Heart Failure Nurse Clinician - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Heart Failure Nurse Clinician - UI Heart and Vascular Center Company: University of Iowa Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States Job Type: Full-time, Regular Category: Healthcare Operations / Patient Care Coordination Date Posted: August 28, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in the Advanced Heart Failure Program, focusing on comprehensive patient care and support for individuals with complex cardiac conditions.
• It involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless patient journeys across inpatient and outpatient settings, emphasizing continuity of care.
• Key functions include patient assessment, symptom management, medication administration and education, and facilitating patient flow and admissions.
• The position requires strong patient and family engagement, providing essential education, emotional support, and resource navigation throughout the care continuum.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided input is for a nursing role, it's being mapped to an "Operations" context by focusing on the coordination, process management, and patient flow aspects, which are critical operational components within a healthcare setting. The "clinician" aspect is interpreted as a subject matter expert driving operational excellence for a specific patient population.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with nursing, medical staff, and other health professionals to develop, review, and implement patient care standards for the advanced heart failure population, ensuring age-specific and condition-specific care.
• Develop and execute individualized care plans in partnership with the multidisciplinary team, aligning treatment strategies with each patient’s unique needs and therapeutic goals.
• Actively monitor and manage symptoms associated with advanced heart failure, including but not limited to dyspnea, edema, fatigue, and chest pain, implementing appropriate interventions.
• Administer prescribed medications, including intravenous therapies, and provide comprehensive patient education on medication management, adherence strategies, and potential side effects.
• Oversee and optimize patient flow through the UI Health Care continuum of care, managing transitions between inpatient and outpatient services and coordinating necessary admission and post-procedure care.
• Facilitate patient education sessions focused on heart failure management, self-care strategies, and lifestyle modifications to promote optimal patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Act as a liaison with external agencies, community resources, and referring physicians to ensure comprehensive care coordination and continuity for patients, including home health services.
• Perform telephone triage for patient inquiries, manage prescription refills, and provide ongoing support and counseling to patients and families addressing psychosocial and emotional concerns related to advanced heart failure.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and comprehensively within the electronic medical record (EMR) system, adhering to all regulatory standards and organizational policies.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and research projects within the Advanced Heart Failure Program and the broader Heart and Vascular Center to enhance patient care delivery and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the operational impact and coordination aspects inherent in a clinical specialist role, framing them within the context of process improvement and patient flow management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) is a mandatory requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 months of direct nursing care experience, or a minimum of 1 year of care coordination experience within an outpatient setting is required.
• Alternatively, a minimum of 6 months of management or supervision of cardiovascular medical/surgical patients is acceptable.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential for accurate patient data management and care documentation.

Required Skills:

• Patient Assessment & Management: Ability to conduct thorough patient assessments, monitor vital signs, and manage complex cardiac conditions.
• Care Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate patient care across multiple disciplines and settings, ensuring seamless transitions and continuity of care.
• Patient Education & Counseling: Skill in educating patients and families on disease management, medications, lifestyle changes, and providing emotional support.
• Clinical Knowledge: Strong understanding of advanced heart failure pathophysiology, treatment modalities, and best practices in cardiac care.
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with EHR systems for documentation, data entry, and patient record management.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for effective collaboration with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.
• BLS Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.
• Iowa RN License: A current and valid license to practice nursing in the State of Iowa is mandatory.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Cardiac Experience: 3 years of direct nursing care or management/supervision experience with cardiovascular medical/surgical patient populations.
• Outpatient Care Coordination: Prior experience specifically managing care coordination for patients in an outpatient setting.
• Academic Medical Center Experience: Familiarity with the environment and operational nuances of an academic medical center.
• EPIC EMR Proficiency: Previous experience utilizing the EPIC EMR system is highly desired.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Experience Requirement" has been interpreted to encompass different pathways to qualify, focusing on direct patient care or management/coordination roles within the cardiovascular field. The skills section consolidates and categorizes the requirements for clarity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Patient Care Coordination: Demonstrate successful coordination of care for patients with complex chronic conditions, highlighting improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions.
• Process Improvement Examples: Showcase initiatives or contributions to improving patient flow, reducing wait times, or enhancing communication protocols within a clinical setting.
• EHR Documentation Samples: Provide anonymized examples or descriptions of effective patient charting, care plan documentation, and data entry within an EHR system.
• Patient Education Material Development: Include samples of patient education materials created or utilized, illustrating clarity, cultural sensitivity, and effectiveness in conveying complex health information.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to map existing patient care workflows, identify bottlenecks, and propose data-driven improvements for efficiency and effectiveness within the advanced heart failure program.
• Implementation & Automation: Experience in implementing new care protocols, patient engagement strategies, or leveraging technology to automate routine tasks and streamline care delivery.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Skills in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for patient care coordination, tracking progress, and analyzing data to report on program effectiveness and identify areas for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates general nursing duties into operational deliverables. Portfolio requirements are framed around demonstrating process management, system utilization, and data-driven improvements relevant to a care coordination role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for experienced Registered Nurses in specialized clinical roles in Iowa City, Iowa, and considering the academic medical center environment, a competitive salary range is estimated between $70,000 - $95,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the required BSN, specialized experience in cardiovascular care, and the responsibilities associated with a Nurse Clinician role in a leading heart center.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a robust retirement savings plan, likely with employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual of paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays, reflecting the commitment to work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education, certifications, and advanced training to support career growth in cardiac care.
• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition reimbursement or assistance for further academic pursuits.
• Wellness Programs: Access to employee wellness initiatives, resources, and support services.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• This is a 100% Full-time position, typically structured around standard business hours. The description notes "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!", indicating a standard Monday-Friday daytime work schedule, which is a significant benefit for work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimation based on role, location, and experience level, as specific details were not provided. The benefits listed are typical for a large academic medical institution like the University of Iowa. The "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!" is a key operational benefit that significantly impacts work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center, Cardiology & Heart Surgery) Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers). This size indicates extensive resources, diverse patient populations, and opportunities for specialized roles and interdisciplinary collaboration. Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, establishing a long history of education, research, and patient care. The UI Heart and Vascular Center is a key component of this institution.

Team Structure:

• The Nurse Clinician will be part of the Advanced Heart Failure Program, a specialized unit within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.
• This role likely reports to a Nurse Manager or Clinical Nurse Lead within the Heart Failure Program, with direct collaboration with Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Social Workers, Case Managers, and other allied health professionals.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, involving frequent interaction with inpatient teams, outpatient clinics, diagnostic services, and community support agencies to ensure comprehensive patient management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Patient Care: The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and utilizes patient data to inform care planning, symptom management, and outcome tracking.
• Collaborative Care Models: A multidisciplinary approach is central, with regular team meetings, case conferences, and shared decision-making processes.
• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement is a focus, aiming to refine patient workflows, enhance communication, and leverage technology for efficient and effective care delivery.
• Patient-Centric Approach: The program prioritizes patient and family education, emotional support, and shared decision-making throughout the care journey.

Company Website: https://www.uihealthcare.org/heart-vascular/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is framed around its identity as a leading academic medical institution, highlighting its commitment to research, education, and high-quality patient care, particularly in specialized fields like cardiology. The team structure emphasizes the collaborative nature of advanced patient care.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level clinical operations specialist within a highly specialized healthcare program. It requires a strong foundation in nursing practice combined with advanced skills in patient management, care coordination, and process navigation. The "clinician" title suggests a level of expertise and autonomy in managing patient care pathways.

Reporting Structure: The Nurse Clinician likely reports to a Nurse Manager or Clinical Director overseeing the Advanced Heart Failure Program. They will work closely with advanced practice providers (NPs), physicians, and other healthcare professionals, forming a core part of the patient care team.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts operational efficiency by ensuring smooth patient transitions, optimizing resource utilization, and reducing readmission rates through proactive care coordination and patient education. The quality of care coordination directly influences patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and the overall reputation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced heart failure management, potentially leading to roles like Heart Failure Nurse Navigator or specialized educator.
• Leadership Development: Potential progression into charge nurse roles, team lead positions, or management within the Heart and Vascular Center.
• Education & Research: Involvement in training new staff, mentoring junior nurses, and participating in clinical research projects related to heart failure management.
• Advanced Practice: Pursuing further education (e.g., MSN, DNP) to transition into roles like Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist within cardiology.
• Interdepartmental Mobility: Opportunities to move into other specialized areas within the UI Heart and Vascular Center or other departments within UI Health Care.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on career paths within the healthcare operations and clinical specializations, aligning with a mid-level role in a large academic medical center.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site clinical role within a major academic medical center, specifically the UI Heart and Vascular Center. The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and patient-focused.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A. This location offers the benefits of a university town with access to research, cultural activities, and a strong community focus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Clinical Setting: The workspace will involve direct patient interaction in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including clinic rooms, patient floors, and potentially telehealth consultations.
• Technology Integration: Access to a comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EPIC), communication systems, and potentially specialized cardiac monitoring equipment.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for collaboration with physicians, NPs, PAs, social workers, case managers, pharmacists, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team through rounds, meetings, and direct communication.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, with the explicit benefit of "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!". This suggests a typical Monday-Friday daytime schedule, allowing for a strong work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the clinical and collaborative nature of the role within a major healthcare institution, highlighting the integration of technology and the importance of teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and cover letters to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrated experience in cardiac care, care coordination, and communication skills.
• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss background, motivation for the role, and basic fit with the team and company culture. Candidates may be asked to elaborate on specific experiences related to heart failure management and care coordination.
• On-Site/Virtual Interview Panel: This stage typically involves interviews with key team members, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and potentially other Nurse Clinicians or Nurse Managers. Expect behavioral questions focused on teamwork, problem-solving, patient advocacy, and handling challenging situations. Questions may assess clinical judgment and understanding of advanced heart failure protocols.
• Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study (Potential): While not explicitly stated, some roles may include a scenario-based assessment or a request to discuss a complex patient case from their experience, focusing on their approach to assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation.
• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: When discussing past experiences or projects, quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "improved patient compliance by 15%," "reduced average patient wait time by 10 minutes").
• Structure Your Narrative: For case studies, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your role, actions taken, and the outcomes achieved in patient care coordination or process improvement.
• Highlight Collaboration: Provide specific examples of how you effectively collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: If discussing EHR experience, be ready to describe specific functionalities you utilized for patient management, documentation, or reporting.
• Address Patient Education: Be prepared to describe your approach to patient and family education, including how you tailor information to different learning styles and cultural backgrounds.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Heart Failure Management: Familiarize yourself with current guidelines, common symptoms, treatment modalities, and the role of various healthcare professionals in managing advanced heart failure.
• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Reflect on experiences related to teamwork, conflict resolution, communication under pressure, and patient advocacy.
• Know the UI Heart and Vascular Center: Research the program's specific services, patient population, and any recent achievements or initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.
• Practice Communication: Rehearse how you would explain complex medical information to a patient or family member, and how you would present a patient case to a multidisciplinary team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, translating the job description into concrete preparation steps tailored for a clinical operations role within a healthcare setting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR): Proficiency with an EHR system is a mandatory requirement. Given the mention of "EPIC" as a desired qualification, it is highly probable that the University of Iowa utilizes EPIC for patient charting, order entry, scheduling, and patient management.
• Communication Platforms: Internal messaging systems, secure email, and potentially secure patient communication portals for telehealth or message exchanges.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools like Word (for documentation, letters), Excel (for data tracking, simple analysis), and PowerPoint (for presentations, education materials).

Analytics & Reporting:

• EHR Reporting Modules: Utilizing built-in EHR functionalities for patient data retrieval, trend analysis, and basic reporting on patient populations or care metrics.
• Quality Databases: Potential use of specialized databases for tracking quality metrics, patient outcomes, and regulatory compliance data within the Heart and Vascular Center.

CRM & Automation:

• Patient Relationship Management (PRM) Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, aspects of CRM functionality may be integrated within the EHR or specific patient management software to track patient interactions, appointments, and communication history.
• Workflow Automation: Opportunities may exist to leverage EHR functionalities or other integrated systems for automating patient reminders, follow-up scheduling, or data collection processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on EHR proficiency, specifically mentioning EPIC as a desired skill, which is standard for large healthcare systems. Other tools are inferred based on the nature of the role and organizational context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing each patient's dignity and individuality, and fostering a respectful environment for all team members.
• Communication: Prioritizing clear, open, and honest communication among patients, families, and the multidisciplinary care team.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of patient care responsibilities, adhering to protocols, and striving for excellence in all actions.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and acting with honesty and transparency.
• Compassion: Demonstrating empathy, kindness, and understanding towards patients and their families, especially during challenging times.
• Patient-Centered Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care that enhances quality of life and clinical outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with physicians, NPs, PAs, social workers, case managers, and other specialists to provide holistic patient care.
• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, sharing patient information effectively, and participating actively in team meetings and case conferences.
• Shared Decision-Making: Engaging patients and families as active partners in their care planning and decision-making processes.
• Continuous Learning Environment: Fostering a culture where team members are encouraged to share knowledge, learn from each other, and contribute to process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are derived from the company's stated mission and the nature of advanced healthcare delivery, emphasizing a patient-centric and team-oriented approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Patient Needs: Advanced heart failure patients often have multiple comorbidities, complex medication regimens, and significant psychosocial challenges, requiring a high level of clinical skill and coordination.
• Navigating Healthcare Systems: Assisting patients and families in understanding and accessing various services within a large academic medical center and coordinating with external community resources can be complex.
• Maintaining Patient Engagement: Keeping patients motivated and adherent to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications can be challenging, requiring strong motivational interviewing and educational skills.
• Balancing Clinical Care and Administrative Tasks: Efficiently managing electronic health record documentation, coordinating appointments, and fulfilling administrative duties while providing direct patient care.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Cardiac Training: Access to ongoing education, workshops, and potentially certifications related to advanced heart failure management and cardiac care.
• Mentorship from Experts: Opportunities to learn from experienced cardiologists, NPs, and senior nursing staff within a leading Heart and Vascular Center.
• Participation in Research: Involvement in clinical trials or research studies focused on improving heart failure treatments and patient outcomes.
• Professional Conferences: Support for attending national or regional conferences focused on cardiology and heart failure to stay abreast of the latest advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are common in specialized clinical roles, and the growth opportunities are framed within the context of professional development within a leading healthcare institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenario: "Describe a complex patient case you managed involving advanced heart failure. What were the key challenges, how did you coordinate care, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your role in assessment, intervention, communication, and patient education).
• Process Improvement: "Can you give an example of a process you improved in a previous role, perhaps related to patient flow, communication, or documentation? What was your approach and what were the results?" (Highlight analytical skills and initiative).
• Collaboration: "How do you approach collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, NPs, and social workers? Describe a time you had a disagreement with a team member and how you resolved it." (Emphasize communication and teamwork).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in the Advanced Heart Failure Program at UI Health Care specifically?" (Research the program's mission, achievements, and patient population. Connect your skills and career goals to their work).
• Values Alignment: "How do you embody our core values of respect, communication, accountability, integrity, and compassion in your daily practice?" (Provide specific examples from your experience).
• Team Dynamics: "What do you look for in a team environment, and how do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team dynamic?" (Discuss your preferred communication styles and how you support colleagues).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Case Studies: Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your skills in patient assessment, care planning, coordination, patient education, and problem-solving. Use the STAR method for clarity.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, present metrics related to your contributions, such as improvements in patient adherence, satisfaction scores, or efficiency gains.
• Highlight EHR Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with EHR systems, particularly if you have EPIC experience, focusing on how you used it to manage patient data and coordinate care.
• Demonstrate Education Skills: Be prepared to discuss your approach to patient and family education, perhaps by outlining a sample teaching plan for a common heart failure symptom.
• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio examples directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the Heart Failure Nurse Clinician role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific interview preparation advice, focusing on common question types and strategies relevant to clinical operations and patient care coordination roles in healthcare.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Heart Failure Nurse Clinician position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the University of Iowa's career portal.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your nursing experience, specific cardiovascular care skills, care coordination achievements, and any experience with electronic health records (EHR), particularly EPIC if applicable. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Cover Letter Customization: Craft a compelling cover letter that expresses your interest in the Advanced Heart Failure Program, details your relevant experience, and articulates how your skills align with the program's mission and the specific requirements of the Nurse Clinician role. Address your understanding of patient-centered care and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Portfolio Preparation: Gather documentation that supports your qualifications, such as anonymized case studies demonstrating care coordination, examples of patient education materials, or descriptions of process improvements you've contributed to. Be ready to discuss these during an interview.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research the UI Heart and Vascular Center, its Advanced Heart Failure Program, and the University of Iowa Health Care's mission and values. This will enable you to tailor your application and interview responses effectively.

⚠️ 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.

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