Cath Lab Tech I

About the Role

Assists in all procedures performed in the invasive cardiology area. Provides a safe patient care environment that aids in diagnosis and care of patients experiencing cardiac pathologies; maintains and operates the physiological systems; performs unit-based activities, which contribute to a positive and professional work environment.

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance during invasive cardiology procedures performed in the invasive lab, electrophysiology lab, ICU-CCU, and the operating room.
• Scrubs and assists physicians during procedures.
• Assists physicians in sterile placement of invasive and hemodynamic monitoring equipment.
• Assists physicians with the placement/deployment/use of procedural devices including but not limited to invasive catheters, wires, balloons, stents, structural heart devices, intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation equipment, percutaneous left ventricular assist devices, implantable cardiac devices, and electrophysiology catheters/3-D intra-cardiac conduction mapping. May assist with the application of skin sealant and steri-strips as part of the dressing after skin has been closed.
• Performs arterial and/or venous sheath removal utilizing manual pressure or mechanical compression.
• Assists with patient transport to and from procedure area.
• Participates in the after-hours on-call rotation; must be able to respond within 30 minutes of notification.
• Records, analyzes, and documents clinical patient information; recognizes and communicates arrhythmias; monitors arterial and/or venous pressure lines.
• Assists in movement of Cath Lab imaging equipment under the supervision and direction of the physician; competently utilizes digital enhancement equipment.
• Demonstrates competencies and performs therapeutic interventions consistent with Cath Lab procedures, with consideration given to risk management and infection control practices.
• Assembles, operates, and troubleshoots equipment needed for various procedures in the Invasive Cardiology Lab; takes appropriate action where needed.
• Serves as a role model and mentor to students in health professions.
• Initiates communication with peers and other members of the patient care team about clinical priorities for care.
• Provides information to patients and families, which reduces anxiety and conveys an attitude of acceptance, sensitivity, and caring.
• May intubate patients in adherence to Medical Center policies and procedures and if within scope of practice.
• Reports on changes in patient condition to other care team members, including physicians, nurses, and other professional staff.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
• Participates in meetings, committees, and department projects as assigned.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Maintains clinical competency as required for position including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to employee’s growth and development needs and annual skill competency verification.
• Knowledge of appropriate sterile field management and aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge of cardiac and vascular anatomy, invasive cardiology procedures, and patient care measures.
• Knowledge of radiology procedures, equipment, and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of proper body mechanics.
• Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic, and complex disease processes and those who are dying.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteers, and ancillary departments including diverse patient populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.
• Ability to provide instruction and orient other patient care staff and students.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Qualifications

Required to have at least one (1) of the following:

• Associate’s degree in Cardiovascular Technology, Surgical Technology, or allied health field of study including Paramedic Medicine.
• Paramedic Medicine and uncertified Surgical Technology professionals required to obtain Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification within 18 months of start date.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and valid state license to practice respiratory therapy.
• Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification.
• New graduates are eligible for hire and must obtain certification within 6 months of hire date.
• Graduate from a school of radiologic technology with current certification or eligibility for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and valid state medical radiographer license within 90 days of start date.

Preferred:

• Cardiovascular or Vascular Interventional certification.
• Prior experience in hemodynamic monitoring skills and ECG interpretation skills, recognition of cardiac arrhythmias.

Other Credentials / Certifications

• Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required within 30 days of start date. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals), and the Military Training Network.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required or required within 6 months of start date.

Physical Requirements

• Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Occasionally required to team lift and move patients who can weigh over 420 pounds.
• Will be required to lift some heavy packages – up to 60 pounds.
• May stand for periods longer than 7.5 hours during regular shift wearing protective lead shielding, eye protection, and sterile regalia.
• Potentially severe hazards, as may be exposed to communicable diseases, radiation, and chemicals.
• May be subjected to disagreeable odors on a regular basis.
• Will be subjected to potentially stressful conditions involving critically ill patients and the interpersonal relationships of coworkers.
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Category I – will be required to practice Universal Precautions.
• Will work in windowless, well-ventilated darkened areas, much of the time.
• May be subjected to the behaviors of combative or confused patients.