CLINICAL SERVICES NURSE II/III/IV - VAD COORDINATOR

Duke PA; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clinical Services Nurse II/III/IV/VAD Coordinator at Duke University Hospital in Durham provides advanced nursing care for heart failure patients treated with VADs, coordinating care from inpatient to ambulatory settings with an interdisciplinary team.

This role includes patient and family education, participation in quality improvement, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Requires BSN, RN license, ACLS/BLS, and at least 2 years of VAD-related RN experience.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited BSN program.
• Current and unrestricted RN license.
• ACLS and BLS certifications required.
• Minimum 2 years of RN experience with VAD care.

Responsibilities

• Provides advanced nursing care for patients with VADs pre- and post-implant.
• Coordinates pre-VAD evaluations and post-implant follow-up.
• Assesses organ function and collaborates on interventions.
• Develops and implements protocols of care for VAD patients.
• Participates in education for patients, families, and nursing staff.

Education

BSN degree

Job description

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CLINICAL SERVICES NURSE II/III/IV - VAD COORDINATOR

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 271928

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Sep 19, 2026

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Clinical Services Nurse II/III/IV/VAD Coordinator

Job Location- Duke University Hospital

Job Location

Duke University Hospital – Heart Center

Job Summary
The Clinical Services Nurse (CSN) is responsible and accountable for advanced clinical expertise for patients with heart failure treated who are undergoing evaluation for or dependent on mechanical circulatory support devices as life-sustaining therapy, including Left Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD). This role encompasses the full spectrum of coordination and care for medically complex and high risk patient population. The incumbent functions as clinician, educator, consultant and leader. Clinical judgements are based on a syntheses of current research, concepts, principles, theories, and outcomes to solve complex problems. The CSN functions as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team, contributing to excellence in patient care, research/quality improvement, teaching, and in providing leadership in the organization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Care

• Provides advanced nursing care for patients before and after mechanical circulatory support implant including the spectrum of VADs and total artificial heart implant from inpatient to ambulatory care.
• Coordinates evaluation process for pre-VAD (referral) patients to ensure effective use of hospital and clinical resources
• Assess post-VAD patient organ function and general health status and collaboratively determine need for additional assessment or intervention
• Facilitates the scheduling of studies and procedures for diagnostic and evaluative purposes
• Participates in the development and implementation of protocols and standards of care for patients with VADs in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team
• Participate in phone triage/on call pager coverage for Duke VAD emergency pager in collaboration with the advanced practice providers and/or physician on-call
• Provide patient follow up via faxes, phone calls, emails and electronic medical record communication
• Complete paperwork for prescription prior authorizations, disability paperwork or FMLA in collaboration with physician and/or advanced practice provider
• Remain up to date with clinical resources and most recent guidelines pertaining to the care of the VAD population
• Care delivery requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by this patient population, including significant socioeconomic barriers, limited health literacy, and disparities in access to care, which directly impact outcomes and require tailored, patient-centered interventions. Refers patients and families to utilize health system and community resources.
• Deliver care in accordance with regulatory requirements

Coaching / Educator

• Serve as a VAD resource for patients and families by providing pre-operative evaluations and counseling
• Identify patient/family education needs and priorities
• Coach patients and families to help them prepare for discharge from hospital after index VAD implant
• Provide ongoing VAD education for patients and families
• Participate in developing, implementing and evaluating patient education resources and programs
• Assess learning needs of nursing staff and multidisciplinary team; plan and implement appropriate educational forums and opportunities to address critical learning needs and skills
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships within and across departments that promote patient safety, culturally competent care, and clinical excellence in the care of patients with VADs
• Practices collegially with multidisciplinary team including but not limited to medical staff, advanced practice providers and other members of the healthcare team
• Communicates with multidisciplinary staff, patients and family members in a timely matter in regards to patient care issues
• Role model professional nursing through conduct, appearance, communication, mutual respect, leadership, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, continuous learning and problem-solving skills
• Provides clinical experience in a preceptor roles for nursing students attending institutions that have contractual agreements with DUHS. Participates in the orientation of new nursing staff and provides expert coaching and guidance through both formal and informal one-on-one teaching with nursing staff

Evidence Based Practice, Quality Improvement and Research

Utilization

• Maintain awareness of regulatory requirements for the program
• Employs evidence-based clinical practice guidelines tailored to the individual
• Integrates evidence in the management of patients, families and groups
• Collaborates in quality/performance improvement programs and projects, product evaluation, outcomes evaluation studies and/or clinical research
• Assists with clinical research when appropriate

Job Eligibility Requirements

Education

• Graduate of an accredited BSN program

License

• Current unrestricted license issued by or recognized by the NCBON.

Certification

• RN
• AHA ACLS and BLS required.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of applicable RN experience required with 1 year experience with patients with durable VAD

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and clinical practice standards.
• Able to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership, and others.
• Able to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, perform health assessments, treatment, and follow-up.
• Able to use fine motor skills
• Able to record activities, document assessments & interventions; prepare reports and presentations
• Able to use computer and learn new software programs
• Able to provide leadership in clinical area of expertise and in meeting organizational goals
• Able to navigate the Hospital and DUHS to provide clinical expertise to specific patient populations
• Able to withstand prolonged standing and walking with the ability to move or lift at least fifty pounds
• Able to remain focused and organized

Job Hours

Monday-Friday 9-5pm, call required

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.