Cardiovascular Lab Technologist

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Under the supervision of the Outpatient Center Manager and at the direction of Registered Nurses, performs cardiac catheterization lab duties within and support of the sterile field during operative procedures. Assures proper care and maintenance of equipment while maintaining the sterile field. Demonstrates good knowledge of principles and practices of sterile and aseptic technique and infection control. Demonstrates knowledge of all equipment, instruments, procedures, and supplies utilized in the Cardiac Cath/Vascular/EP operating room within the hospital or hospital outpatient department. This position requires the individual to be flexible in their work schedule.

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and facility information and adhering to the HIPAA policy. Reports, in good faith, any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations or the SP Code of Conduct. The ability to self-direct and to organize a varied workload is required. Fulfills annual Cornerstone continuing education requirements.

Personal attributes include the ability to be self-directed; demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and receptiveness to change; seeks guidance, direction, and assistance when needed. Works under stress and in situations that demand patience, stamina, endurance, and tact while providing impeccable service. Fosters an attitude of teamwork and willingness to assist others and does not refuse performing other job duties as requested. Set's priorities, responds timely to issues, which require a decision, and ensure desired results are achieved by means of consistent follow through. This position reports to the Director of Surgical Services.

Patient Population:

The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients. In addition, our hospital outpatient department patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 6 months to geriatric patients.

Physical Requirements:

May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance. May be expected to push or pull 150-300 pounds with assistance. Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty. Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required. Optimal auditory acuity required. Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments, or armamentarium is essential to performing assigned duties. Physical conditions are clean, neat, and well lit. May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors, stressful situations, limited radiation, hazardous chemicals, or infectious diseases where judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential. Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care and needs of the surgical team. Hours of duty may be irregular or unexpectedly extended due to the requirements of the job.

OSHA Exposure Classification:

 Job Category I. Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply. Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
• High School diploma or GED required.
• Previous radiologic technologist or cardiovascular technologist work experience or is a graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist/Technologist (CVIS) training program
• BLS & ACLS certifications required or obtained within 30 days of hire date.

• 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Ability to relate and work effectively with others.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. 
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards.
• Demonstrates ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement.
• Must be computer literate with basic, fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job-related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

PEOPLE

1. Adheres to staffing schedules, attendance policy, and cooperates with daily assignments as requested.
2. Demonstrates skills as a team player. Shows a willingness to assist others in preparation of the operating room, pulling cases according to the preference cards and schedule, and cleaning and stocking of the operating room.
3. Provides direct patient care in clinical areas and demonstrates clinical competence.
4. Participates in orientation of new staff and peer evaluations, ensures facility morale exemplifies the mission and values of the center.
5. Demonstrates ability to solve problems timely and constructively; maintains focus on improving the situation.
6. Willingness to teach others and participate in competency programs.
7. Completes Healthstreams in a timely manner annually.
8. Participates in all staff meetings for department and facility for informative and educational purposes.
9. Helps to develop and implement systems to assure the smooth and efficient flow of patients for procedures in the Cardiovascular Lab.
10. Duties for this position include but are not limited to: hemodynamic monitoring, circulating, and scrubbing roles during Invasive Cardiovascular/Vascular and basic EP procedures and other procedures position also includes patient teaching, assisting with pre and post patient assessment and patient care within scope of practice.
11. Demonstrates technical expertise in working with electrophysiology and cardiovascular/vascular patients during invasive diagnostic and interventional angiographic procedures. 
12. The ability to self-direct and to organize a varied workload is required.
13. Under limited supervision provides patient care within a broad range of health care needs in Cardiac Special Procedures to include, but not limited to: basic Electrophysiology Diagnostic and Interventional procedures, Implantable Cardiac Devices, Cardiac, Peripheral Vascular and Nephrology Diagnostic and Interventional procedures. 
14. Uses a variety of specialty cardiovascular equipment and X-Ray equipment. Understands the capabilities of this equipment and is able to perform troubleshooting strategies as indicated to support patient care. 
15. Maintains an expertise in image acquisition, transfer, and archiving.
16. Properly enters service requests for equipment failure and notifies Manager/Director of Surgical Services appropriately. 
17. Cleans, Disinfects, and inspects equipment. 
18. Checks the status of the imaging and specialty equipment to ensure device is in proper operating condition.

SERVICE

1. Demonstrates highly effective communication skills with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members.
2. Establishes and maintains exceptional services to all customers including physicians, patients, and employees with the goal of delighting all customers.
3. Participates in physician-oriented service teams as directed.
4. Gathers and assembles appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies for each procedure assigned to maintain a high level of service to physicians and patients. Special attention to details noted on the preference cards and prior experience with specific cases.
5. Participates in the turnover of cases to achieve high level of service.
6. Models’ appropriate interaction with physicians, patients, and staff to ensure high level of service in all areas of responsibility.
7. Reviews daily schedule and prepares cases based upon preference cards and specific patient care needs.
8. Communicates changes as necessary to preference cards.

QUALITY

1. Demonstrates effective technique in surgical scrubbing, maintaining the sterile field, and aseptic technique according to policy, procedures and AORN standards.
2. Helps to develop/integrate standard of care for patients undergoing cardiac cath/interventional vascular procedures.
3. Assists in training additional staff as needed.
4. Assures the delivery of quality clinical care through competency in the use of all equipment and instrumentation.
5. Assures facility clinical policies and procedures are followed.
6. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly OR environment adheres to all patient care safety requirements.
7. Participates in quality improvement activities as requested.

FINANCE

1. Conserves resources and minimizes cost when possible.
2. Participates and assists with implementation of cost saving initiatives for the department.
3. Communicates ideas for cost containment and reducing expense.
4. Appropriate staffing levels and overtime is below established benchmarks.
5. Establishes and maintains par levels for necessary equipment and supplies

GROWTH

1. Through competency and customer service, employee will contribute to the growth of the facility.
2. Employee communicates service line development ideas with facility leadership.
3. Employee engages in customer service conversations with physicians as adjunct to facility marketing initiatives.
4. Works with physicians and vendors to secure appropriate supplies, equipment, and training to implement new types of procedures within the service line.
5. Foresees potential problems, adapts priorities, and plans independently with and without outside direction.