Typical Duties

• Under limited supervision provides a broad range of patient care for procedures performed in the Cardiac Cath and EP Labs. This includes, but not limited to: diagnostic and interventional cardiac and vascular procedures, electronic device implantation/revisions/explant, transesophageal echocardiography, and structural heart disease procedures.
• Systematically and continuously collects, assesses and documents data in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for patients and families. Documentation of patient assessment and medical care will require basic computer skills to complete electronic medical record.
• Assists the physician in the performance of cardiac procedures in the Cath/EP Lab.
• Initiates or participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Demonstrates leadership/management ability in the absence of the charge nurse.
• Delegates duties to professional and support personnel in absence of the charge nurse.
• Applies principles of infection control and safety.
• Promotes teamwork throughout the department.
• Ensures implementation of the nursing plan of care and appropriate documentation.
• Assesses psychosocial and physical status of patients presenting for these procedures.
• Documents and obtains accurate patient information for national registries including but not limited to ACC/NCDR and AHA registries.
• Performs an in-depth cardiovascular and sedation assessment in accordance with current CCH policies. Maintains a consistent level of moderate sedation during procedures.
• Assures that informed consent has been obtained on the patient and that all questions and concerns have been answered to the patient's satisfaction.
• Assures the performance of universal time-out before every procedure in the presence of the entire team, in accordance with hospital and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Assists in the checking of daily quality controls for a wide range of equipment utilized in the Cardiac Cath and EP Lab, such as medication refrigerator, crash cart, point-of-care testing devices, etc.
• that informed consent has been obtained on the patient and that all questions and concerns have been answered to the patient's satisfaction.
• Assures the performance of universal time-out before every procedure in the presence of the entire team, in accordance with hospital and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Assists in the checking of daily quality controls for a wide range of equipment utilized in the Cardiac Cath and EP Lab, such as medication refrigerator, crash cart, point-of-care testing devices, etc.
• Develops/integrates standards of care for patients presenting to the lab. Implements safe, competent and efficient care to patients within CCH and departmental policies, procedures and standards.
• Foresees potential problems, adapts priorities and plans independently within the scope of the nursing license and core competencies.
• Actively participates in staff-development activities and competencies as required.
• Understands of radiological safety, techniques and X-ray equipment.
• Understands the analysis, recording, and intervention equipment utilized in Cardiac Cath procedures. Participates in entering patient data into the Cath/EP database, as required.
• Performs post-procedure visits or wellness checks, such as wound or site check and post-procedures wellness phone/video call.
• Assists with pre-procedure workup, clinic support, telephone triage, patient transfer, and coordination of care with the Heart team, inpatient units/wards, and other institutions.
• Serves as a role model and a resource for both internal and external customers regarding standards of care for this nursing practice.
• Takes responsibility for pre, intra and postprocedural care of diagnostic, therapeutic, and interventional procedures performed in the Cath Lab.
• Participates in scrubbing, pre-, intra-, and post procedural care of EP procedures within the scope of experience and core competencies.
• Transport patients within the department and to and from recovery area, critical care units, or operating room according to the clinical needs.
• Must be able to take call or stay after scheduled hours based on a rotational call schedule for Cath/EP Lab emergencies.
• Must be able to arrive to the cath lab within 30 minutes of an activation for cath lab emergencies, such as STEMI.
• identify and manage adverse events or unanticipated outcomes using critical thinking skills.
• Performs any assign duties within the training, experience, and core competencies of the Cath Lab nurse.