology practice.  As an outpatient cardiac advanced practice provider (APP) this role will deliver specialized care to patients with cardiovascular conditions in an ambulatory setting. The APP will function independently and collaboratively within a cardiology team to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage both acute and chronic heart diseases.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Assessment and Diagnosis:

• Conduct comprehensive cardiovascular assessments, including detailed history-taking, physical examinations, and review of diagnostic imaging and lab results.

• Diagnose and manage conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral vascular disease.

• Evaluate and stratify cardiovascular risk using evidence-based tools and guidelines.

Clinical Management and Treatment:

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with cardiologists and multidisciplinary teams.

• Prescribe and titrate cardiac medications including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, and lipid-lowering agents.

• Monitor therapeutic response and adjust treatment plans based on clinical findings and diagnostic results.

• Order, interpret, and act upon results from diagnostic tests such as:

  • Electrocardiograms (ECGs)

  • Echocardiograms

  •  Stress testing (exercise and pharmacologic)

  • Holter and event monitors

  • Cardiac CT and MRI

Patient Education and Preventive Care:

• Provide education on cardiovascular disease prevention, lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and symptom management.

• Counsel patients on smoking cessation, dietary changes, physical activity, and weight management.

Care Coordination and Follow-Up:

• Coordinate care transitions from inpatient to outpatient settings, ensuring continuity and adherence to discharge plans.

• Collaborate with primary care providers, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, dietitians, pharmacists, and social workers to optimize patient outcomes.

Professional Practice and Quality Improvement:

• Stay current with emerging cardiovascular therapies and technologies through continuing education and professional development.

• Adhere to ACC clinical competencies and institutional protocols for cardiovascular care delivery.

• Participate in clinically relevant activities and attend UI Health Care APP council meetings and other conferences to enhance clinical and professional expertise.

• Provide education and serve as a resource for nursing staff, medical and advanced practice provider students, and residents in area of clinical expertise

• Serve in a consultative resource capacity by providing expert knowledge and behavioral skills that impact clinical practices