Cardiovascular Nurse - Cath Lab - Day/Evening/Night

The mission of the Gettysburg Hospital Cardiology department is to provide cardiac diagnostic testing, therapeutic procedures, and rehabilitation in a compassionate and respectful environment for the inpatient and outpatient population

Full-Time (72 Hours Biweekly)

Job Description:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional nursing, technical and administrative duties as they relate to the cardiac catheterization lab. Perform scrub, circulate and hemodynamic monitoring duties with cardiac catheterizations using clinical knowledge, technical skills, and professional judgment in accordance with professional and departmental standards and protocols. Provides care, assessment prior, during and post-procedural instruction to patients. Prepares and maintains all pertinent information related to procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assists Cardiologist in performance of diagnostic invasive procedures. Maintains operational knowledge of Cath Lab equipment according to manufacture’s specifications.
2. Assist and performs diagnostic invasive procedures in the Cardiac Cath Lab. Provides care for patients prior, during and after procedures. Scrubs and assists Cardiologist as requested. Responds to patient distress situations and assists with equipment quality control and inventory management. Prepares sterile trays, instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for procedures, and maintains sterile field. Provides all appropriate services to safely and efficiently complete patient’s procedures. Maintains knowledge of cardiac concepts and clinical practices.
3. Possesses the knowledge & skills level of basic and complex invasive procedures which may include: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), stents, IABP placement and operation and peripheral interventions.  Responsible for patient safety in the CCL and must be able to recognize cardiac arrhythmias and respond according to emergency protocols, operate external cardiac pacemaker and defibrillator. Intervenes with appropriate therapy in the event of cardiac emergencies.
4. Maintains, troubleshoots and operates fluoroscopy equipment to ensure operability and safety. Calibrates equipment and performs routine preventive maintenance procedures.
5. Properly handles and processes PACS images to include storage and transfer. Follows radiation safety policies as outlined by the NRC and York Hospital’s Radiation Safety Committee.
6. Monitors and records patients' hemodynamic status during procedures. Administers medications during procedures under the direction of a physician.
7. Assumes “off premise” call responsibilities as required to assure complete call coverage.
8. Performs various tests of multiple blood samples obtained through catheterization or other means, from specific areas within the patient's heart or lung to determine the concentration of gases in order to aid in the physician's diagnosis and treatment.
9. Acts as patient educator. Explains procedure and answers questions prior to the procedure.
10. Immobilizes patients as necessary and practices radiation safety procedures.
11. Selects and operates equipment as needed to perform required exams.
12. Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as evaluation results, individualized treatment plans, progress reports, and other such reports.

Common Expectations:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
2. Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
3. Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Prepares and maintains written documentation as required by the profession and the department.
4. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, inservice meetings, and workshops.
5. Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience:
  • 2 - 3 years
  • Pref ExperienceExperience in Cath Lab, ED, or ICU
• Minimum Education:
  • Associate's Degree
• Minimum Field Of Expertise:
  • Cardiology; EKG and physiologic monitoring; Knowledge of cardiology,
  • electrophysiology, pacemakers, peripheral vascular procedures and related equipment; Fluent in medical terminology
• Required Certification:
  • Registration and current RN license in PA; Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
• Physical Demands:
  • Frequent prolonged standing/walking
  • Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients
  • Ability to wear lead protective gear for long periods.
• Skills:
  • Experience in electric countershock techniques; Ability to function as a team member; excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to demonstrates the principals of surgical asepsis; Understands cardiovascular pathophysiology; Ability to read a 12 lead EKG; Ability to identify lethal arrhythmias 100% of the time; Ability to identify normal versus abnormal intra cardiac and peripheral pressure waveforms.