Registered Nurse - Cardiac Cath Lab

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: (other duties may be assigned)

1. Assists Cardiologist in performance of diagnostic invasive procedures.

KEY MEASURES:

• Maintains operational knowledge of Cath Lab equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.
• Assists and performs diagnostic invasive procedures in the Cardiac Cath Lab. Provides care for patients prior, during and after procedures. Scrubs and assists Cardiologist as requested
• Responds to patient distress situations and assists with equipment quality control and inventory management.
• Prepares sterile trays, instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for procedures, and maintains sterile field. Provides all appropriate services to safely and efficiently complete patient’s procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of cardiac concepts and clinical practices.

2. Possesses the knowledge & skills level of basic and complex invasive procedures

KEY MEASURES:

• Performs Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), stents, IABP placement and operation and peripheral interventions.
• Responsible for patient safety in the CCL and must be able to recognize cardiac arrhythmias and respond according to emergency protocols, operate external cardiac pacemaker and defibrillator. Intervenes with appropriate therapy in the event of cardiac emergencies.

3. Operation of equipment

KEY MEASURES:

• Maintains, troubleshoots and operates fluoroscopy equipment to ensure operability and safety.
• Maintains operational knowledge of Cath Lab equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.
• Selects and operates equipment as needed to perform required exams.
• Calibrates equipment and performs routine preventive maintenance procedures.
• Properly handles and processes PACS images to include storage and transfer.
• Follows radiation safety policies as outlined by the NRC and the Hospital’s Radiation Safety Committee.

4. Patient care

KEY MEASURES:

• Monitors and records patients' hemodynamic status during procedures.
• Administers medications during procedures under the direction of a physician.
• Performs various tests of multiple blood samples obtained through catheterization or other means, from specific areas within the patient's heart or lung to determine the concentration of gases in order to aid in the physician's diagnosis and treatment.
• Immobilizes patients as necessary and practices radiation safety procedures.
• Acts as patient educator. Explains procedure and answers questions prior to the procedure.
• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as evaluation results, individualized treatment plans, progress reports, and other such reports.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Prepares rooms with appropriate instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment
• Drapes patients for surgical procedures & opens sterile supplies and sets up for procedures

5. Perform quality control procedures.

KEY MEASURES:

• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Prepares and maintains written documentation as required by the profession and the department.
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required

• Employee Development

KEY MEASURES:

• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, attends in-services, workshops and staff meetings as required.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• Participate in Quality Initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education/Training/License/Certification:

Graduate from an approved school of nursing and minimum diploma of nursing required. Current, valid Pennsylvania Registered Nurse License required.

.Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required.

• Work Experience:

1-2 years Cath Lab and/or interventional radiology experience is preferred.

2-3 years ICU and/or ED experience is required.

Must be fluent in medical terminology; Ability to use radiographic equipment and handle patients who present in a variety of conditions. Knowledge of cardiology, electrophysiology and pacemaker and related equipment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to read a 12 lead EKG; Ability to identify lethal arrhythmias 100% of the time;
• Ability to identify normal versus abnormal intra cardiac and peripheral pressure waveforms.
• Ability to demonstrate the principals of surgical asepsis.
• Experience in electric countershock techniques.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or technical procedures.
• Ability to write reports and general correspondence.
• Ability to respond to questions from groups of managers, patients, or employees.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of CMS & DOH regulations.