Nurse Practitioner: Cardiology

Role Purpose

The Heart Center Advanced Practice Provider (APP) provides support in the cath lab, cardiac OR and heart unit. The role includes procedural support, care coordination, discharge planning, patient and family education, and post-discharge management for hospitalized CTS/Cardiology patients. The APP partners with proceduralist, inpatient providers, nursing, care management, and outpatient cardiology teams to ensure coordinated, efficient, and patient-centered care throughout the hospitalization and transition to the ambulatory setting.

Summary

Functions in collaboration with a physician according to a standard care arrangement and specialty board certification. Operates in accordance with Section 4723.431 of the Ohio Revised Code and rule adopted by the Board of Nursing for Advanced Practice Nurses, the national board certifying agency, and maintains a Standard Care Arrangement with a collaborating physician(s) on the medical staff. Performs health assessments, physical exams, and identifies significant health and medical risk factors. Orders, interprets and evaluates tests and studies to assess clinical problems and health care needs. Develops a diagnosis by analyzing and synthesizing collected data. Independently and in collaboration with the physician, develops treatment plans along with the patient and significant others. Performs diagnostic or therapeutic interventions consistent with board certification, state law and organizational medical staff privileges. May prescribe and monitor medications as allowed by prescriptive authority through Ohio Board of Nursing and hospital policy. Develops patient education plan. Participates in medical team rounds; collaborates with nursing, medical and other healthcare team members regularly to ensure quality patient care. Performs admission history & physical, document progress notes, complete discharge summaries as required. Provides consultations and requests consultations, as directed and in accordance with hospital bylaws. Assists with and facilitates discharge planning. May serve as resource for staff/residents and clinical learners. Actively participate in quality improvement and care standardization for cardiac patients.

Core Responsibilities
Care Coordination

* Coordinate procedural patient care across the pre-procedure, inpatient, and post-procedure continuum.

* Facilitate case review, procedure planning, scheduling coordination, and completion of pre-procedure requirements.

* Collaborate with physicians, procedural teams, anesthesia, and ancillary services to optimize procedural readiness and patient flow.

* Practices in any setting in which patients require complex monitoring and therapies, high intensity nursing intervention, or continuous nursing vigilance within the range of high-acuity care.

* Wound management, post procedure follow up care and management, and longitudinal follow up post discharge.

* Provides call coverage for cardiac OR and Cath lab after hours emergencies.

Discharge Planning

* Lead discharge planning for high-risk cardiac patients.

* Ensure completion of patient and family education.

* Coordinate medication reconciliation and write discharge prescriptions.

* Order home equipment, home nursing, and specialty services as needed.

* Coordinate follow-up appointments, order diagnostic testing, and laboratory monitoring prior to discharge.

* Work closely with the Heart Unit Case Manager to address discharge planning.

Patient and Family Education

* Provide comprehensive education regarding diagnoses, medications, activity recommendations, nutrition, and home care.

* Reinforce education throughout hospitalization to improve caregiver confidence and preparedness.

* Serve as a consistent discharge planning resource for patients and families.

* Develop and maintain standardized educational materials and discharge resources.

Quality Improvement

* Lead quality improvement initiatives to enhance care delivery, discharge processes, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes for cardiac procedural patients.

* Monitor and analyze procedural, operational, and patient outcome metrics, including readmissions, discharge efficiency, follow-up compliance, patient satisfaction, and other relevant quality measures.

* Develop, implement, and maintain standardized care pathways, clinical workflows, and evidence-based practices for complex cardiac populations in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Program Development

* Develop, implement, and maintain procedural standard work, clinical pathways, and operational workflows for procedural services.

* Support specialty clinics (cardiac feeding, syncope, single ventricle and heart failure), home monitoring and high-risk outpatient programs.

* Collaborate with outpatient cardiology team to ensure continuity of care across the inpatient-to-ambulatory continuum.

Organizational Value

This role complements the bedside care teams by allowing physicians and inpatient APPs to focus on acute medical management while ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive procedural coverage, discharge planning, coordinated follow-up, and consistent education. The position improves the patient and family experience, reduces avoidable readmissions, enhances discharge efficiency, and strengthens integration between the inpatient Heart Unit and outpatient pediatric cardiology services.

Education and Experience

Master's or Doctoral Degree in Nursing preferred

Licensed as an RN in State of Ohio, National Certification as a nurse practitioner by nationally accredited organization

Must have current certificate of authority and certificate to prescribe (or eligible) by Ohio Board of Nursing. ACLS or PALS may be required based upon practice setting

Must obtain credentialing as an active member of medical staff and appropriate medical staff privileges

Current Health Care Provider BLS training is required

Full Time

FTE: 1.000000

Status: Onsite