Cardiac ICU Ventricular Assist Device RN
Washington, District of Columbia
Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Medical Solutions and 12 others

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location:
Washington, District of Columbia

Facility:
Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Part of MedStar Health system

Job Description

• Manage all durable Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) including oversight, evaluation, and direction of related activities.
• Ensure compliance with standards set by The Joint Commission and other regulatory bodies.
• Implement and maintain clinical standards for patients supported with VADs.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement policies and procedures related to VAD care.
• Coordinate patient monitoring during procedures and operations involving VADs.
• Collaborate with Materials Management and Equipment teams to maintain device inventory and manage FDA recall responses.
• Coordinate outpatient clinic evaluations for VAD patients, including data collection and driveline assessments.
• Document patient conditions and maintain accurate electronic medical records.
• Support clinical research trials related to VADs, including consent, scheduling, data collection, and regulatory communication.
• Provide extensive training for hospital personnel on VAD care.
• Develop order sets, nursing flowsheets, and reference materials for VAD patients.
• Contribute to VAD database management and assist in preparing presentations and manuscripts.
• Assess and address educational needs of patients and families; provide training for patients and caregivers.
• Interface with industry representatives on behalf of the institution and physicians.
• Participate in VAD call schedule.
• Maintain professional development through seminars, workshops, and scientific literature.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or Engineering required.

Experience

• 3-4 years of progressively responsible experience in a tertiary care facility.
• Preferred: Experience with heart failure and ventricular assist devices.
• Preferred: Experience conducting clinical research trials.

Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the District of Columbia (state or compact licensure).
• CPR certification (BLS and NRP) from American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 days.
• VAD Certification preferred within 1.5 years.
• Additional unit or specialty certifications may be required depending on department.

Required Certifications and Competencies

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or ARC certified
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – Required for ED or Pediatrics nurses
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) – As required by unit
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) – As required by unit
• EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring) – For Labor & Delivery candidates
• National Tech Certification – Based on profession/state
• HIPAA Safety Manual Acknowledgement – Annual requirement
• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam – Must pass with 80% or higher within 3 years of start
• Color Blind Testing – Required (online or in-person)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam – Required for Telemetry, MedSurg/Tele, ICU, and ED RNs (passing score 80%)
• Facility-specific competency exams as applicable

Health and Background Requirements

• Annual physical exam confirming ability to perform work without accommodations and free from communicable disease.
• N95 Fit Test within 9 months of start, updated annually (client may complete on-site).
• Immunizations and documentation required for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years preferred)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (annual updates required)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 MMR vaccines or positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, series, or signed declination)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer)
• Drug screening within 90 days of start (excluding marijuana), updated annually.
• Seasonal flu vaccination required during flu season (medical/religious exemptions subject to strict approval).
• COVID-19 vaccination required (medical/religious exemptions subject to strict approval).
• Criminal background check within 90 days of start covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required prior to start and monthly thereafter.
• Two positive supervisory references supporting at least two years of recent experience.
• Complete 7 years of work history with no gaps, including education and license verification.

Additional Information

• Valid driver’s license required if driving is an essential job function.
• Completion of facility-specific modules and training prior to start.
• Compliance with MedStar Health policies and procedures is mandatory.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a leading tertiary care hospital with a focus on advanced cardiac care and ventricular assist device management. Ideal candidates will have specialized experience in heart failure and VAD patient care, strong clinical research skills, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.