80-100% Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Clinician (No nights, weekends, or holidays!) - UI Heart and Vascular Center

UI Heart and Vascular Center is seeking an 80-100% Nurse Clinician to support our Cardiothoracic Surgery Program.

The Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Clinician at the University of Iowa Clinic provides specialized care and support to patients with cardiothoracic conditions in an outpatient setting. Working closely with cardiothoracic surgeons, advanced practice providers, and other healthcare professionals, the Nurse Clinician delivers comprehensive care to patients before and after cardiothoracic surgical procedures. This role involves coordinating care, providing education, and facilitating communication between patients and the healthcare team. By offering personalized attention and expertise in cardiothoracic nursing, the Nurse Clinician contributes to the continuity of care and promotes positive patient outcomes within the clinic setting.

We are the best heart hospital in Iowa

UI Heart & Vascular Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital in the state for cardiology and heart surgery patient care. The best hospitals nationally received this rating based on patient outcomes, number of high-risk patients seen, patient experience, advanced clinical technologies, and more.

Being a Nurse in the Heart and Vascular Center

Position Responsibilities

• Collaborates with nursing, medical staff and other health professionals in the development and review of standards and in planning, implementing and evaluating patient care for the cardiothoracic surgery patient population with regard to the condition and age of the patient. Provides direct nursing care when necessary.
• Collaborate with cardiothoracic surgeons and advanced practice providers to develop individualized care plans tailored to patients’ needs and treatment goals.
• Provide patient education in the HVC that includes:
  • Providing education to patients and their families about cardiothoracic conditions, treatment options, surgical procedures, and postoperative care instructions.
  • Facilitating learning and provides consultation to those in external agencies, communities and to other health care professionals.
  • Supporting implementation and evaluation of staff education and orientation programs, coordinating, and presenting.
  • Facilitating the educational experience for health care students and monitors the care delivered.
• Coordinate preoperative preparations for patients scheduled for cardiothoracic surgery, including arranging diagnostic tests, obtaining necessary clearances, and addressing any concerns or questions.
• Oversee patient flow through the UIHC continuum of care on both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
• Collaborate with social workers, case manager, and community resources to address psychosocial needs, financial concerns, and access to support services for patients and their families.
• Independently coordinate and facilitate patient care between multiple disciplines within both the confines of UIHC and the community (including home health agencies, referring physicians and other community support services). Facilitate continuity of care.
• Perform telephone triage of patient calls and facilitates medication refills as needed.
• Provide cross-coverage to other HVC Nurse Clinicians PRN.
• Assist in the coordination of multidisciplinary care, including referrals to specialty providers such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and rehabilitation services.
• Monitor patients’ progress and response to treatment, including assessing surgical wounds, and addressing any complications or side effects.
• Facilitate communication between patients and the healthcare team, ensuring that patients understand their treatment plan and have access to necessary resource and support.
• Collaborate with clinic staff to ensure smooth patient flow, timely follow-up appointments, and continuity of care for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
• Stay updated on advances in cardiothoracic surgery, nursing practices, and evidence-based guidelines through continuing education and professional development activities.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives within the clinic, including data collection, performance improvement projects, and patient satisfaction surveys.
• Serve as a resource for clinic staff, providing education, training, and support related to cardiothoracic nursing care and clinic processes.
• Provide input into financial management activities including operational budgetary decisions and cost containment.
• Participate in the ongoing implementation of current regulatory standards required to meet state and national agency accreditation.
• Assist with the designated quality database, including compiling and entering quality data.
• Use relevant nursing research to improve clinical practice and investigate nursing care problems related to a specific patient population.
• Interact with staff, patients, medical staff, peers, and others in a professional and cooperative manner.
• Adhere to professional and legal standards of nursing practice.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and staff information.
• Support a work environment that fosters teamwork and is conducive to the recruitment and retention of staff.
• Demonstrate the core values of service leadership: respect, communication, accountability, integrity, and compassion.
• Remain calm and constructive in conflict situations, listen and attempt to understand other points of view.
• Analyze own performance in accordance with position expectations, develops goals and implements a plan to meet goals.
• Follow general policies and procedures in accordance with the regulations of the University of Iowa, UI Health Care, the Heart and Vascular Center, and the Department of Nursing.

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®