Radiologic Technologist - Cath Lab

Education/Experience

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or Allied Health Technology (e.g., Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, etc.)
• 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 the applicable state
• Registry or license as it pertains to Allied Health field of expertise

Responsibilities

• Adhere to general hospital standards to promote a cooperative work environment through communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and team building
• Follow hospital and departmental policies and procedures
• Contribute to the overall quality of services and stay informed about changes in policies and procedures
• Ensure readiness of emergency equipment and supplies; recognize and react appropriately to potential emergency situations
• Check readiness of supplies and equipment for emergency cases
• Apply knowledge of illness, injury, and disease assessment; recognize symptoms needing immediate intervention
• Initiate calls/codes or contact appropriate resources for emergency services
• Provide emergency assistance as required and remain up-to-date on ACLS/BCLS
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, self, co-workers, and the facility
• Maintain IV fluids, stock drugs, emergency drugs, and controlled substances; audit amounts and expiration dates
• Safeguard patient and hospital personnel privacy by protecting confidential information
• Provide patient comfort and demonstrate safety consciousness through adherence to safety standards
• Operate all equipment needed for invasive or interventional cardiology, including IABP
• Prepare medications and check emergency equipment for proper function prior to catheterization
• Operate and perform quality control of radiographic equipment
• Maintain working knowledge of equipment and principles/practices involved in radiographic and fluoroscopic cardiac catheterization
• Adhere to radiation safety and protection regulations for all personnel and patients
• Consistently utilize Universal Protocol
• Maintain accurate and current departmental records, files, and logs via electronic information systems
• Enter correct patient data, assign appropriate charges for exams, and record/collect data for Quality Assurance monitors
• Ensure complete, accurate, and timely written communication of patient information
• Complete documentation on appropriate forms (e.g., Cath Lab, nursing notes, Patient/Family Education Documentation Form, narcotic sheet, Code Blue sheet)
• Communicate effectively with the team, co-workers, patients, and family members
• Promote a cooperative working environment using therapeutic communication skills
• Address conflicts with appropriate personnel and promote customer satisfaction
• Ensure critical patient information is communicated effectively across the continuum of care
• Provide coverage for 24-hour emergency call for the Cardiac Cath Lab; rotate on-call responsibilities with other staff members
• Respond to emergency calls within 25 minutes
• Administer patient care as mandated by licensure, certification, or registration
• Monitor patient physiologic stability throughout procedures
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments under physician supervision
• Perform and assist in procedures using skilled techniques
• Evaluate patients prior to procedures, check for consent and ID, and explain procedures to patients
• Provide instruction, education, and consultation to co-workers, new employees, and trainees
• Participate in Continuing Education lectures and meetings
• Maintain competencies (hospital and departmental) and perform point-of-care testing as assigned
• Ensure compliance with NCBH policies and applicable state/federal regulations
• Provide age/developmentally appropriate patient procedures in accordance with Age-Specific Care Guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed to meet department/organization needs

Skills & Qualifications

• CPR certification
• ACLS certification within 90 days
• Able to communicate professionally with physicians, nurses, and other 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 patient elements
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations, emergency and crisis situations
• Subject to many interruptions and irregular hours
• Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements
• May perform emergency care
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances