Following implantation of a long-term ventricular assist device (VAD), patients and their family caregivers must incorporate lifestyle changes and navigate various decisions. These decisions encompass a range of endeavors, from routine daily tasks such as checking the device and changing dressings to monitoring for potential complications such as infection or bleeding.1  Patients and caregivers must also be adept at responding to acute events such as adjusting their physical activity according to symptoms and knowing when to contact the VAD/heart failure team for further guidance.1  Beyond self-care decisions, patients and families must also make treatment-related decisions and engage in future planning, such as advance care planning, device deactivation—including the possibility of transplantation—and end-of-life planning.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play a crucial role in supporting VAD patients and their families in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In the United States, APRNs act in a variety of roles, including serving...

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