Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives - and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The VAD Nurse Specialist is responsible for providing clinical expertise, collaboration, consultation and mentorship to promote evidence based nursing practice in the care of the VAD patient. The VAD Nurse Specialist supports organizational goals and works with the Chairman/Medical Director(s), VAD Advanced Practice Nurse(s), and other administrative services to achieve optimal standards of care with measurable identified outcomes.

A day in the life of a Registered Nurse, VAD Coordinator at Hackensack Meridian Health may include:

• Provides culturally appropriate health promotion and disease/injury prevention strategies based on age, learning theory, epidemiological principles, developmental levels, learning needs, readiness, and ability to learn.
• Assists in the development of evidenced-based practice protocols and standards of care that include interventions and treatments to achieve desired outcomes, including clinical, financial, and patient/family satisfaction.
• Demonstrates knowledge related to the needs and care of heart failure patients and their significant others.
• Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with Medical Directors, Administrative Manager, Advance Practice Nurse, and clerical staff support.
• Collaborates as needed with hospital staff and community service facilities and staff
• Demonstrates on-going communication with ventricular assist device team regarding patient issues and concerns.
• Acts as case manager for patients as appropriate to provide comprehensive care as needed including follow-up when indicated.
• Assesses patients and assists VAD APN in patient care. This includes:
  • a. Performs history and physical assessment per nursing standards for VAD patients
  • b. Medication reconciliation and refills as needed
  • c. VAD dressing changes and provides education to patient and family
  • d. Equipment teaching and review of equipment management
  • e. Electrocardiograms
  • f. Venipuncture
  • g. Administration of IV Lasix or fluid administration
• Reviews patient laboratory results and triages as needed. Communicates APN orders regarding anticoagulation and teaches Lovenox administration
• Provides education to patients and their significant others in all aspects of VAD self-management including signs and symptoms, weight monitoring, diet, activity, and MD follow-up
• Communicate with patients professional care providers by transmitting office visit notes
• Communicates with local first responders and electric companies to notify of VAD implantation.
• Proactively responds to patient calls during program hours and follows up with pharmacies regarding patient prescriptions
• Preauthorize specialty medications ordered for VAD patients
• Participates in scheduling of patients along with clerical support staff, and makes changes to ensure efficient operation during department hours.
• Facilitates and participates in formal or informal educational programs which include mentoring and training for VAD care.
• Identifies educational needs of patients/families and collaborates with other multidisciplinary team members to develop programs and teaching materials.
• Serves as a clinical resource person to nursing staff, patients/families, and other multidisciplinary team members specific to mechanical circulatory support.
• Evaluates protocols and standards of care in light of current research findings related to specialty area in conjunction with VAD APN
• Utilizes and disseminates relevant research findings through clinical practice, education or consultation.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Graduate of an NLN/AACN accredited program in nursing
• Bachelor's of Nursing degree
• 3 to 5 years experience as a cardiac nurse
• Previous experience with ventricular assist devices
• Experience caring for patients with advanced heart failure
• Maintains clinical competencies through participating in continuing educational programs (contact hours per years), and clinical practice as mandated by Board of Nursing and national certification body.
• Experience in relevant patient care setting or as regulations dictate.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Professional nursing certification

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is a Mandatory Influenza Vaccination Facility

As a courtesy to assist you in your job search, we would like to send your resume to other areas of our Hackensack Meridian Health network who may have current openings that fit your skills and experience.