Registered Nurse Cardio Lab

Summary :

Under the general supervision of the Cardiovascular Laboratory Manager assists physicians performing cardiac catheterizations and other cardiovascular procedures.

Assesses and monitors patients status pre during and post procedure providing patient cost effective service oriented quality care.

Responsibilities :

Sets up laboratory prior to procedure ensuring that appropriate standard and emergency equipment / supplies are available.

Reviews patients medical record and evaluates such data as laboratory reports allergies baseline vital signs and current medications.

Prepares and preps patient explaining procedure and allaying patients anxieties as necessary. May assist Technician in positioning patient.

Maintains sterile field and monitors patients emotional and medical status during procedure including EKG and pressure on oscilloscope;

alerts physician to any abnormalities. Maintains accurate record of proceedings such as patients condition medications given and tests performed.

Assists physician throughout procedure including but not limited to activities such as administering medication (most by IV push) injecting coronary arteries with contrast media handling catheters and guide wires flushing and removing intravascular catheters and drawing arterial and venous blood samples.

Participates in emergency procedures including CPR establishing airway administering medications and defibrillating patient as necessary.

Applies dressings as needed summarizes nursing notes and continues to observe patient for post-operative complications. Documents in accordance with policy and procedure.

Arranges for discharge and transfer of patient communicating patient status to receiving unit.

In absence of secretary may arrange for patient transport prepare requests for laboratory work and blood and assembles paperwork relative to patent and procedure.

May perform some duties of Technologist including operation of such equipment as contrast injector cardiac output computer pacemaker tester and cameras as necessary.

Meets and maintains credential experience and computer requirements.

Participates in research activities and as preceptor as assigned.

Maintains established hospital and departmental policies and procedures and objectives for quality improvement environmental and standard precaution infection control.

Other information :

Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing or licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing.

Must have current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island.

BLS (American Heart Association) required.

ACLS certification required.

Professional expertise and analytical ability to evaluate patients condition plan and carry out professional nursing care.

Ability to monitor patient status.

Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patient and to work as part of a team.

Physical ability for considerable standing with lead apron and walking during procedures and for carrying supplies and equipment.

Ability to work under pressure and respond to emergencies.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE :

Three to five years registered nursing experience preferably in Intensive Care or Cath Lab setting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Some exposure to low level radiation from x-ray equipment infection from blood samples shock hazards from high voltage cables and physical effort in the form of lifting and pushing of equipment.

Hazards and chance of illness or injury are minimized with strict observance of safety procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

None.