Cardiovascular Specialist RN/RT- EP Lab

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or Allied Health Technology (e.g., Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy). Graduate of a Cardiovascular Interventional Program or minimum of two years of experience as a Cardiovascular Specialist.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration

• Registered with and certified by the ARRT or current license as a Registered Nurse in applicable state
• Registry or license as it pertains to Allied Health field of expertise

Responsibilities

• Adheres to general hospital standards to promote a cooperative work environment by utilizing communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and team building
• Follows hospital and departmental policies and procedures
• Contributes to the overall quality of services and assumes responsibility for staying informed about changes in policies and procedures
• Ensures readiness of emergency equipment and supplies; recognizes and reacts appropriately to potential emergency situations
• Checks readiness of supplies and equipment for emergency cases
• Applies knowledge of illness, injury, and disease assessment to recognize symptoms needing immediate intervention
• Initiates calls/codes or contacts appropriate resources for emergency services
• Provides emergency assistance as required and remains up-to-date on ACLS/BCLS
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, self, co-workers, and facility
• Manages IV fluids, stock drugs, emergency drugs, and controlled substances; audits amounts and expiration dates
• Safeguards patient and hospital personnel privacy by protecting confidential information
• Provides patient comfort and demonstrates safety consciousness through adherence to safety standards
• Operates all equipment needed for invasive or interventional cardiology, including IABP
• Prepares medications and checks emergency equipment for proper function prior to catheterization
• Performs operation and quality control of all radiographic equipment
• Maintains working knowledge of equipment and principles/practices involved in radiographic and fluoroscopic cardiac catheterization
• Works within required regulations for radiation safety and protection
• Consistently utilizes Universal Protocol
• Creates, maintains, and documents accurate records, files, and logs for departmental records
• Enters correct patient data, assigns appropriate charges for exams, and records/collects data for Quality Assurance monitors
• Ensures complete, accurate, and timely written communication of patient information
• Completes documentation on appropriate forms (e.g., Cath Lab, nursing notes, narcotic sheet, Code Blue sheet)
• Communicates effectively with the team, co-workers, patients, and family members in a professional manner
• Promotes a cooperative working environment and customer satisfaction
• Ensures critical patient information is communicated effectively across the continuum of care
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet departmental/organizational needs
• Provides coverage for 24-hour emergency call for Cardiac Cath Lab; rotates on-call responsibilities and responds within 25 minutes
• Facilitates activities between departments to ensure prompt patient care
• Administers patient care as mandated by licensure, certification, or registration
• Monitors patient physiologic stability throughout procedures and evaluates patient conditions
• Performs and assists in procedures using skilled techniques
• Evaluates patients prior to procedures, checks for consent and ID, and explains procedures to patients
• Provides instruction, education, and consultation to co-workers, new employees, and trainees
• Participates in Continuing Education lectures and maintains competencies (hospital and departmental)
• Performs and maintains competency for point-of-care testing as assigned
• Ensures compliance with NCBH policies and applicable state/federal regulations
• Ensures age/developmentally appropriate patient procedures in accordance with Age-Specific Care Guidelines

Skills & Qualifications

• CPR certification
• ACLS certification within 90 days
• Able to communicate professionally with physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff
• Able to comprehend instructions and communicate information to patients of varying age groups
• Analytical skills for problem assessment and solution with schedules and equipment

Work Environment

• Moderate noise environment
• May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases
• Regularly exposed to risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to radiation hazards
• Exposed to a variety of electro-mechanical hazards
• May be exposed to odorous/toxic chemicals
• Subject to injury from moving parts of equipment
• May be exposed to unpleasant patient or unit elements
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations, emergencies, and crises
• Handles interruptions and irregular hours
• Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances

Physical Requirements

Amount of time spent performing the following activities:

• Standing: 65% to 100%
• Walking: 65% to 100%
• Sitting: 0% to 35%
• Bending: 35% to 65%
• Reaching with arms: 35% to 65%
• Finger and hand dexterity: 65% to 100%
• Talking/Hearing: 65% to 100%
• Seeing: 65% to 100%
• Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, and/or Pulling: up to 20 lbs. maximum (65% to 100%), up to 50 lbs. maximum (35% to 65%)