CVICU Ventricular Assist Device Coordinator
Washington, District of Columbia
Medstar Washington Hospital Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Ventricular Assist Device Coordinator - CVICU RN)

Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Role: Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Coordinator in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (5x8 day/night shift)
• Call Requirements:

  • Weeknight call from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM
  • Weekend call from Friday 5:00 PM through Monday 7:00 AM
  • Call is remote unless medically necessary to be onsite
• Start Date: November 3
• Pending DC RN license accepted at time of submission, but DC license must be obtained prior to start date

Required Certifications and Licenses

• DC Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure (pending status acceptable at submission)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - Must be AHA or ARC certified
• Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) certification required; preferred within 1.5 years
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) recommended
• Other certifications may be required based on unit specifics (e.g., PALS, NRP, TNCC)

Key Skills and Responsibilities

• Coordinate monitoring of patients with ventricular assist devices during procedures and operations
• Collaborate with Materials Management and Equipment Technicians to maintain device inventory, tracking, and FDA recall response
• Manage VAD patient education in accordance with regulatory standards
• Ability to take VAD call and assist with procedures is required
• Experience in CVICU or similar cardiovascular critical care setting preferred

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• I9 and E-Verify attestation required upon hire
• Valid Driver’s License if driving is an essential job function
• Background Check within 90 days including criminal, education, and employment verification
• Drug Screen within 90 days of start (excluding marijuana)
• Annual physical exam confirming ability to perform job duties without accommodation
• Immunizations and health documentation including:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years preferred)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (within 1 year, updated annually)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titer documentation
  • Hepatitis B titer, series, or signed declination
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season
  • COVID-19 vaccination strongly recommended; declination requires mask use during patient encounters

Competency Exams and Training

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam (must score 80% or higher)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (passing score of 80% within past 3 years required for CVICU)
• Facility-specific orientation and safety training modules required prior to start
• Annual safety manual acknowledgement

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of recent nursing experience, preferably in cardiovascular or critical care
• At least one completed travel assignment or one month of per diem assignment for travel contracts
• Two positive supervisory references supporting at least two years of experience within the last three years

Additional Notes

• Candidate must provide proof of pending DC RN license at time of application
• Must have DC RN license in hand before starting assignment
• Call duties are primarily remote unless onsite presence is medically necessary

This position is ideal for experienced CVICU nurses with VAD expertise looking for a travel contract opportunity in Washington, DC.