Cardiac Cath Tech ERT

Summary

Reports to the Director and / or Manager, Cardiovascular Diagnostics or Director and / or Manager, Vascular Services. Assists physicians in the diagnosis of cardiac, vascular and / or electro-physiological diseases by radiographic imaging of the patient's heart and / or vascular system during peripheral vascular, coronary arteriograms, cardiac catheterizations and / or electro-physiological studies.

As a part of the patient care team, performs scrub procedures, monitors patient hemodynamics during procedures, assists in providing CPR during emergency situations and takes protective measures to safeguard patients and other team members against excessive radiation exposure.

• MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS
• MISSION : We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES : Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.

SERVICE GOALS : Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Prepares patient and performs radiographic imaging in the Cardiac Cath Lab and / or the Diagnostic Special Procedures Department in accordance with established procedures by :

• Draping patient, shaving area and preparing site using aseptic technique.
• Hooking patient up to monitoring system, SAT (oxygen saturation) monitor and NIBP (non-invasive blood pressure) system.
• Assisting with educating the patient and their family regarding procedures and answering their questions.
• Setting up and calibrating radiologic equipment in preparation for the radiographic imaging process.
• Setting up instrument trays and preparing solutions and medications for injection.
• Adjusting and aligning specialized radiographic imaging equipment; also manipulating equipment settings as directed by the Physician and as necessary to enhance the quality of the images.
• Troubleshooting any problems related to the radiographic equipment and the digital archiving system.
• Utilizing radiation safety devices and techniques; also working with the Radiation Physicist in the annual testing of angiographic equipment.
• Practicing sterile techniques during procedures and cleaning examining room tables, counters and equipment to ensure the prevention of cross contamination.

Performs surgical scrub for the Cardiac Cath Lab and / or the Diagnostic Special Procedures Department by :

• Applying understanding of proper sterile technique and appropriate handling of sterile supplies and equipment and proper tray prep.
• Injecting coronary / vascular arteries and veins with contrast and other medications.
• Aspirating and flushing catheters and sheaths.

Conducts physiologic recording functions in the Cardiac Cath Lab by :

• Documenting cardiac and vascular procedures and patient assessments.
• Interpreting basic cardiac rhythms.
• Applying understanding of function and dosages of basic cardiac and vascular medications.
• Troubleshooting the physiologic monitor as needed.
• Obtaining accurate patient information (lab results, H&P and consent) and maintaining patient files as required.

Performs holding room duties by :

• Removing arterial and / or venous lines; also achieving hemostasis on patients with lines and monitoring vital signs.
• Assisting the nursing staff with patients that are hemo-dynamically unstable as needed.
• Assisting in escorting patients between nursing floors and the laboratory; transferring patients to and from carts, wheelchairs, beds and x-ray tables.

Also providing assistance as needed and cleaning laboratories following procedures.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by :

• Performing incidental clerical and service-related duties.
• Completing the annual house-wide and departmental competency skills verification in order to maintain competency.
• Preparing and maintaining reports and other documentation as required.
• Training new team members, student Radiologic Technologists and / or student Nurses.
• Conducting an inventory of radiographic supplies, informing the Director about supply needs and requisitioning supply requests.
• Assisting with stocking and restocking rooms when necessary.
• Assisting with room turnover and the cleaning of the labs on a daily basis.
• Completing other job-related duties and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements :

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license / certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position / department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way :

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an AMA-approved Radiologic Technologist program (equivalent to two years of technical school).

Current registration as a Radiologic Technologist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), with licensure by the state of Indiana to operate an x-ray machine - - and / or registry through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is required.

CPR certification is required and must be maintained. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is required and must be maintained.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires the ability to successfully complete the department’s orientation phase. The Cardiac Cath Lab requires a hospital-provided EKG course and Introduction to IABP (Intra Aortic Balloon Pump) course within one year of a team members hire date.
• Requires thorough knowledge of cardiac and / or vascular procedures and respective radiographic operations.
• Demonstrates the analytical skills necessary to monitor test procedures and results in order to detect equipment malfunctions and improper techniques.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal) necessary to interact effectively with various Hospital staff, physicians, patients and their family and visitors.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships based on mutual respect.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment with possible exposure to hazards from ionizing radiation, body fluids and contact with undiagnosed and untreated diseases.
• Must wear protective radiation safety wear (apron and lead glasses) and appropriate sterile attire.

Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to remain on feet and walk for long periods of time, ability to push wheelchairs and carts, to lift or pull patients or supplies, to provide CPR, etc.

to perform the essential functions of the position.