MCS Nurse Coordinator

The Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Nurse Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the care of patients in the outpatient setting and will work closely with the Advanced Heart Failure physicians, MCS APPs, case management, social workers and other multidisciplinary teams. Duties include, but not limited to, review of lab results and medications in collaboration with the APP/physician, coordinate outpatient referrals and appointments, pre-VAD outpatient workup, including diagnostic appointments, testing and procedures, and will meet with the potential VAD patient in the MCS clinic and on the inpatient hospital to discuss and educate the patient and family on VAD device physiology and VAD lifestyle changes. 

Assesses, implements, and monitors VAD patient management utilizing appropriate clinical practice guidelines. Coordinates the VAD program daily operations, develops strategy and coordinates financial management for optimal outcomes. Assists in promoting efficient, cost effective, quality care to both the patient and the institution. Coordinates the clinical evaluation of potential VAD candidates. Participates in the clinical management of pre- and post- implant patients. Develops policies and procedures for the delivery of care to the VAD population.

Performs nursing history and physical exams along with appropriate follow up and documentation of the results for VAD patients.

Organizes the outpatient care of clinically complex patients/clients, including sociocultural, cognitive, functional, nutritional and educational evaluation, leading to the development of a problem list and patient management plan.

Facilitates patient care with attention to safety, cost, invasiveness, simplicity, acceptability, adherence and efficacy in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.

Evaluates and assesses patient/family readiness to learn regarding VAD self-care behaviors. Initiates and reinforces an individualized patient teaching plan based upon learning ability.

Performs outcome-based documentation of patient/companion in care response to education. Coordinates discharge plan with the APP and verifies patient and companion in care knowledge base prior to discharge.

Establishes sustained relationship with patient/family unit to improve patient and family outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Organizes and monitors the patient / family education process.

Coordinates follow-up consultation for discharged patients and sees patients at clinic visits in conjunction with VAD Team physicians.

Assumes responsibility for patient advocacy and patient's rights. Works with VAD team on program development and expansion.

Participates in regular team meetings to promote patient care coordination.

Supports and communicates with Ventricular Assist Device company(s) on related research and patient care issue.

Supports transplant team as appropriate and provides care for VAD patients on the UNOS national waitlist.

Provides education and support to community health care professionals who may encounter VAD patients.

Directs, educates and mentors staff in the development of good clinical practice in promoting positive patient outcomes.

Assists in identifying changes needed in practice to ensure continuous quality improvement and enhancement of customer/client relations.

Assists in management of the program’s protocols, documentation, and data collection and interpretation (INTERMACS, ELSO, etc.).

Assists in maintenance of Joint Commission certification and tracking of outcome and quality standards.

Participates in professional organizations and attends continuing education activities to maintain knowledge of current trends and practices.

Adheres to UCSF policy on Conflict of Interest

Required qualifications:

• A minimum of four (4) years clinical experience working in a critical cardiac care unit.

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with VAD patients.

• In depth knowledge and experience in end stage heart failure and mechanical circulatory support. Leadership, communication, research, negotiating, time management, priority setting, and project management skills.

• Data analysis and database management skills.

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

   

   

  Preferred qualifications:

   

• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience as MCS/VAD nurse coordinator or a transplant coordinator

• A minimum of one (1) year nurse experience in an ambulatory setting

• VAD-C Certification

   

   

  Licenses/Certifications:

   

   

• Current State of California RN license
• Current American Heart Association BLS Certificate

• Current American Heart Association ACLS Certificate