RN-CARDIAC CATH LAB

Overview

Delivers direct nursing care to a variety of patients receiving diagnostic, interventional, cardiology, and radiology procedures in the catheterization laboratory environment. This care involves pre-procedural, intra-procedural, and post-procedural responsibilities. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates all patient care within the department including patient, family, and significant other education.

Responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Functions)

1. Assesses and documents the physical and psychosocial needs of patients.
2. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient.
3. Utilizes the nursing process to provide direct patient care in collaboration with all health care disciplines.
4. Demonstrates clinical and technical competence in performing Cardiac Cath Lab and Radiology related treatments and procedures including, but not limited to, neuro-radiology procedures, left and right heart catheterization, coronary interventions, valve studies, diagnostic oximetry studies, peripheral angiography, peripheral interventions, pacemaker/AICD implants, electrophysiology studies, and ablations.
5. Prepares and calibrates transducers, oximeters, and other equipment as required.
6. Demonstrates proficiency in using various types of cath lab specialty equipment; hemodynamic nursing documentation and physiological monitoring systems, pacemakers, defibrillators, IVUS, pressure wire, contrast injector, and any other new technology introduced as an adjunct for enhancing patient care in the Cardiac Cath Lab and Recovery area.
7. Verifies readiness of all emergency and monitoring equipment per policy.
8. Implements medical management of patient care based upon physician orders.
9. Demonstrates clinical and technical competence in administration of medication following current policy and procedure.
10. Demonstrates clinical and technical competence in emergency resuscitation of patients.
11. Initiates appropriate emergency procedures and administers life-supporting drugs/treatments as indicated and under the supervision of a Physician/Radiologist.
12. Maintains proficiency in administration of adult IV sedation, and if PAL's trained, may administer sedation for young adults.
13. Injects contrast media, radiopharmaceuticals, and other medications under the direction of a Radiologist or other physician as required.
14. Provides a nursing history of the patient, which includes a review of systems.
15. Documents information on the appropriate nursing record in accordance with current policy and procedure.

Qualifications

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (Minimum Requirements)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of hemodynamic pressure recording/interpretation, sterile technique, cardiac catheterization, and special procedures equipment and supplies; computer skills adequate to document nursing notes electronically.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates flexibility in meeting unanticipated demands and priorities.
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills using tact and diplomacy in interacting with staff, clients, and the public.
• Ability to perform in crises.
• Capable of functioning independently pertaining to patient care and equipment functions.
• Ability to participate in planning and arranging work as a team member. PAL's certification preferred.

EDUCATION

• Associates Nursing Required
• Bachelors Nursing Preferred
• Five (5) years of responsible work experience as a Registered Nurse in a cardiac related experience on telemetry nursing unit or two (2) years of responsible work experience as a Registered Nurse in a Critical Care or Emergency Department, or a closely related field.
• 2 years Healthcare/Medical - Critical Care Medicine Required
• 2 years Healthcare/Medical - Emergency Services/Trauma Required
• 5 years Healthcare/Medical - Telemetry Required
• Licensed Registered Nurse
• Certified Advance Cardiac Life Support
• Certified Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR: Meets the Standards of Behavior as outlined in Personnel Policy and Procedure #1, Employee Relations Code.

CONFIDENTIALITY/HIPAA/CORPORATE COMPLIANCE: Demonstrates knowledge of procedures for protecting and maintaining security, confidentiality, and integrity of employee, patient, family, organizational, and other medical information. Understands and supports the commitment of Methodist Hospitals in adhering to federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing ethical business practices for healthcare providers.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.