EP-Device Nurse Clinician - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: EP-Device Nurse Clinician Company: University of Iowa Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States Job Type: Full-time, Regular Category: Clinical Operations / Patient Care Coordination Date Posted: September 11, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provides specialized clinical expertise and care coordination for patients with Electrophysiology (EP) devices, including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
• Conducts comprehensive in-person and remote device checks, analyzing transmissions and identifying potential issues to ensure optimal patient device management.
• Facilitates seamless patient care transitions and continuity across inpatient, outpatient, and community healthcare settings, acting as a key liaison.
• Develops and delivers targeted patient and family education on cardiac conditions, procedures, and treatment regimens to enhance patient understanding and adherence.
• Collaborates effectively within a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes and streamline clinic operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a clinical role, the emphasis on patient flow management, remote monitoring analysis, and cross-functional collaboration positions it within the broader scope of healthcare operations management, particularly in specialized cardiac care. The requirement for independent communication and problem-solving highlights an operational efficiency focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a clinical expert in Electrophysiology (EP) device management, providing direct patient care and coordinating comprehensive care plans for patients with pacemakers, ICDs, and other cardiac rhythm management devices.
• Execute in-person and remote device checks, meticulously analyzing device transmissions, identifying abnormalities, and promptly communicating critical findings to physicians for timely intervention.
• Manage patient flow within the EP Device Clinic, ensuring efficient scheduling, tracking of patient appointments, and accurate billing processes to support operational efficiency.
• Coordinate patient care across various healthcare settings, including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, and referring physician offices, to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care.
• Develop and implement individualized patient and family health education programs, assessing learning needs and providing comprehensive information on diagnoses, procedures, risk factor modification, and ongoing treatment regimens.
• Act as a consultant and resource for colleagues regarding EP device patient care, contributing to the development and review of clinical standards and best practices.
• Facilitate patient admissions and manage pre- and post-procedure care for EP device patients, ensuring all necessary steps are taken for optimal patient management.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, including data collection for registries like the STS database, and contribute to the implementation of division/unit quality assessment programs.
• Utilize nursing research to enhance clinical practice and investigate patient care challenges within the EP device patient population.
• Engage in autonomous communication with referring physicians and external healthcare facilities to facilitate coordinated care and information exchange.
• Perform telephone triage for patient calls to the EP Device Service, providing expert advice, facilitating medication refills, and escalating concerns as needed.
• Provide cross-coverage for other UI Heart & Vascular Center Nurse Coordinators to ensure consistent patient support and operational coverage.
• Adhere to all professional, legal, and organizational standards, including maintaining patient confidentiality and demonstrating core service leadership values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond direct patient care to include significant operational duties such as patient flow management, data logging, communication coordination, and quality improvement contributions, reflecting a hybrid clinical-operational role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) is required, providing a strong foundation in clinical theory and practice.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in cardiovascular nursing, or within a cardiac catheterization/electrophysiology lab, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), or cardiac step-down unit is required.
• Alternatively, a minimum of 6 months of direct nursing care or management/supervision of cardiovascular medical/surgical patients, or a minimum of 1 year of direct nursing care/care coordination within an outpatient setting, is acceptable.

Required Skills:

• Clinical Expertise in EP Devices: Demonstrated ability to perform in-person and remote device checks, analyze device transmissions, and troubleshoot common device issues under physician supervision.
• Patient Education: Proven ability to assess learning needs and provide effective health education to patients and families regarding cardiac conditions and device management.
• Care Coordination: Strong skills in coordinating patient care across multiple disciplines and healthcare settings to ensure continuity and efficiency.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills essential for collaborating with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare teams.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to positively and effectively collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Nursing Skills: Proficiency in general nursing care, patient assessment, and adherence to universal precautions.
• BLS Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is mandatory by the start date.
• Iowa RN License: Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa is required by the start date.

Preferred Skills:

• EP Device Experience: 3-5 years of clinical experience specifically with pacemaker and ICD interrogations and reprogramming, including remote monitoring.
• Device Interrogation Competency: Demonstrated proficiency in interrogating single, dual, and CRT pacing systems, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and implanted loop recorders, both in-person and remotely.
• Academic Medical Setting Experience: Previous experience working in an academic medical center environment.
• Epic EMR Proficiency: Experience utilizing the Epic Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Professional Certifications: Current certification as a Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES), Certified Cardiovascular Device Specialist (CCDS), or Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) is desired.
• Research & Quality Improvement: Experience in clinical research or quality improvement initiatives, including data management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both clinical proficiency with EP devices and strong coordination/communication skills highlights the operational aspect of this role, requiring an individual who can manage processes and patient pathways effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Clinical Case Studies: Examples demonstrating management of patients with various EP devices (pacemakers, ICDs, CRT devices), including remote monitoring data analysis and intervention strategies.
• Patient Education Materials: Samples of patient education resources developed or utilized for EP device patients, showcasing clarity and effectiveness in conveying complex information.
• Care Coordination Examples: Documentation or descriptions of successful care coordination efforts for complex cardiac patients, illustrating seamless transitions between care settings.
• Quality Improvement Contributions: Evidence of involvement in quality improvement projects, data collection (e.g., STS database), or process enhancements within a clinical setting.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase understanding of EP clinic workflow optimization, including patient scheduling, device check processes, and remote monitoring protocols.
• Problem-Solving Documentation: Examples of how challenges in patient management or clinic operations were identified, analyzed, and resolved, particularly concerning device function or patient monitoring.
• Performance Metrics: Familiarity with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to EP device clinics, such as device alert response times, patient follow-up rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
• System Usage: While not explicitly a "systems" role in the traditional sense, demonstrating familiarity with EMRs (like Epic) and remote patient monitoring platforms is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional "operations portfolio" may not be standard for a clinician, candidates should prepare to discuss their experience in process improvement, data analysis related to patient care outcomes, and their contributions to operational efficiency within a clinical context. Demonstrating how they've managed complex patient pathways and improved patient throughput will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a clinical nursing position within a large academic medical center, salary will be commensurate with experience and education, following the University of Iowa's established nursing salary scales. Based on industry benchmarks for experienced RNs in specialized cardiac roles in Iowa City, a likely range would be $65,000 - $95,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for 403(b) or 457(b) retirement savings with potential employer match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual of vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education and advanced degrees.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and participation in medical conferences.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided and supplemental options.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees and their families.
• Wellness Programs: Access to various wellness initiatives and resources.
• University Perks: Potential discounts and benefits associated with being an employee of the University of Iowa.

Working Hours:

• Scheduled hours will be Monday through Friday, between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. This role offers a predictable daytime schedule with no nights, weekends, or holidays, providing excellent work-life balance. The total hours per week are approximately 40.

📝 Enhancement Note: The predictable daytime schedule with no nights, weekends, or holidays is a significant benefit that enhances work-life balance, a key consideration for many healthcare professionals. The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center, Cardiology, Electrophysiology) Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers). This indicates a structured environment with extensive resources and opportunities for specialization and collaboration. Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its Health Care system evolving over many decades to become a comprehensive academic medical center. This long history suggests stability, established protocols, and a deep-rooted commitment to patient care and research.

Team Structure:

• EP Device Team: The role is within the Electrophysiology Device Team, a specialized unit focused on cardiac rhythm management.
• Reporting Structure: The Nurse Clinician likely reports to an EP Clinic Manager, Nurse Manager, or Director of Nursing within the Heart and Vascular Center. They will work closely with Electrophysiology physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and other clinical support staff.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate extensively with various departments within UI Health Care, including cardiology, cardiac surgery, inpatient units, diagnostic services, and potentially IT for remote monitoring systems. Collaboration also extends to external entities like referring physicians and community health agencies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Patient Care: Emphasis on utilizing patient data from device transmissions, EMRs, and diagnostic tests to inform care decisions and personalize treatment plans.
• Process Optimization: A focus on improving patient flow, clinic efficiency, and the effectiveness of remote monitoring programs.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Integration of current nursing research and best practices in cardiovascular and electrophysiology care.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care, emphasizing patient education and advocacy.

Company Website: https://uihc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Being part of a large academic medical center implies access to cutting-edge technology, research opportunities, and a structured environment for professional growth. The "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" slogan underscores a mission-driven culture focused on innovation and patient impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Mid-Level to Senior Clinical Specialist position within a healthcare operations framework. While primarily a clinical role, the responsibilities in care coordination, patient flow management, and remote monitoring analysis require operational acumen and process-oriented thinking. Reporting Structure: The Nurse Clinician reports to a clinical management layer within the Heart & Vascular Center. They are expected to work autonomously in many aspects of their role, coordinating patient care and communicating directly with physicians and external providers. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts operational efficiency by ensuring timely and accurate device monitoring, reducing hospital readmissions through proactive patient management, and optimizing the patient experience within the EP clinic. Effective care coordination also reduces resource utilization by preventing unnecessary ER visits or hospitalizations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific EP device technologies, remote monitoring platforms, and complex cardiac conditions.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into roles such as Lead Nurse Clinician, Clinical Nurse Supervisor, or Nurse Manager within cardiology or specialized units.
• Advanced Practice: Pursue further education (e.g., MSN, DNP) to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) like a Nurse Practitioner (NP) specializing in cardiology or electrophysiology.
• Education & Research: Opportunities to mentor junior nurses, participate in clinical research studies, or contribute to educational programs for students and staff.
• Operational Improvement Roles: Transition into roles focused on healthcare operations management, quality improvement, or patient access within the broader health system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of clinical expertise and operational responsibilities provides a unique career path, allowing for growth in both direct patient care and healthcare process management. The academic setting often fosters opportunities for skill development and advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based within the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center, which includes outpatient clinics, potentially procedural areas, and administrative spaces. It's a dynamic hospital environment. Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa. The University of Iowa Health Care campus is a significant hub for medical services in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster teamwork among clinical staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Direct interaction with patients in clinic settings is a primary aspect.
• Technology Integration: Access to advanced medical technology, including EP device monitoring systems, EMRs (Epic), and communication platforms.
• Patient-Centric Focus: The environment is geared towards providing high-quality patient care, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, comfort, and education.
• Professional Setting: As part of a leading academic medical center, the environment is professional, research-oriented, and committed to excellence.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This schedule offers predictable hours, avoiding nights, weekends, and holidays, which is a significant advantage for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is a blend of direct patient interaction in a clinical setting and independent work managing remote patient data. The emphasis on a "no nights, weekends, or holidays" schedule strongly appeals to professionals seeking predictable work hours within a demanding field.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter by HR and potentially the hiring manager for basic qualifications.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager (Jordan Adam) to assess clinical experience, understanding of EP devices, care coordination approach, and alignment with team needs.
• Panel Interview/Team Interview: Meeting with key team members, including physicians and fellow nurse clinicians, to evaluate clinical judgment, communication skills, and ability to collaborate within the multidisciplinary team.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potential for a scenario-based assessment or discussion of complex patient cases to evaluate problem-solving skills, clinical decision-making, and knowledge of EP device management.
• Final Interview: May involve a higher-level manager or director within the Heart & Vascular Center.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Experience: Select 2-3 strong examples that highlight your EP device management, patient education, and care coordination skills. Focus on achievements and measurable outcomes where possible.
• Structure Case Studies: For each case, outline the patient's condition, the EP device involved, the challenges encountered (clinical or logistical), the actions taken (including remote monitoring analysis and interventions), and the outcome. Quantify results if feasible (e.g., "reduced patient wait times by X%", "improved remote monitoring alert response time").
• Highlight Education and Coordination: Showcase your ability to create and deliver patient education, and detail your process for coordinating care across different providers and settings.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you've independently managed patient issues, troubleshooted device problems, or improved clinic processes.
• Professional Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio items clearly and concisely, articulating your role and impact. Ensure all documentation is professional and easy to understand.

Challenge Preparation:

• EP Device Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing common EP device alerts (e.g., lead issues, battery depletion, arrhythmia detection), troubleshooting remote monitoring issues, and patient education for specific devices.
• Care Coordination Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would manage a patient with multiple comorbidities and an EP device, coordinating care between their cardiologist, primary care physician, and other specialists.
• Process Improvement: Think about how you might improve the efficiency of the EP clinic, enhance remote monitoring protocols, or streamline patient follow-up processes.
• Ethical and Communication Challenges: Prepare for questions related to patient advocacy, handling difficult patient/family conversations, and communicating critical information to physicians.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the hybrid nature of the role, expect questions that probe both clinical acumen in EP device management and operational effectiveness in patient flow and coordination. A strong portfolio should illustrate both aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Epic is highly desired. Proficiency in navigating EMR systems for patient charting, order entry, results review, and communication is essential.
• EP Device Remote Monitoring Platforms: Experience with various manufacturer-specific remote monitoring software (e.g., Medtronic CareLink, Abbott Merlin@home, Boston Scientific Latitude) for accessing and analyzing patient device data.
• Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Devices: Familiarity with the programming and interrogation software for pacemakers, ICDs, and CRT devices from major manufacturers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze patient data from remote monitoring transmissions and EMRs to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues.
• Reporting: Experience generating reports on patient device status, clinic activity, and quality metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a traditional sales CRM, the EMR system (Epic) functions as a comprehensive patient management system.
• Automation: Understanding how remote monitoring technology automates the process of data collection and transmission, allowing for proactive patient management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specific EP device remote monitoring platforms and the Epic EMR system are critical technical skills for success in this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: The primary value is delivering high-quality, compassionate care tailored to individual patient needs, with a strong emphasis on patient safety and well-being.
• Excellence and Innovation: As an academic medical center, there's a drive for continuous improvement, embracing new technologies and evidence-based practices to advance patient care.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: A culture that fosters mutual respect, open communication, and effective collaboration among all members of the healthcare team to achieve shared goals.
• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards in patient care and professional conduct, taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.
• Service Leadership: Demonstrating respect, clear communication, accountability, integrity, and compassion in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Active participation in team meetings and case conferences, contributing clinical insights and coordinating care plans with physicians, APPs, and other specialists.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication within the team to ensure all members are informed and aligned on patient care strategies.
• Shared Responsibility: A willingness to support colleagues and share knowledge to ensure seamless patient care and operational effectiveness across the EP service line.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve individual and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a strong commitment to patient outcomes, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving, characteristic of leading healthcare institutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing High Patient Volume: Effectively managing a growing patient population requiring EP device monitoring and follow-up, balancing in-person and remote patient needs.
• Technological Advancements: Staying current with rapidly evolving EP device technologies, remote monitoring platforms, and data analysis techniques.
• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Navigating complex communication and care coordination pathways across diverse healthcare providers and settings to ensure seamless patient journeys.
• Proactive Problem Identification: Identifying subtle device malfunctions or patient health changes through remote monitoring data that might not be apparent during routine clinic visits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to manufacturer-specific training on the latest EP devices and remote monitoring systems.
• Continuing Education: Opportunities to attend national cardiology and electrophysiology conferences (e.g., HRS, ACC) to stay abreast of advancements.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced EP physicians, advanced practice providers, and senior nursing staff within a leading academic center.
• Career Progression: Clear pathways for career advancement into leadership, specialized clinical roles, or advanced practice nursing.
• Research Involvement: Potential to contribute to clinical research projects focused on EP device efficacy, patient outcomes, or remote monitoring effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for specialized clinical roles, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. The growth opportunities, particularly within an academic setting, are significant for those seeking to advance their careers in cardiac care and healthcare operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• EP Device Management: "Describe your experience with analyzing remote monitoring data from pacemakers and ICDs. How do you prioritize alerts, and what steps do you take when you identify a critical abnormality?"
• Care Coordination: "Walk me through how you would coordinate care for a patient with a new ICD who also has diabetes and is being managed by multiple specialists. What systems and communication methods would you utilize?"
• Patient Education: "How would you educate a patient on the proper care and precautions for their new pacemaker? What are the key messages you would convey?"
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a complex issue with an EP device or a patient's remote monitoring data. How did you approach troubleshooting and resolving it?"
• Teamwork & Communication: "How do you ensure effective communication with physicians regarding patient status and device findings? Describe a situation where your communication skills were critical to patient care."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center and this specific role?"
• "How do you align with our core values of service leadership (respect, communication, accountability, integrity, compassion)?"
• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Case Studies: Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies that highlight your EP device management, patient education, and care coordination skills. Focus on the problem, your actions, and the outcome.
• Quantify Achievements: If possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., improved patient adherence, faster alert response times).
• Highlight Remote Monitoring Expertise: Explicitly discuss your experience with specific remote monitoring platforms and your ability to interpret the data effectively.
• Showcase Communication: Be ready to discuss how you communicate critical findings to physicians and how you manage patient inquiries via phone or EMR.
• Engage Interactively: Be prepared to answer questions about your portfolio items and discuss how your experience translates to the specific needs of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific EP device technologies and remote monitoring platforms. Demonstrating an understanding of the operational aspects of clinic flow and patient management will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this EP-Device Nurse Clinician position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's career portal.
• Upload Required Documents: Ensure your resume and cover letter are uploaded and marked as "Relevant File" to your submission.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your cardiovascular nursing experience, EP device knowledge (including remote monitoring), care coordination skills, and any experience with Epic or similar EMR systems. Use keywords from the job description.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in the role, your relevant qualifications, and why you are a strong fit for the UI Heart and Vascular Center. Mention your understanding of the "no nights, weekends, or holidays" benefit.
• Prepare for Interviews: Familiarize yourself with common EP device scenarios, care coordination challenges, and be ready to discuss your experience with remote monitoring platforms and your approach to patient education. Review the University of Iowa's mission and values.
• Review Company Information: Visit the UI Health Care Electrophysiology and Heart and Vascular Center webpages to gain a deeper understanding of their services and patient population.

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