Cath Lab/Cardiology - Nurse

Qualifications

Education/Certification: Graduate of an accredited RN  program. Current RN Licensure in the State of Idaho. Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification and renewals, as required. Complete the Basic Dysrhythmia class with a grade of 84% or higher if no prior telemetry experience. 

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of cardiology catheterization lab experience is Preferred. Evaluation and programming of pacemakers and ICDs required. Advanced Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation experience required. Demonstrates the ability to function in all aspects of diagnostic and interventional catheterization to include scrubbing, circulating, monitoring and recording of procedures,12 lead EKG interpretation, cardiac medications, emergency management of cardiac patients, current clinical practice guidelines in cardiology, and secondary prevention. 

Equipment/Technology: Basic computer knowledge and skills, comprehensive knowledge of cardiac instrumentation, equipment, procedures, and the care required for many diverse patients.  

Language/Communication: Strong communication skills, must have the ability to effectively read, write, and speak English. Ability to communicate with patient needs and instructions. 

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers. Able to calculate correct doses by applying necessary formulas as needed  

Mental Capabilities: Ability to problem solve, manage stress and handle emergent patient situations under stressful situations.  

Interpersonal: Ability to work well with patients, physicians and other members of the cath lab. Ability to coordinate care between departments. 

Performance: Performance will be judged by annual evaluations, competencies, and maintenance of licensure and certifications.

Physical Demands

For the minimum physical demands required to complete the essential functions for this position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see the Duties and Responsibilities below. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Cardiology/Catheterization Lab Nurse  

1. Performs nursing assessments to gather data and identify the patient's needs for this period of care.
2. Pre-procedure duties consist of checking clinically important aspects related to the patient entering into the cath lab.
3. Assist physicians during catheterization procedures, angioplasties, pacemaker implantation and other cardiac procedures.
4. Understanding of Special devices including Intraaortic balloon pumps, rotoblators, AngioJets, thrombus aspiration systems, cutting balloons, filterwires, etc.
5. Demonstrate ability to use/assist all peripheral devices to include IVUS, Flow  Wire, Rotatblator, and Mac-Lab system etc. as defined by position in lab.  
6. Collaborates with physicians and other health employees in coordinating the plan of care and facilitating patient outcomes.  
7. Provides care based on established standards of practice, policies and protocols.
8. Ensures that patients are admitted, transferred and discharged in a timely and efficient manner.  
9. Demonstrates critical thinking skills for problem-solving and anticipating patient care needs. 
10. Documents assessments, delivery of care and patients response to care in the medical record.  
11. Participates in performance improvement initiatives to improve processes and outcomes.
12. Administers Moderate Sedation under direct supervision of a Physician after demonstrating written and demonstrates competence.
13. Demonstrates the ability to function in all aspects of diagnostic and interventional catheterization to include scrubbing, circulating, monitoring and recording of procedures.  
14. Participates in after-hour and on-call coverage.
15. Assist as part of a team to provide support to Cath-lad and interventional radiology as needed.
16. Understands policy and procedure for to emergent patient needs and codes.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.
18. Completes annual education requirements.  
19. Maintains regulatory requirements.  
20. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.  
21. Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.  
22. Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.  
23. Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled. 
24. Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. 
25. Actively participates in performance and quality improvement activities. 
26. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices. 
27. Required to check emails and be responsible for its content twice a day. 
28. Stocks supplies used in the radiology setting on a weekly basis 

For a more detailed description of the physical demands and the work environment for our Cath Lab Cardiology Nurse position, please review this PDF.