Pulmonary Hypertension Nurse Clinician - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Pulmonary Hypertension Nurse Clinician

Company: University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-11T20:09:36

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical component of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's Advanced Heart Failure Program, focusing on specialized patient care for Pulmonary Hypertension.

• The Nurse Clinician will provide direct patient care, patient education, and intricate care coordination across inpatient and outpatient settings within the UI Health Care continuum.

• A key aspect involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and quality of life.

• The position emphasizes symptom management, medication adherence, and acting as a primary liaison for patients and their families, offering essential support and resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is clinical, its emphasis on care coordination, patient flow management, multidisciplinary collaboration, and quality improvement initiatives positions it within the broader scope of healthcare operations, particularly in a specialized GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy for advanced cardiac care services. This role requires operational efficiency in patient management and service delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, focusing on individuals with pulmonary hypertension and advanced heart failure, tailored to age and condition.

• Develop and execute individualized care plans in close collaboration with physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

• Actively manage and monitor patient symptoms related to advanced heart failure, including dyspnea, edema, and fatigue, and administer prescribed treatments.

• Oversee patient flow and facilitate seamless transitions of care across inpatient and outpatient services within the UI Health Care system.

• Provide extensive patient and family education on pulmonary hypertension management, self-care strategies, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.

• Coordinate diagnostic tests and procedures, such as echocardiograms and cardiac catheterizations, ensuring efficient scheduling and follow-up.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients and families, offering emotional support, counseling, and connecting them with necessary psychosocial and community resources.

• Perform telephone triage for patient calls, manage medication refills, and facilitate continuity of care with external agencies and referring physicians.

• Document all patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes meticulously within the electronic medical record (EMR) system, adhering to all regulatory and organizational standards.

• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, case conferences, and team meetings to contribute to patient care discussions and strategic planning.

• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and research projects aimed at enhancing patient care delivery and outcomes within the Heart and Vascular Center.

• Act as a resource and mentor to other nursing staff, promoting a culture of excellence in cardiac care and sharing expertise in managing complex cardiac cases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process management, patient journey optimization, and interdepartmental coordination, which are core to effective healthcare operations. The role requires not just clinical skill but also an operational mindset for managing patient populations and healthcare pathways.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 months of direct nursing care experience with cardiovascular medical/surgical patients, OR

• Minimum of 1 year of direct nursing care or care coordination within an outpatient setting.

Required Skills:

• Patient Assessment & Clinical Judgment: Ability to perform thorough patient assessments, interpret findings, and make sound clinical decisions.

• Care Coordination & Case Management: Proven ability to manage complex patient care pathways, coordinate services, and ensure continuity of care across multiple disciplines and settings.

• Patient Education & Counseling: Skill in developing and delivering effective patient and family education, providing emotional support, and counseling.

• Symptom Management: Expertise in identifying, monitoring, and managing symptoms associated with advanced heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

• Medication Management: Competence in administering medications, including IV therapies, and educating patients on adherence and management.

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Proficiency: Demonstrated experience and proficiency in using EHR systems for documentation and patient management.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Strong ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team, fostering communication and teamwork.

• Clinical Documentation: Accurate and comprehensive documentation of patient care activities in accordance with standards.

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

Preferred Skills:

• 3 years of direct nursing care or management/supervision of cardiovascular medical/surgical patients.

• Experience managing care coordination for patients in an outpatient setting and/or within cardiothoracic surgery.

• Experience in an academic medical setting.

• Previous experience using EPIC (Electronic Health Record system).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on EHR proficiency, care coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns with the operational needs of a large healthcare system focused on efficient patient throughput and integrated care delivery. The preferred experience with EPIC is a significant operational tool requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Care Pathway Optimization: Showcase examples of how you have contributed to streamlining patient care pathways, improving efficiency, and enhancing patient outcomes in previous roles.

• Patient Education Program Development: Present any experience in developing or implementing patient education materials or programs, highlighting their effectiveness and impact.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration Case Studies: Provide case studies demonstrating successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to achieve complex patient care goals.

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Utilization: Detail your experience using EHR systems (specifically EPIC, if applicable), focusing on how you leverage them for effective documentation, communication, and care management.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Improvement: Examples of contributions to designing or refining clinical workflows to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, or enhance service delivery efficiency.

• Care Coordination Protocols: Documentation or descriptions of how you have implemented or followed established protocols for care coordination, ensuring comprehensive patient management.

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Evidence of involvement in tracking or reporting on key performance indicators related to patient care, such as readmission rates, patient satisfaction, or symptom control.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio would ideally demonstrate practical application of clinical knowledge within an operational framework. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have applied systematic approaches to patient care, managed processes, and utilized technology to achieve specific outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a 403(b) or similar retirement plan with potential employer match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Tuition Assistance/Reimbursement: Opportunities for continued education and professional development.

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

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

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for certifications, conferences, and advanced training.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, 100% position. The role explicitly states "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!", indicating a standard Monday-Friday daytime work schedule, likely within typical business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), with potential for some flexibility depending on patient needs and clinic operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from general market data for RNs in specialized roles within academic medical centers. Actual compensation will be determined by the University of Iowa based on the candidate's specific qualifications and experience. The "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays" is a significant benefit that impacts work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers). This scale suggests robust infrastructure, extensive resources, and significant opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration and professional growth.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, and its Health Care system has evolved over decades to become a comprehensive academic medical center. This long history implies a culture of established practices, research-driven innovation, and a commitment to patient care excellence.

Team Structure:

• Advanced Heart Failure Program: This specialized program operates within the broader UI Heart and Vascular Center (HVC).

• Multidisciplinary Approach: The team structure emphasizes close collaboration between nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, case managers, and other allied health professionals.

• Reporting: The Nurse Clinician likely reports to a Nurse Manager or Director within the HVC, with direct collaboration across various clinical specialties.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Significant interaction is expected with inpatient units, outpatient clinics, diagnostic services, and community health resources to ensure seamless patient care transitions.

Methodology:

• Evidence-Based Practice: The organization emphasizes using current research and clinical guidelines to inform patient care decisions and improve outcomes.

• Patient-Centered Care: A core philosophy of providing individualized care that addresses the unique needs, values, and preferences of each patient and their family.

• Quality Improvement & Research: Active participation in initiatives to enhance care delivery, patient safety, and clinical outcomes, often involving data analysis and research.

• Continuum of Care Management: A systematic approach to managing patients from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, coordinating services across all points of care.

Company Website: https://uihc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in academic excellence, patient-centric care, and continuous improvement, which are critical operational drivers in a leading healthcare institution. Understanding this context is vital for candidates seeking to align their professional approach with the organization's mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Clinical Operations Specialist. While primarily a clinical role, it involves significant operational responsibilities such as patient flow management, care coordination, process adherence, and contributing to quality initiatives. It serves as a bridge between direct patient care and the operational efficiency of the advanced heart failure program.

Reporting Structure: The Nurse Clinician will report to a Nurse Manager or Director within the UI Heart and Vascular Center. They will work closely with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced practice providers, social workers, and other specialized nurses, requiring strong collaborative and communication skills.

Operations Impact: The Nurse Clinician's role directly impacts the operational efficiency and success of the Pulmonary Hypertension and Advanced Heart Failure programs by:

• Optimizing Patient Throughput: Ensuring efficient patient flow through diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up processes.

• Reducing Readmissions: Through comprehensive patient education and proactive symptom management, the role aims to decrease preventable hospital readmissions.

• Enhancing Patient Satisfaction: By providing dedicated support, education, and coordinated care, the role contributes to a positive patient experience.

• Improving Resource Utilization: Effective care coordination can lead to better utilization of healthcare resources and reduced costs.

• Driving Quality Metrics: Contributions to quality improvement initiatives directly influence the program's performance metrics and overall reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Specialization: Deepen expertise in pulmonary hypertension and advanced heart failure management, potentially leading to advanced certifications.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior staff, lead specific projects, or transition into roles with greater supervisory responsibilities within the HVC.

• Operational Process Improvement: Contribute to and potentially lead initiatives focused on optimizing clinical workflows, patient education strategies, and care coordination protocols.

• Research & Education: Participate in clinical research or contribute to educational programs for staff and students, leveraging experience in an academic medical center setting.

• Transferable Skills: Develop strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills applicable to various healthcare operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of clinical expertise and operational responsibility, providing a strong foundation for career advancement within specialized cardiac care or broader healthcare operations management. The academic setting provides rich opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an On-site role within a leading academic medical center, specifically the UI Heart and Vascular Center and its associated clinics. The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa. The UI Health Care campus is a major medical hub, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Specific clinic and patient care areas within the HVC will be the primary work locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Practice Environment: Expect to work closely with a multidisciplinary team in shared office spaces, patient care units, and clinic settings. This facilitates real-time communication and problem-solving.

• Access to Advanced Technology: The role will involve utilizing sophisticated medical equipment, advanced diagnostic tools, and comprehensive electronic health record systems (EPIC is desired).

• Patient Interaction Focus: A significant portion of the role involves direct patient and family interaction in both inpatient and outpatient environments, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

• Professional Development Resources: Access to libraries, educational sessions, and opportunities for continuous learning within the academic medical center.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 100% position.

• A significant benefit is the explicit mention of "No Nights, Weekends or Holidays!", indicating a predictable daytime work schedule, typically Monday through Friday. This allows for excellent work-life balance compared to many clinical nursing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characteristic of a high-performing academic medical center, emphasizing teamwork, technological integration, and a commitment to patient care. The predictable schedule is a major draw for candidates seeking work-life balance in a demanding field.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, potentially followed by a brief phone screen with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• First Round Interview: Likely conducted by the hiring manager (Jordan Adam) and potentially a senior member of the nursing team. This interview will focus on clinical experience, understanding of pulmonary hypertension/heart failure, care coordination skills, and behavioral questions assessing fit with team values.

• Second Round Interview (Potential): May involve meeting with additional multidisciplinary team members (e.g., a physician, NP, or social worker) to evaluate interdisciplinary collaboration capabilities and assess further alignment with the program's operational and clinical goals. A case study or scenario-based discussion may be included.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussions regarding salary, benefits, and onboarding details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Experience: Select 2-3 key projects or experiences that best demonstrate your skills in patient assessment, care coordination, patient education, symptom management, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a cardiac or advanced chronic illness setting.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced patient wait times for follow-up appointments by 15% through improved scheduling protocols" or "Developed a patient education module that improved medication adherence by 10%."

• Highlight Process Improvement: Showcase instances where you identified inefficiencies in patient flow or care processes and implemented solutions, even if informal. Discuss how you used EHRs to support these improvements.

• Structure Case Studies: For each example, clearly outline the situation, your specific role and actions, the challenges faced, the collaborative efforts involved, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

• Emphasize Operational Thinking: Frame your clinical experiences through an operational lens. How did your actions contribute to the efficiency, quality, and patient satisfaction of the program?

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like: "How would you manage a patient experiencing acute dyspnea in the clinic?" or "Describe a time you had to coordinate care for a patient with complex social needs." Focus on your systematic approach, communication strategy, and collaboration methods.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: You might be asked to suggest improvements for patient onboarding, medication reconciliation, or post-discharge follow-up processes. Think about how to leverage technology and team collaboration.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for questions related to teamwork, conflict resolution, patient advocacy, and handling challenging situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical skills and operational contributions. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience not just clinically, but also in terms of how they manage processes, collaborate efficiently, and contribute to the overall operational success of a specialized healthcare program.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR): Proficiency with EHR systems is mandatory. EPIC is specifically desired, indicating it's the primary system used within the UI Health Care system. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with EPIC's functionalities for patient charting, order entry, communication, and care management.

• Patient Monitoring Systems: Familiarity with various cardiac monitoring devices and systems used for patient assessment and symptom tracking.

• Communication Platforms: Internal hospital communication tools for secure messaging and collaboration with care teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Entry for Quality Databases: The role involves assisting with designated quality databases, requiring attention to detail and accuracy in data input.

• Reporting Tools (Internal): While not explicitly named, the role will likely utilize internal hospital reporting tools to track patient outcomes, process adherence, and contribute to quality metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Patient Relationship Management (Implicit): While not a traditional CRM, the role inherently involves managing relationships with patients and their families, requiring strong interpersonal skills and proactive engagement.

• Workflow Automation (Limited): Focus is more on manual care coordination and process adherence rather than complex automation. However, understanding how EHR functionalities can streamline tasks is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on EPIC highlights its central role in the daily operations of the UI Health Care system. Candidates with prior EPIC experience will have a significant advantage, as it implies familiarity with a comprehensive, integrated healthcare IT platform that supports clinical and operational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Upholding dignity and value for all patients, families, and colleagues, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Communication: Open, honest, and timely communication across all levels and disciplines, essential for patient safety and care coordination.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of actions, responsibilities, and patient outcomes, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards.

• Integrity: Adhering to ethical principles, maintaining confidentiality, and acting with honesty and transparency in all interactions.

• Compassion: Providing empathetic and caring support to patients and families navigating challenging health conditions, demonstrating genuine concern.

• Service Leadership: A commitment to excellence in patient care delivery, continuous improvement, and fostering a positive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Emphasis on collaborative practice, where team members actively support each other and contribute to shared goals.

• Interdisciplinary Integration: A culture that encourages seamless interaction and shared decision-making among diverse healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.

• Continuous Feedback & Improvement: Openness to feedback, constructive dialogue, and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing expertise, best practices, and learning opportunities among team members to elevate the collective skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values directly reflect the operational ethos of a patient-focused, academic medical institution. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal values and professional conduct align with these core principles, particularly in their approach to teamwork and patient care.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Patient Needs: Pulmonary hypertension and advanced heart failure are complex conditions requiring continuous monitoring, management of multiple comorbidities, and significant patient/family education.

• Navigating Healthcare Systems: Coordinating care across various departments, specialists, and external agencies can be challenging, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

• Emotional Demands: Providing care and support to patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses can be emotionally taxing, requiring resilience and effective coping strategies.

• Keeping Pace with Advancements: The field of cardiology and heart failure management is constantly evolving, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation to new treatments and guidelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Clinical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in pulmonary hypertension, heart failure management, and related cardiac conditions through specialized training, workshops, and certifications.

• Operational Process Improvement: Contribute to and learn from quality improvement projects focused on enhancing patient flow, care coordination protocols, and patient education strategies.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced clinicians and leaders within the UI Heart and Vascular Center for guidance and career development.

• Academic Environment Exposure: Engage with research activities, clinical trials, and educational initiatives typical of an academic medical center, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

• Professional Networking: Opportunities to connect with peers and leaders in the field through hospital-sponsored events, conferences, and professional organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex clinical and operational challenges within a supportive, learning-oriented academic environment. The focus on continuous improvement and specialization makes it an attractive position for ambitious healthcare professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenario: "Describe how you would manage a patient presenting with worsening shortness of breath during an outpatient visit. What steps would you take, who would you involve, and how would you document this?" (Focus on systematic assessment, immediate interventions, team communication, and follow-up planning.)

• Care Coordination Challenge: "Tell me about a time you had to coordinate care for a patient with multiple complex needs and limited social support. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and collaborative approach.)

• Process Improvement Idea: "If you noticed a bottleneck in our patient follow-up process, what would be your approach to identifying the issue and proposing a solution?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking, understanding of operational efficiency, and willingness to contribute to improvements.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Values: "How do you embody the University of Iowa's core values of respect, communication, accountability, integrity, and compassion in your daily work?" (Prepare specific examples that illustrate these values in action.)

• Teamwork Approach: "Describe your ideal collaborative relationship with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other members of a multidisciplinary care team." (Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively, share information, and work towards common goals.)

• Impact Measurement: "How have you measured the success of your patient education efforts or care coordination strategies in previous roles?" (Focus on quantifiable results or qualitative feedback that demonstrates positive outcomes.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Overview: Begin with a brief summary of your most impactful projects, highlighting the operations aspect (e.g., process improvement, efficiency gains, patient flow optimization).

• Detailed Case Studies: For each selected example, clearly articulate the problem/situation, your specific actions and contributions, the collaborative elements, and the measurable results (outcomes). Use the STAR method.

• Focus on Process: Explain the processes you followed or improved. How did you leverage technology (like EHRs) to support these processes?

• Quantify & Qualify: Use data (percentages, timelines, patient numbers) where possible. If quantitative data is unavailable, use strong qualitative descriptions of impact and patient benefit.

• Connect to the Role: Explicitly link your experiences and achievements to the requirements and responsibilities of the Pulmonary Hypertension Nurse Clinician role at UI Health Care.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only clinical competence but also a strong understanding of operational principles, efficient process management, and effective collaboration within a large healthcare system. Highlighting experience with EPIC will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Pulmonary Hypertension Nurse Clinician position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the University of Iowa's Taleo careers portal.

• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in cardiac care, pulmonary hypertension, advanced heart failure, care coordination, patient education, and EHR proficiency (especially EPIC, if applicable). Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Address the cover letter to the hiring manager (Jordan Adam) and clearly articulate your interest in the role, your relevant qualifications, and how your skills align with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's mission and the specific needs of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects or experiences that showcase your care coordination, patient education, process improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss these with specific examples and quantifiable results.

• Research the UI Heart and Vascular Center: Familiarize yourself with their programs, patient care philosophy, recent achievements (e.g., U.S. News & World Report rankings), and core values. Understand their commitment to "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®"

⚠️ 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.