RN-Cath Lab

Responsibilities

Clinical Excellence/Patient Care Assesses the needs of patients and families undergoing invasive cardiac procedures, providing appropriate teaching and making the necessary referrals to provide continuity of care. Assists the physician with the development of an individual plan of care using a collaborative approach with the patient/family and health care team. Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient’s care. Delivers high quality care while demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required in the Cath Lab in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care under the direct supervision of the physician. Utilizes holistic approach (considering biopsychosocial, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients and families served in the assigned service area. Utilizes critical thinking in making judgments, and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of conditions of the patient. Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required in the administration of cardiac and emergency medications used in the Cath Lab including, but not limited to the following: Administration and management of conscious sedation / reversal agents; minimal to moderate levels Administration and management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications / infusions Administration of cardiac medications / infusions such as vasopressors and nitrates. Administration of blood products Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required to operate specialized equipment in the Cath Lab including, but not limited to the following: Point of care testing: blood glucose, activated clotting times (ACT), oxygen analysis Perfusion equipment: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella heart pump Coronary interventional equipment: rotational and pulse wave atherectomy Advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required to prepare and maintain sterile fields and to maintain a clean procedure environment. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of radiation safety and practice including, but not limited to the following: Use of advanced imaging systems used in the Cath Lab setting Use of radiation protection devices and exposure levels for both the associate and patient. Development & Patient Education Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance RN practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research. Assess and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient’s and their families’ age specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension. Consults appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education. Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately. Department Support Must meet requirements for standby call which includes a 20 minute response time from primary residence to hospital

Qualifications

Graduate of accredited nursing program Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in Iowa. Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within 3 months from hire date. Must possess and maintain hospital CORE (Chain of Response in an Emergency) certification with 6 months from hire date. Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English. Multicultural sensitivity. Microsoft Office – basic computer skills. Customer/patient focused. Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions. Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.