Cardiac Stress Testing Registered Nurse

Job Summary

Tennessee Heart is recruiting for a Cardiac Stress Testing Registered Nurse responsible for supporting non-invasive cardiac diagnostic testing, including treadmill exercise stress tests, stress echocardiography, nuclear stress testing, PET, and CT imaging support at their Cookeville, TN office. This role ensures safe and effective patient care throughout all phases of testing, including pre-assessment, monitoring during procedures, and post-test recovery.

Key Responsibilities / Required Skills & Abilities

Core Clinical Responsibilities

• Assist cardiologists and technologists with stress testing procedures (treadmill, nuclear, stress echo, PET/CT as applicable)
• Perform pre-test assessments to determine patient appropriateness for exercise or pharmacologic stress testing
• Review patient medical history, assess contraindications, verify allergies, and initiate IV access as needed
• Provide patient education regarding procedures, expectations, and discharge instructions

Monitoring & Patient Safety

• Monitor vital signs before, during, and after procedures
• Recognize and respond to cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic ECG changes, hemodynamic instability, and medical emergencies
• Interpret and continuously monitor cardiac rhythms during procedures and recovery phases
• Observe patients for adverse reactions to pharmacologic agents and intervene appropriately

Pharmacologic Stress & Clinical Support

• Administer pharmacologic stress agents and reversal agents in accordance with established protocols
• Collaborate with cardiologists and clinical team during test interpretation and escalation of abnormal findings

Collaboration & Workflow

• Collaborate with cardiologists, advanced practice providers, technologists, and support staff to ensure safe, efficient patient flow
• Support coordination of care across diagnostic and imaging modalities

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation within the electronic medical record (Altera/TouchWorks)
• Ensure compliance with departmental protocols, accreditation standards, radiation safety guidelines, and infection control requirements
• Adhere to HIPAA and patient privacy standards

Quality & Operational Support

• Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and process improvement initiatives
• Contribute to maintaining a high-quality patient experience and efficient clinical operations
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Tennessee
• 1–3 years of experience in stress testing, cardiology, radiology, or related clinical environment preferred
• Experience with stress echocardiography, nuclear imaging, or cardiac diagnostic testing preferred
• Strong critical thinking and clinical judgment skills

Required Certifications / Licensure

• Current RN license (TN)
• ACLS certification required
• BLS certification required

Preferred Qualifications

• ANCC Board Certification in Cardiac/Vascular Nursing
• Prior experience in outpatient cardiology or diagnostic imaging settings
• Experience with pharmacologic stress testing protocols

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to recognize and respond to changes in patient condition quickly
• Excellent communication skills with patients and multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with EMR systems and clinical documentation (TouchWorks)

Compensation

Tennessee Heart offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) match.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking in clinical environments
• Ability to assist patients with mobility and positioning
• Ability to lift at least 15 pounds
• Ability to respond rapidly in emergency situations

Work Environment

• Fast-paced outpatient cardiology and diagnostic imaging setting located in Cookeville, TN
• Direct patient care with varying acuity levels
• Schedule may vary based on patient volume and testing demand (Monday-Friday)