Cardiology/Special Procedures Registered Nurse-PRN

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the VP of Nursing and Clinical Services, Medical Director of Cardiology, Medical Director and Director of Imaging Services, performs Registered Nurse duties with diagnostic imaging, cardiology, and special procedures at a level that does not require constant supervision or detailed instruction.

Provides high-quality clinical care and excellent service to patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Practices within the scope of licensure, complies with federal and state legal and professional requirements

Consistently follows Imaging and Cardiology Services departmental and facility wide policies

Follows proper patient identification protocol by using two determined patient identifiers, instructs the patient to repeat name and date of birth

Inspects the patient's examination order, clinical indication, previous imaging exams, and any pertinent patient information before proceeding with the imaging or cardiology procedure

Consults the Radiologist, Cardiologist or ordering provider if further clarification is needed

Prepares patients for examination by acquiring history, answering questions, and providing instructions and detailed explanation of the procedure to obtain the best possible imaging study while reducing the patient's anxiety

Thoroughly completes patient screening and applicable forms relating to the procedure and patient's care

Demonstrates competency in appropriate documentation

Follows policies / protocols when documenting within the patient's chart

Communicates effectively to caregiver responsible for the care of the patient following the imaging or cardiology procedure if applicable

Demonstrates competency in accurately implementing "downtime" processes

Assists in preparing and positioning patients for imaging and cardiology procedures, using immoblization devices appropriately when needed to obtain optimum views

Follows approved protocols and parameters while delivering quality patient care and ensuring safety

Documents crash cart, emergency equipment, and medication / narcotic checks according to policies

Consistently informs the Radiologist or Cardiologist of all pertinent information before and after the procedure when needed and promptly notifies the Radiologist or Cardiologist of any critical finding

Demonstrates competency in anti-coagulation clinic skills; scheduling patients, creating new patient visits, obtaining blood sample for INR testing, evaluating / adjusting levels, and proper documentation

Possesses a solid understanding of anatomy and demonstrates the ability to assist in positioning patients as needed to complete adequate imaging, cardiology, EKG, and holter monitor procedures

Protects the patient's privacy at all time and ensures all patient documents are kept private including information on computer screens

Complies with HIPAA guidelines

Follows patient safety guidelines with every encounter, ensures the patient is attended to at all times

Possesses the ability to manage emergency situations according to BLS and ACLS guidelines

Assists in operating imaging equipment under the direction of an imaging Technologist and / or Radiologist

Possesses the knowledge and ability to safely operate all cardiology, EKG, and holter monitor units in the facility

Follows proper steps to report equipment malfunctions and promptly notifies the Director or Chief Technologist with any equipment issues

Performs equipment QC and calibration when applicable on cardiology equipment and point of care iStat units

Effectively communicates any changes in the patient's condition during or after the procedure with the Radiologist, Cardiologist, Technologist and / or ordering provider

Demonstrates the ability to consistently meet or exceed the departmental standards for imaging and cardiology and possesses a solid understanding of modality specific skills checklists

Demonstrates competency with all invasive modality specific procedures

Follows proper protocol, practices sterile technique, prepares the room with required supplies / instruments to be readily available

Consistently available for conscious sedation and invasive procedures and ensures appropriate patient forms / documentation is completed

Participates in and ensures a "Time Out" is completed with the team prior to beginning invasive procedures

Properly screens patients receiving contrast media while following the Administration of Contrast Media policy

Possesses the ability to proficiently obtain medi-port and intravenous access

Follows proper sterile technique when accessing existing intravenous and medi-port sites or obtaining a new IV site

Demonstrates competency in proper infection control

Washes and / or sanitizes hands before and after each patient encounter

Thoroughly cleans / sanitizes equipment after each patient encounter following manufacturer's guidelines

Consistently reviews each completed examination for adequate quality and technical accuracy

Completes all required patient forms appropriately and routes the forms correctly for distribution to medical records

Demonstrates competency with Electronic Medical Records, and other computer programs; Paragon Radiology Management, Order Management, Resource Scheduling, PACS, Cardioserver and any additional programs as requested

Contacts scheduled outpatients prior to their procedure to complete pre-procedural assessment requirements and explain the procedure and instructions as well as address any patient questions / concerns

Performs clerical duties including but not limited to answering phones, scheduling outpatient imaging / cardiology exams, documenting patient information within computer programs, and properly releasing imaging studies for continuing care according to hospital and departmental policies

Consistently performs patient call back process for imaging and cardiology special procedures within 3-5 days post procedure

Demonstrates competency with imaging retrieval for archiving, CD exporting / importing, and film printing

Ensures work environment is free from patient / visitor / employee safety hazards

Appropriately reports any safety issues immediately

Practices radiation protection and safety guidelines to minimize radiation to patients and staff

Consistently ensures life support carts, oxygen hook-ups, suction devices are maintained properly and are in excellent working condition at all times

Ensures work area is kept clean and organized

Reports cleaning and linen needs to Environmental Services in a timely manner

Maintains supply inventory, ensuring proper quantity of supplies are stocked

Consistently rotates supply inventory to prevent out-dating and verifies supply room and cabinets are secure at all times

Completes all work prior to shift end and informs incoming staff of any pending exams / patient information

Provides a positive image to customers by creating a friendly atmosphere and places a high priority on meeting customer requirements in a timely and courteous manner

Responds to "on-call" in the required time frame

Participates in orientation and training of new employees and student technologists

Contributes to a team atmosphere by demonstrating excellent communication skills, taking initative to perform needed tasks, and being flexible to go beyond normal expectations to meet the needs of others

Willingly accepts various work assignments, is accountable and responsible for actions / decisions

Demonstrates an openness to change through suggestions and constructive feedback

Demonstrates proper use of time, equipment, and supplies in efforts to control costs

Maintains current certifications and continuing education requirements

Seeks opportunities to improve knowledge base by attending deparmental meetings, in services and completing education assignments

Maintains a good rapport and professional working relationship with JSH providers, staff, patients, families, and visitors, as well as outside providers and offices

Required Skills

Required Experience

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Licenses

Demonstrates the ability to provide care according to licensure and registration requirements

Current Registered Nurse license from the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Basic Life Support certification (BLS)

Minimum Education

Graduate of an accredited school of Registered Nursing

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum 1 year of experience as a cardiovascular nurse; critical care or cardiac catheterization lab required