CLINICAL SERVICES NURSE II/III/IV - VAD COORDINATOR

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About Duke University Hospital

 

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 Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

 

Clinical Services Nurse II/III/IV/VAD Coordinator

Job Location- Duke University Hospital

 

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

1. • 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

1. • 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

 

Collaboratio