RN - Cardiac Surgery Coordinator - Cardiology Clinic

The RN Coordinator serves as a key resource for patients and the healthcare team by coordinating surgical procedures and related care with providers and clinical staff. Responsibilities include facilitating patient referrals and appointments; coordinating preoperative evaluation and preparation; providing education regarding surgical procedures, expectations, medications, and the preoperative and postoperative course of care; coordinating transitions of care; and facilitating appropriate postoperative follow-up and ongoing care for patients receiving services in outpatient and other healthcare facilities.

The RN Coordinator performs clinical triage and assesses patient needs, responding appropriately to changes in condition and facilitating timely communication with providers. The role includes coordination of prescription refill requests and medication-related patient education in collaboration with physician and advanced practice provider staff. The RN also assists in identifying barriers to care and works with patients, families, referral sources, and members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate timely access to appropriate services.

Responsibilities

• Collects and documents assessment data from patients and/or others per UAMS standard.
• Develops patient's Plan of Care (POC) per department/unit standards utilizing assessment data.
• Evaluates the progress of patients toward attainment of desired outcomes.
• Administers medication following department/unit standards and Nurse Practice Act.
• Verifies and evaluates care delivered to ensure it is consistent with patient and family centered care principles, practice standards and regulatory requirements.
• Supports the integration of current evidence into nursing practices.
• Promotes an environment conducive to positive educational experience for all students and staff.
• Provides effective patient/family education/discharge planning.
• Effectively collaborates and communicates with nursing staff at all levels, interdisciplinary teams, executive leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Communicates care appropriately through documentation in the medical record.
• Reports variances in care/systems/processes through the appropriate means.
• Participates in recruitment/retention of staff.
• Facilitates development and implementation of nursing practice standards that are evidence-based and in compliance with ANA standards.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program with an Associate's Degree, Nursing Diploma, Bachelor's in Nursing, or Master's in Nursing
• Valid RN License
• Minimum of 1 year of Registered Nursing experience
• Current BLS certification or must successfully obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in a cardiology or cardiac surgery clinic, cardiovascular ICU, cardiac surgery step-down, or cardiovascular operating room.
• Prior experience in a telephone triage role within a surgical or specialty clinic.
• Prior experience as a surgical navigator, coordinator, or in a clinical program role.
• ACLS certification.
• Specialty certification such as CCRN, CNOR, CSC, or Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CV-BC).