Summary

Provides direct, safe, competent and quality patient care in the Interventional Cardiology and Radiology department (also known as Cath Lab). Assists in the performance of various invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the modalities of cardiac vascular, peripheral vascular, electrophysiology, interventional radiology and structural heart. Sustains a high level of patient care through communication with the patients, families, and physicians and collaborates to address the physical, general and psychosocial needs of the patient. Functions under the direction and immediate supervision of the cardiologist/radiologist performing the procedure.

1. Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. Communicates with physicians, co-workers and other hospital departments to manage and expedite safe and appropriate care of the patient.

3. Responsible for assistance with admitting, orders and discharge of patients.

4. In collaboration with a lead Cath Lab RN, assigns and coordinates patient care.

5. Ensures that pre-procedure requirements are complete per hospital policy including H P present, informed consent signed, appropriate test results available, and access site identified and prepared.

6. Assists with completion of pre- and post-op requirements as requested by the physician.

7. Functions as the scrub assistant to the cardiologist using the principles of sterile technique and aids in the technical performance of diagnostic and interventional procedures in the Cath lab and at the bedside for emergent procedures as needed.

8. Assists the cardiologist during procedures by operating ancillary equipment, anticipating and obtaining catheters wires and other necessary inventory and medications as ordered, when functioning in a circulating role.

9. Assesses cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems pre, intra and post procedure. Recognizes, evaluates and records hemodynamics, pressure wave forms and EKG wave forms. Identifies and updates the cardiologist of any adverse physiologic changes during the procedure and is prepared to take appropriate actions in a timely manner.

10. Administers and/or assists the provider with administration of medications per hospital policy. Confirms proper documentation of administration of all medications.

11. Maintains hemostasis of a vessel post procedure using a compression device, manual compression or closure devices/products per competency demonstration. Recognizes potential problems associated with access sites and takes appropriate corrective actions if indicated.

12. Ensures cares and assessments of the patient are clearly documented. Assumes responsibility for the completeness, accuracy and validity of the medical record.

13. Adheres to sterile and aseptic techniques and practices in all procedures.

14. Prepares and cleans Cath Lab suites before and between cases.

15. Operates imaging equipment for all procedures and verifies the integrity of the equipment prior to the start of the procedure.

16. Performs set-up and calibration of various equipment in the Cath lab. Ensures equipment is properly maintained. Alerts the manager and/or the Biomed department of any equipment malfunction immediately and fills out appropriate work orders.

17. Responsible for monitoring supplies and inventory usage. Assists the manager with directing the Inventory Specialist in inventory decisions regarding ordering, setting PARs, and dealing with shortages or recalls. Collaborates with the Supply Chain department in the restocking of supplies.

18. Assists and collaborates with Pharmacy staff in the maintenance and proper storage of medications.

19. Assists with the appropriate maintenance of digital images, department logs and other case information after a procedure.

20. Makes decisions to guarantee the appropriate care and safety of the patient.

21. Assists with Process Improvement and Quality Improvement activities as assigned. Recognizes occurrences and files the appropriate forms with Risk Management.

22. Coordinates the Cath Lab procedure schedule. Collaborates with other departments and modalities to expedite patient flow and the physicians schedules, while optimizing Cath Lab staffing according to caseloads.

23. Performs other leadership duties as assigned. This may include charge role, staff scheduling, new staff mentoring and coaching, providing education to Cath Lab and other clinical staff, and providing feedback to the manager for performance reviews.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state of residence as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act required. Master of Science degree in Nursing with current Advance Practice Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska required. A minimum of one (1) year of relevant acute care experience, cardiac cath lab or critical care preferred. Current NP staff hired specifically for a scrub role will complete RCIS certification within 6 months of their start date (or within 1 year if no prior experience in invasive cardiovascular technology.)

OR

Graduate degree from a Physicians Assistant program required. Current licensure as a Physician Assistant required. Completion of Bryan credentialing and re-credentialing process required for employment. Master of Science in Physician Assistant required. A minimum of one (1) year of relevant acute care experience, cardiac cath lab, or critical care preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Certification with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for prescriptive authority required.

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. 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) certification required within six (6) months of hire date.

Current Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification preferred.