“As a APRN in the CV procedural area, I get to experience multiple roles. I see the patients in Pre-Admission Testing, prior to their cardiac surgery, catheterization or electrophysiology procedure. I get to know the patient and their family and evaluate their health from a wholistic standpoint as well as a pre-procedure perspective. The other role is that of the Procedural APRN. In that role, I facilitate the movement of the patient from Same Day Surgery to the Cardiovascular Operating Room and then to the CICU. I support the families in this roll, as well as the patient and our peri-op team. The role is so varied and adaptable. My favorite part of my job is supporting families and patients. We help them through the process of their child's cardiac procedure. It is very rewarding to be there to help children through surgery/catheterization/EP Study/ Ablation and into recovery. The families are so thankful and that makes me thankful to work at CMH. “ -Marissa APRN II Heart Center

The Ward Family Heart Center at Children’s Mercy Kansas City is the premier high-volume pediatric heart program in the Midwest. Our focused, interdisciplinary care of children with complex congenital and acquired heart disease brings to bear the expertise of board-certified pediatric cardiologists, congenital cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiac intensivists, anesthesiologists, advanced practice pediatric critical care nurses and pediatric critical care nurses. Our facilities include two cardiac operating rooms and two cardiac cath labs that can function as hybrid rooms, one of them being equipped with electrophysiology equipment and includes the most advanced technology available for diagnosis, treatment, and translational research for our patients, who range in age from fetal to young adult. Since 2015, U.S. News & World Report has ranked our pediatric cardiology and heart surgery services among the nation’s top 50.

As a member of the Heart Center team, the CV Procedural APP will work to provide care to all high acuity cardiac patients in the CV Procedural area (cardiac surgery, cardiac cath lab, cardiac electrophysiology lab) needing diagnostic testing and/or intervention. This includes, but is not limited to, single ventricle patients, transplant patients, patients requiring mechanical circulatory support and ventricular assist devices, acquired heart disease and arrhythmia patients. The CV Procedural APP also evaluates patients in Pre-Admission Testing, prior to their cardiac surgery, catheterization or electrophysiology procedure. In this team structure, APPs provide direct patient management which includes evaluating patient in clinic, ordering/interpreting laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, analyzing and prioritizing complex data, developing differential diagnoses, and implementing plans of care. These tasks will be completed with direct collaboration with a board-certified pediatric cardiologist and/or congenital cardiothoracic surgeons. The CV Procedural APP is expected to work effectively with the medical team by communicating clearly with families, working well with physicians, being a resource to nursing staff and collaborating with multiple subspecialities within the Heart Center. We are looking for candidates who have a passion for the fast-paced environment of the cardiac procedural area and an enthusiasm to grow their advanced practice career caring for the pediatric cardiac population.

Advanced Practice Provider II (APP-II) provides proficient, comprehensive, evidence-based advanced practice to address the physiologic, psychosocial, and developmental needs of patients and families within the framework of the collaborative practice agreement. An APP II obtains a comprehensive health history; performs physical examination; formulates a plan of care and treatment; prescribes/performs diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and procedures; and participates in patient and family education. Each APP-II demonstrates professional leadership and participates in evidenced-based practice, quality improvement, and/or research activities, and organizational development.

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

- Clinical Practice: proficiently provides comprehensive, evidence-based advanced practice nursing care based on the physiologic, psychosocial, and developmental needs of patients and families within the framework of the collaborative practice agreement.
- Professional Leadership: advances the practice of nursing by inspiring others to positively impact the care of children and families in our community.
- Evidenced-based Practice/QI/Research Inquiry: improves patient/family outcomes by utilizing evidence to translate science to practice.
- Organizational Development: influences organizational policy in order to achieve and sustain practice improvements and strategic initiatives.

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.