Cardiac Cath RN

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to: The RN in the Invasive Cardiovascular Service is responsible for assisting with all procedures offered by the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and overall monitoring of patient care during the continuum of service offered in the Invasive Cardiac Laboratory. Supervision is by the Cath Lab Clinical Coordinator and the Director of Cardiology. Maintain job related competencies by attending departmental staff meetings and hospital and departmental training programs, and participating in departmental projects as required. Ability to attend and participate in departmental projects as required. Ability to attend and complete position-specific external course requirements as needed.

I. Functions in a rotational scrub position in performing all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. 1. Always observes sterile technique to avoid contamination thus assuring patient safety. Utilizes universal precautions. 1.1 Injects contrast media into coronary arteries to achieve optimal opacification without air embolism. 1.2 Provides all patients with post procedure instructions after hemostasis and proper dressings are applied. II. Performs duties as recording technician on all procedures to insure safety and complete data acquisition. 2. Calibrates and sets up recorder, monitoring equipment and computer console following manufactures/ Cath Lab guidelines. 2.1 Displays and records hemodynamic data and reports all non-baseline data to test physician immediately. 2.2 Reduces hemodynamic data to final format using manual and software driven methods with consistent accuracy. III. Functions as circulating technician on all procedures in order to assure efficient patient flow and safety. 3. Coordinates room scheduling and patient flow with Schedule coordinator/Holding Area Tech on all cases 3.1 Accurately completes flow sheets and QA data for each patient on 95% of all forms completed. 3.2 Prepares and administers medications at the direction of the test physician utilizing appropriate medication guidelines with 0% error. IV. Utilizes the nursing process. 4. Functions within the limits of the Pennsylvania State Nurse Practice Act. 4.1 Assess the status of the patient by collecting health data through the patient interview, observation, and consultation with other team members. 4.2 Assists with the preparation of the patient including implementation of IV and other medical orders. 4.3 Prepares, administers and monitors the effects of conscious sedation utilizing appropriate guidelines and policy with zero percent error. 4.4 Evaluates effectiveness of plan of care, prioritizes and changes as appropriate V. Functions as x-ray technician on all procedures in order to assure optimal image quality. 5. Sets x-ray control panel for proper exposure utilizing safe radiation practices on all procedures. 5.1 Processes CDs to manufactures specifications to optimize quality with a 1% error factor. 5.2 Assists in positioning x-ray equipment to maximize diagnostic interpretation and performs without delay. VI. Willingly performs additional responsibilities as requested by the Director of Cardiology, e.g., patient charges, supply ordering, QA data. 6. Completes additional responsibilities in time frame established by Director of Cardiology. 6.1 Performs such duties accurately and within department guidelines. VII. Wears uniform required by professional appearance policy. 7. Consistently complies with all aspects and Hospital and department appearance policy. SUB SECTION STANDARDS TOTAL: CORE COMPETENCIES-15% I. Philosophy, Mission & Values Accountability 1. Shares responsibility as a team member in developing and maintaining a supportive work environment. 1.1 Develops positive relationships with those whom we serve, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and individual dignity at all times. 1.2 Meets tensions and resolves conflicts in constructive manner leading towards reconciliation. 1.3 Understands and supports the hospital's philosophy to treat everyone with special concern. 1.4 Reports improper, unjust, or unethical situations to appropriate leadership. II. Customer Service 2. Is a resource and positive role model for others, demonstrating willingness to teach and share knowledge with other departments/personnel. 2.1 Consults and works collaboratively with all staff. 2.2 Demonstrates support for the hospital's Heart First Service Promises-Healing Hands, Exceptional Care, Attentiveness, Respect and Trust III. Safety/Patient Safety 3. Adheres to infection control/universal precaution standards. 3.1 Familiar with and adheres to established guidelines of regulatory agencies. 3.2 Intervenes with proper technique and procedure to maintain a safe environment. 3.3 Demonstrates compliance with National Safety Goals 3.4Completes mandatory education (annual or otherwise) requirements (i.e., fire safety, HIPPA, Compliance, etc...). (Rated either 5 or 1) 3.5 Maintains required certification (i.e., CPR, ACLS) if applicable. (Rated either 5 or 1) IV. Interpersonal/Communications/Relationships 4. Effectively utilizes verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read and communicate effectively. 4.1 Keeps manager informed of department based needs. 4.2 Understands cultural diversity and demonstrates an understanding of the value of all members of the healthcare team. 4.3 Ability to take action and get things done independently. Assumes responsibility promptly and effectively. Identifies the issue, develops steps and participates as needed to resolve the issue. 4.4 Demonstrates tact when dealing with patients, colleagues and the public 4.5 Demonstrates ability to address issues and find a solution while at the same time achieving consensus with the individuals involved. 4.6 Adheres to the proper "chain of command" within the organization. (Rated either 5 or 1) V. Information Management/HIPAA 5. Maintains confidentiality required in patient and peer relationships in the hospital community as relevant to position. 5.1 Knowledge of procedures for maintaining security, confidentiality and integrity of patient medical information. 5.2 Demonstrates skills and accuracy in collecting and inputting data into hospital computer system as relevant to position. VI. Equipment/Resources 6. Demonstrates skill in use of equipment relevant to position, knowledge of appropriate safety procedures. 6.1 Diagnosis equipment problems, repairs or seeks out someone to repair. 6.2 Consistently inform appropriate person of problems encounter with repairs or calibration of equipment Education: High School graduate and graduate of Accredited School of Nursing Training/Experience: Three years clinical experience in critical care or cardiac care unit without Cath Lab experience or a minimum of two total years in both Nursing and Cath Lab combined. CPR mandatory. ACLS Mandatory. Operation of Equipment: Philips and Siemens Cath Lab X-ray and imaging equipment, GE MacLab, Datascope system 98 IABP, Medtronic Temporary Pacemakers, Baxter IV pumps, Medtronic Physiocontrol Biphasic Defibrillators, Zoll Defibrillator. Licenses: Current Pennsylvania RN license and RCIS within 2 years of hire into Cath Lab.