title: A survey of nurses in the mechanical circulatory support programs in the United States.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to examine the role of nurses working in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) programs in the United States through a description of role characteristics, including demographic information, qualifications, compensation, job preparation, work setting and responsibilities, scope of practice, contributions to patient care, and organizational outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveys were mailed to 189 nurses at 95 MCS programs, with a response rate of 63% (n = 119). However, 11% of respondents did not meet the inclusion criteria, and thus the final sample totaled 106 participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Descriptive statistics and an analysis of contents showed many similarities among the nurses, along with some differences in work characteristics, compensation, scope of practice, and other items.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings in this first national survey illustrate the multifaceted roles and related skill sets required of registered professional/advanced practice nurses in America's rapidly growing MCS programs. The common use of "ventricular assist device coordinator" as job title for these specialized and highly skilled nurses is incongruent with their role in these programs.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA. jcasida@wayne.edu
authors.forename: Jesus M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Casida
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ilacqua
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009729:Nursing / Q000639:trends*; D010045:Outpatients; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States