Registered Nurse I Cardiopulmonary

Summary of Essential Functions

• The CPR position plans, coordinates, and implements and evaluates all exercise and educational components of cardiac rehabilitation for outpatients.
• To provide general nursing care and/or supervision of personnel delivering general nursing care to patients.

Educational Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduate of one of the following:

o   An accredited University with a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology or related field.

o   An accredited School of Nursing.

o   An accredited Respiratory Care Therapist program.

Licenses and Certification

• Level I:

o   BCLS within the first 2 months of being hired

o   ACLS within the first 6 months of being hired

• Level II:

o   BCLS

o   ACLS within first 6 months of being hired

• Level III:

o   BCLS

o   ACLS within first 6 months of being hired

o   If an Exercise Physiologist, CCRP (Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional) is required

• One of the following:

o   ACSM-EP (American College of Sports Medicine) preferred

o   Registered with Board of Nursing for the State of Texas

o   Registered Respiratory Therapist for the State of Texas

Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrates competency in the care of patients. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Uses common sense and special nursing skills to care for the sick or handicapped. 
• Understands information from supervisors, charts, reference books, manuals, and labels. 
• Must have good computer skills.
• Communicates with people when they are sick, handicapped or nervous and works quickly and efficiently in an emergency. 
• Changes from one duty to another frequently, follows reasonable instructions, and records information accurately. 
• Remains current in continuing education both in one’s profession and in the field of specialty.
• Competent in the use of obtaining accurate HR, BP, and cardiac rhythm.
• General understanding of Cardiac and Pulmonary medications.
• General understanding of Cardiac and Pulmonary anatomy & physiology.

Physical Requirements

• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time.
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds, pushing and pulling of heavy objects.
• Corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• Working under stressful conditions and working irregular hours.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Provides cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and prevention services to a diagnostically and developmentally diverse population that is commensurate with the client’s age, cognitive ability, and developmental needs.

2.      Able to understand and determine all qualifying criteria for all Cardiac and Pulmonary patients.

3.      Works collaboratively with cardiac rehabilitation staff, physicians and other departments to enhance the continuum of care and productive working relationships.

4.      Develops and implements patient exercise and education care plans and programs according to prescribed treatment and clinical pathways.

5.      Assesses and evaluates patient’s physical, functional, and psychosocial status to assist patients in the design of an exercise, education, and lifestyle modification program to meet activities of daily living (ADL), recreational, and vocational needs.

6.      Administers direct patient care, monitors vital signs and other signs and symptoms to assure medical stability.

7.      Evaluates patients progress and creates or modifies goals and objectives, discharges with appropriate program to maintain and continue optimal lifestyle function and follows up with patient to determine adherence and success. Notifies physicians in a timely manner of problems of pertinent complication.

8.      Documents patient assessments and progress according to departmental guidelines. Maintains accurate patient attendance and charge records for charging and billing process.

9.      Assists with set up, storing, inventory, and maintenance of program equipment and supplies.

10.  Provides and presents formal and informal exercise and risk factor topics to patients and families.

11.  Maintains confidentiality of patient, employee, or medical center information at all times.  Ensures all information, and implementation of processes, which support quality patient care and effective work performance.

12.  Participates in unit/department performance-improvement activities to ensure the development and implementation of processes, which support quality patient care and effective work performance.

13.  Participates in all staff meetings and mandatory in-services and training programs to ensure continued understanding of all departmental policies, procedures, and performance-improvement processes.

14.  Maintains/develops competencies associated with this job description. 

15.  Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.

Grad Level:

• Grad RN, Grad RT, or Grad EP

Level I:

• RN I / RT I / EP I
• Readily recognizes abnormal rhythms and responds appropriately.
• Performs ACLS maneuvers when needed.
• Able to teach patient education classes independently.
• Able to conduct assessments independently.
• Able to prescribe exercise prescriptions independently. 
• Able to take on a full patient management load.
• Able to perform all other functions independently in the Cardio Pulmonary area.
• Has the recommendation of the Director of Cardiology and other Cardio Pulmonary Coordinator
• EP – CCRP required

Level II (Charge Capable):

• RN II / RT II / EPII
• Consistently and always abides by the Standards of Behavior of United Regional.
• Understands and ensures compliance with the daily operations of the department and can function within the guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Has excellent critical thinking skills and can determine when a patient needs further intervention and treatment.
• Understands staffing ratios and utilizes methods to maintain best possible productivity
• Assists with performance evaluations by monitoring and coaching team members.
• Exceeds (4/5) Expectations on Annual Job Performance in:

o   Commitment to Co-Workers/Teamwork

o   Communication / Interpersonal Skills

o   Sense of Ownership/Accountability

o   Critical Thinking

o   Problem Solving

Level III (Charge):

• RN III / RT III / EPIII
• Must meet all of the above requirements.
• Must be in the charge role 30% of their time.