Shannon Frias, MSN, RN
Ashland,MA
Summary
Dynamic MSN-prepared Registered Nurse with over 18 years of specialized experience in cardiovascular and transplant programs within a leading academic medical center. Expertise includes ventricular assist device (VAD) and heart transplant coordination, multidisciplinary clinical consultation, and advanced heart failure patient management. Proven success in enhancing transplant program operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering patient education while developing clinical staff capabilities. Skilled in collaborating with physicians, hospital leadership, and community providers to optimize outcomes for advanced heart failure therapies and elevate overall program performance.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ventricular Assist Device & Heart Transplant Coordinator
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2020.01 - Current
- Coordinate evaluation, listing, and transplantation processes for advanced heart failure patients requiring VAD implantation or cardiac transplant
- Provide clinical consultation to multidisciplinary teams regarding treatment strategies and candidacy for transplant or mechanical circulatory support
- Guide patients and families through complex transplant evaluation and informed consent processes
- Serve as clinical liaison between transplant surgeons, cardiologists, inpatient teams, and community providers
- Coordinate post-implant and post-transplant care planning including discharge coordination and outpatient management
- Ensure program compliance with Joint Commission standards and transplant regulatory requirements
- Maintain working relationships with device manufacturers and vendors for equipment management and device tracking
- Provide education to hospital staff, EMS personnel, and community providers on management of VAD and transplant patients
Unit Based Educator – Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2014.01 - 2020.01
- Led educational initiatives for a 32-bed cardiovascular step-down unit caring for advanced heart failure, post-transplant, and structural heart procedure patients
- Assessed staff competency needs and implemented targeted education programs to support high-acuity cardiovascular care
- Developed and delivered education on telemetry interpretation, hemodynamic monitoring, and ventricular assist device management
- Mentored and coached nursing staff to support clinical growth and professional development
- Participated in onboarding, orientation, and competency validation for new nursing staff
- Collaborated with nurse leadership and clinical specialists to align education initiatives with institutional goals and regulatory requirements
- Participated in hospital committees and quality improvement initiatives related to cardiovascular care
- Maintained clinical competence through direct patient care and staff support during complex clinical situations
Resource Nurse – Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2008.07 - 2020.01
- Provided leadership and operational support for nursing staff on a 32-bed cardiovascular step-down unit
- Coordinated staffing assignments and patient placement based on acuity and clinical needs
- Served as clinical resource during critical patient care situations
- Collaborated with cardiology services, catheterization lab teams, and hospital administration to ensure efficient patient flow
- Supported staff development through mentoring, coaching, and clinical guidance
- Assisted in resolving complex patient and family care situations
Staff Registered Nurse – Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2006.05 - 2020.01
- Delivered evidence-based nursing care to patients with complex cardiovascular conditions
- Monitored and managed telemetry and advanced hemodynamic monitoring
- Precepted newly hired nurses and supported orientation programs
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care outcomes
Staff Registered Nurse
Baystate Medical Center
2005.06 - 2006.05
- Provided patient-centered care for medical unit patients using evidence-based nursing practices
- Participated in interdisciplinary care planning and quality improvement initiatives
- Recognized by patients and families for excellence in patient care and service
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Education and Leadership
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA2021-01
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA2005-01
Skills
- Heart Transplant Coordination
- Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD)
- Advanced Heart Failure Management
- Transplant Candidate Evaluation
- Multidisciplinary Clinical Collaboration
- Joint Commission Compliance
- Clinical Education & Staff Development
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Telemetry & Cardiovascular Nursing
- Patient & Family Education
- Program Development
- Regulatory Readiness
Certification
- Registered Nurse – Massachusetts
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Timeline
Ventricular Assist Device & Heart Transplant Coordinator
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2020.01 - Current
Unit Based Educator – Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2014.01 - 2020.01
Resource Nurse – Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2008.07 - 2020.01
Staff Registered Nurse – Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2006.05 - 2020.01
Staff Registered Nurse
Baystate Medical Center
2005.06 - 2006.05
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of Massachusetts
Master of Science in Nursing - Education and Leadership
Worcester State University
Awards
- Nursing Schwartz Award for Nursing Excellence in Peer Education Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — 2015
- Excellence in Cardiovascular Nursing Award Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — 2024
Clinical Teaching Experience
- Simulation Lab Instructor – Simmons University 2020-2022
- Provided simulation-based instruction and evaluation for undergraduate nursing students.