IRL Staff Nurse, General Cardiology - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: IRL Staff Nurse, General Cardiology - UI Heart and Vascular Center

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare - Nursing Operations

Date Posted: June 15, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (1-3 years required, 3+ years preferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on direct patient care within the UI Heart and Vascular Center's General Cardiology outpatient/ambulatory team, emphasizing efficient workflow and patient throughput.

• The position requires strong clinical nursing skills in patient assessment, care planning, and coordination of care across various settings.

• It involves active participation in patient intake, monitoring, and essential procedures like suture removal and wound dressing.

• The role demands seamless collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient management and continuity of care.

• This is a critical role in ensuring the operational efficiency and high-quality patient experience for the UI Heart and Vascular Center, recognized as a top heart hospital.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Staff Nurse within a specialized cardiology unit, indicating a focus on operational efficiency within patient care delivery. While not a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role, it involves operational aspects of a healthcare setting, such as patient flow, resource utilization, and coordinated care delivery, which are analogous to process optimization and efficiency in other industries. The emphasis on "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!" highlights a structured operational schedule designed for work-life balance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Function as a clinical staff nurse within the UI Heart and Vascular (HVC) outpatient/ambulatory team, managing patient flow and care delivery.

• Conduct thorough patient intake, including monitoring vital signs, documenting current medications and allergies, and performing procedures such as suture removal and wound dressing.

• Collaborate effectively with other healthcare services to schedule and coordinate diagnostic tests and medical clearances for patients.

• Apply nursing theory and evidence-based practices to assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate patient responses to various health conditions.

• Assess patient health care preferences and expectations to personalize care plans and enhance patient satisfaction.

• Coordinate the continuum of care across different settings, ensuring seamless transitions and integrated patient management.

• Develop and implement comprehensive patient care plans tailored to individual patient conditions, age, and psychosocial factors, with a focus on achieving expected outcomes.

• Document and report implemented nursing interventions and patient/family responses to care, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping.

• Integrate patient and family contributions into the multidisciplinary patient care plan, fostering shared decision-making.

• Develop, coordinate, and implement effective transfer and discharge planning throughout the patient's episode of care.

• Implement nursing interventions in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and protocols to maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff, adhering to universal precautions.

• Maintain and enhance skills and competency related to specialized equipment, medications, and procedures common to the cardiology patient population.

• Participate in the development and implementation of computer applications and electronic health record (EHR) functionalities to improve operational efficiency.

• Serve as a clinical preceptor to new nursing staff and/or agency staff, contributing to team development and knowledge transfer.

• Provide clinical care and cross-coverage to all HVC locations, including the main campus, Iowa River Landing, and outreach sites, as needed.

• Uphold and support departmental standards and practice guidelines, ensuring consistent quality of care.

• Foster positive collaboration and coordinate the continuum of care within a multidisciplinary team and across divisions/units, providing effective communication and counseling to patients and families.

• Demonstrate a commitment to professional behavior, including pride in work, flexibility in assignments, and consistent maintenance of professional appearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct patient care and operational coordination within an ambulatory setting. The emphasis on "coordinating the continuum of care," "scheduling and coordinating additional testing," and "serving as a clinical preceptor" points to the operational aspects of managing patient flow, team development, and interdepartmental collaboration, which are key in efficient healthcare operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing, a Diploma in Nursing, a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN), Professional Masters of Nursing and Healthcare Practice (MNHP), MSN/Clinical Nurse Leader, or a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN, MA) is required.

• Active enrollment in a BSN program is desired if a Baccalaureate degree has not yet been obtained. Experience:

• A minimum of one (1) year of direct nursing care experience within the past six months in one of the following settings:

  • Outpatient Cardiovascular Clinic
  • Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab
  • Adult Electrophysiology Lab
  • Telemetry Unit
  • Cardiology Unit
  • Cardiovascular ICU
  • Emergency Room (ER)

• Three (3) years of experience in the above settings is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to professionally interact with patients, families, nursing staff, and other multidisciplinary team members.

• Ability to work autonomously in a high-volume ambulatory setting with limited supervision. Required Skills:

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) by start date.

• Current license to practice nursing in the State of Iowa by start date.

• Patient Assessment: Ability to conduct comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments.

• Vital Sign Monitoring: Proficiency in accurate and timely measurement and interpretation of vital signs.

• Patient Care Planning: Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating individualized patient care plans.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with physicians, allied health professionals, and other nursing staff.

• Patient Education: Competency in educating patients and families about their conditions, treatment plans, and self-care.

• Clinical Precepting: Experience or aptitude for mentoring and guiding new nursing staff.

• Ambulatory Care Operations: Understanding of workflow and efficiency in an outpatient clinical setting.

• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) for effective patient and team interaction.

• Current Iowa Driver’s License and ability to meet UI Fleet Services safety standards (required for potential cross-coverage at outreach sites). Preferred Skills:

• Three (3) years of experience in direct nursing care within an Outpatient Cardiovascular Clinic, Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Adult Electrophysiology Lab, Telemetry Unit, Cardiology Unit, Cardiovascular ICU, or ER within the past six months.

• Previous Electronic Health Record (EHR) experience, specifically with EPIC.

• Current job-related professional certification (e.g., Cardiovascular Nursing certification).

• Knowledge of University policies, procedures, and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience clearly defines the operational context as mid-level, suggesting a need for individuals who can quickly adapt to the unit's established processes and contribute without extensive initial training. The preference for EPIC experience is a crucial technical skill for operational efficiency in patient data management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal operations portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates are expected to demonstrate their understanding of efficient patient care processes through their resume, cover letter, and interview responses.

• Showcase experience in patient flow management, care coordination, and adherence to established protocols within clinical settings.

• Highlight any involvement in process improvement initiatives or contributions to team efficiency within previous roles.

• Be prepared to discuss how you've utilized EHR systems (like EPIC) to manage patient data, schedule appointments, and coordinate care. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to documenting patient care, including assessments, interventions, and outcomes, in accordance with nursing standards and institutional policies.

• Demonstrate understanding of the importance of accurate and timely documentation for continuity of care, regulatory compliance, and operational reporting.

• Be ready to articulate how you contribute to maintaining a safe patient environment through adherence to protocols and universal precautions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a nursing operations role, the "portfolio" is demonstrated through clinical experience and the ability to articulate processes. Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples of how they have managed patient flow, coordinated care, and utilized EHR systems to ensure operational efficiency and high-quality patient outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The University of Iowa typically offers competitive salaries for nursing positions based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. While a specific range is not provided, based on industry benchmarks for Staff Nurses with 1-3 years of experience in Iowa City, IA, a typical annual salary range would be approximately $60,000 - $80,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Iowa City and the specialized nature of cardiology nursing. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a retirement savings plan like the State of Iowa Retirement System (IPERS) or a 403(b) plan.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay. Notably, this position offers "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!" which is a significant benefit for work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education, certifications, and tuition assistance.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and options for short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Wellness Programs: Access to various wellness initiatives and resources.

• Potential for cross-coverage at outreach sites may involve mileage reimbursement. Working Hours:

• Scheduled hours will be between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• This role explicitly excludes nights, weekends, and holidays, offering a predictable and stable work schedule.

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Registered Nurses in similar roles and locations. Actual compensation will be determined by the University of Iowa based on the candidate's specific experience and qualifications. The explicit mention of "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!" is a key operational benefit that contributes to employee satisfaction and retention.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare - Academic Medical Center / Hospital System. The University of Iowa Health Care is a leading institution in medical research, education, and patient care.

Company Size: Large. The University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers. This size indicates a complex organizational structure with numerous departments and opportunities for collaboration and career growth.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its health care system evolving significantly over time to become a comprehensive academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the UI Heart and Vascular Center (HVC), specifically the General Cardiology outpatient/ambulatory team.

• This team likely includes other Staff Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Cardiologists, Medical Assistants, and administrative support staff.

• The reporting structure would typically be to a Nurse Manager or Assistant Nurse Manager for the HVC, who in turn reports to higher levels of nursing leadership within UI Health Care.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving seamless interaction with other cardiology subspecialties, diagnostic services (imaging, labs), and inpatient units. Methodology:

• Data-driven patient care: Emphasis on using patient data from EHRs (like EPIC) for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

• Evidence-based practice: Integration of nursing theory and research into clinical practice.

• Patient-centered care: Focus on patient preferences, expectations, and active involvement in care decisions.

• Collaborative care models: Working in multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient management.

• Continuous improvement: Participation in developing and implementing computer applications and improving departmental standards.

Company Website: https://uihc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at a large academic medical center like the University of Iowa is typically characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, research, and education, alongside patient care. For operations roles, this translates to a structured environment that values process adherence, data integrity, and continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is for a Staff Nurse, generally considered an experienced clinical professional. It sits within the operational framework of a specialized healthcare unit, focusing on efficient patient throughput and care delivery rather than traditional business operations management.

Reporting Structure: The Staff Nurse reports to a Nurse Manager or Assistant Nurse Manager within the UI Heart and Vascular Center. This structure emphasizes direct supervision and adherence to unit-level operational protocols.

Operations Impact: The Staff Nurse's impact is directly on patient outcomes and the efficiency of the cardiology clinic's operations. By performing duties effectively, they contribute to high patient satisfaction, timely diagnostic processes, and efficient resource utilization within the clinic. Their role is crucial for the smooth functioning of the ambulatory care environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Advancement: Opportunity to gain specialized expertise in cardiology nursing, potentially leading to roles such as Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or advanced practice roles.

• Preceptorship & Leadership: Develop leadership skills by serving as a clinical preceptor for new staff, contributing to team development and operational knowledge transfer.

• Further Education: Support for pursuing higher nursing degrees (BSN, MSN) for career advancement, as indicated by the preference for BSN enrollment.

• Specialized Certifications: Encouragement to obtain job-related professional certifications to enhance expertise and career prospects.

• Cross-Site Experience: Gaining experience across various HVC locations can broaden understanding of operational logistics and patient care delivery models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are primarily clinical and leadership-focused within the nursing profession. While not a direct path into traditional GTM or RevOps, the emphasis on process, efficiency, patient management, and team leadership provides transferable skills relevant to operational roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a clinical outpatient/ambulatory setting within the UI Heart and Vascular Center. This includes main campus facilities, Iowa River Landing, and potentially outreach sites.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, with potential travel to outreach sites. The specific locations within Iowa City are part of the UI Health Care campus.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is a dynamic clinical environment requiring constant interaction with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

• Access to essential clinical equipment, patient care supplies, and electronic health record systems (EPIC) is standard.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with frequent communication and coordination needed within the clinic and with other departments.

• The environment is fast-paced, particularly in a high-volume ambulatory setting, requiring efficient time management and prioritization skills. Work Schedule:

• The schedule is Monday through Friday, between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

• A significant operational benefit is the absence of nights, weekends, and holidays, contributing to a predictable work-life balance.

• This structured schedule supports consistent patient care delivery and team availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment emphasizes a structured, on-site operational setting within a healthcare context. The predictability of the schedule is a key operational feature designed to enhance employee well-being and ensure consistent service delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and cover letter, marking them as "Relevant File."

• Initial Screening: Human Resources and/or the hiring manager will review applications and resumes for minimum qualifications and preferred experience.

• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary interview may be conducted by the hiring manager or a recruiter to assess general fit, communication skills, and initial understanding of the role.

• On-Site/In-Person Interview: Candidates selected for further consideration will likely undergo a more comprehensive interview process, which may include:

  • Panel Interview: Meeting with the Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, and potentially other team members (nurses, physicians) to discuss clinical experience, problem-solving abilities, and team collaboration.
  • Clinical Scenario Discussions: Candidates will be asked to describe how they would handle specific patient care situations, demonstrating their clinical judgment and adherence to best practices.
  • Behavioral Questions: Questions designed to assess how candidates have handled past situations related to teamwork, communication, stress management, and patient care challenges.

• Background Check & Credential Verification: Successful candidates will undergo a criminal background check and verification of education and licenses.

• Reference Checks: Up to five professional references will be requested.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal "operations portfolio" is not required, your resume and cover letter serve as your primary documentation.

• Resume Focus: Clearly articulate your direct patient care experience, highlighting responsibilities related to patient assessment, care planning, coordination, and patient education within cardiology or similar settings. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "managed care for X patients daily").

• Cover Letter Strategy: Tailor your cover letter to express your understanding of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's mission and your specific interest in general cardiology ambulatory care. Emphasize how your skills align with the responsibilities, particularly those related to efficient patient flow and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Interview Discussion: Be prepared to verbally "walk through" your experience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe specific instances where you demonstrated key skills like patient assessment, problem-solving, effective communication, and contribution to team efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• While formal case studies or operational challenges are less common for direct nursing roles compared to business operations, be prepared for questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in clinical contexts.

• Clinical Scenarios: Practice articulating your thought process for common cardiology patient presentations or clinic workflow issues.

• Process Improvement: If you have experience with process improvement, be ready to discuss it. Even small examples of how you improved efficiency or patient experience in a previous role can be valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is standard for clinical nursing roles. Candidates should focus on showcasing their clinical expertise and their ability to operate effectively within a structured healthcare operational environment. Highlighting experience with EHRs like EPIC and an understanding of patient flow are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Primarily EPIC. Proficiency in EPIC for patient charting, scheduling, order entry, and communication is highly desirable.

• Cardiology-Specific Monitoring Equipment: Familiarity with standard cardiac monitoring devices and diagnostic tools used in an outpatient cardiology setting.

• Patient Communication Platforms: Utilizing secure messaging systems within EPIC or other hospital-approved platforms for patient and interdisciplinary communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct responsibility for complex data analysis may not fall on the Staff Nurse, understanding how their documentation contributes to unit-level metrics (e.g., patient wait times, appointment adherence, patient outcomes) is important.

• Familiarity with how data from EHRs is used for quality improvement and operational reporting within the unit. CRM & Automation:

• The EHR (EPIC) often integrates CRM-like functionalities for patient relationship management, appointment reminders, and communication tracking.

• Automation within the nursing workflow might involve pre-populated forms, electronic order sets, and automated alerts within the EHR.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the EPIC EHR system is a critical technical requirement for operational efficiency in this role. Candidates should emphasize any experience they have with this or similar comprehensive EHR platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: Prioritizing the needs, preferences, and well-being of patients above all else. This translates to efficient, compassionate, and effective care delivery.

• Excellence in Care: Commitment to the highest standards of clinical practice, continuous learning, and professional development within cardiology.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where all team members work together seamlessly to achieve common goals and ensure smooth operational flow.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for actions and patient outcomes.

• Innovation and Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance patient care and operational efficiency, as seen in the participation in computer application development.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Working closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, medical assistants, and other support staff to provide holistic patient care.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, concise, and respectful communication among team members to ensure patient safety and efficient workflow.

• Shared Responsibility: Understanding that patient care is a collective effort, with each team member contributing to the overall operational success of the clinic.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve individual and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes collaboration and a patient-first approach, which are critical for the operational success of a busy cardiology clinic. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they apply to daily work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Patient Volume: Managing a continuous flow of patients in an ambulatory setting requires excellent time management and prioritization skills to maintain efficiency and quality.

• Complex Patient Needs: Cardiology patients often have multiple co-morbidities and complex care requirements, demanding a high level of clinical expertise and critical thinking.

• Interdepartmental Coordination: Ensuring seamless coordination with various diagnostic services, specialists, and potentially inpatient units can be operationally complex.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving medical technologies, treatments, and EHR system updates requires continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Cardiology Skills: Deepen expertise in managing a wide range of cardiovascular conditions and treatments.

• Clinical Preceptorship: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by training new nurses, contributing to the operational knowledge base of the unit.

• Continuing Education: Access to resources for professional development, including workshops, conferences, and potential support for advanced degrees.

• Exposure to Advanced Treatments: Working within a leading Heart and Vascular Center provides exposure to cutting-edge cardiac care and technologies.

• Cross-Site Experience: Opportunity to learn different operational models and patient populations by working at various HVC locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a high-performing clinical operations role. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing clinical expertise and leadership within the healthcare field, which indirectly builds operational acumen.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to manage a busy patient load in an outpatient clinic. How did you prioritize tasks and ensure all patients received timely care?" Focus on your process and efficiency.

• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you ensure effective communication with physicians and other members of the multidisciplinary team when coordinating patient care?" Highlight your methods for clear, concise, and proactive communication.

• Problem-Solving: "A patient arrives for their appointment but their necessary diagnostic results are missing. What steps would you take to resolve this issue and ensure the patient's care plan is not delayed?" Demonstrate your troubleshooting and problem-solving approach.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working specifically in general cardiology at the UI Heart and Vascular Center?" Research the center's reputation, mission, and recent achievements.

• "How do you handle constructive feedback from colleagues or supervisors regarding your patient care or workflow?" Discuss your openness to learning and continuous improvement.

• "Describe your experience working within a team that prioritizes patient-centered care. How do you contribute to ensuring patient preferences are considered?" Align your response with the company's values. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, focus on presenting your experience effectively through your resume and interview responses.

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to elaborate on your resume, providing specific examples that demonstrate your skills in patient assessment, care planning, coordination, and utilization of EHR systems like EPIC.

• STAR Method: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail your accomplishments and experiences, particularly those showcasing efficiency, problem-solving, and collaboration. For example, discuss a time you streamlined a process or improved patient flow.

• Highlight Key Skills: Emphasize your cardiology experience, BLS certification, Iowa nursing license, and any experience with EPIC or similar systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on translating clinical skills into operational effectiveness. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach within the context of a busy cardiology clinic.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this clinical operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UI Talent Acquisition portal.

• Upload your resume and cover letter, ensuring they are marked as "Relevant File" for consideration.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your direct patient care experience in cardiology or similar settings, emphasizing skills in patient assessment, care planning, coordination, and EHR usage (especially EPIC). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Customization: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the UI Heart and Vascular Center and the General Cardiology team. Clearly articulate how your skills and experience align with the role's responsibilities and the company's mission.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational interview questions using the STAR method. Be prepared to discuss your experience with patient flow, interdisciplinary collaboration, and problem-solving in a clinical setting.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's reputation, services, and commitment to patient care. Understand their recognition as a top heart hospital.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.