Cath Lab Technologist

Department: Cardiac Cath Lab

Schedule

Full Time, Days (80 hours biweekly)

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 hour shifts

Rotation: On call after hours, weekends, and holidays required 

Position Function:   The Cath Lab Technologist, is a member of the Cardiac Cath Team in the Cardiac Cath Lab, who works with the Interventional Cardiologist, Vascular Surgeon, Interventional Radiologist, and Registered Nurse to deliver direct patient care before, during and after Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiac or Peripheral catheterizations.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1.    Interprets patients’ ECG pattern.
2.    Identifies the cardiac needs of the cardiovascular patient.
3.    Completes successful venipunctures  8 /year).
4.    Assists the RN in patient data collection, reports any changes to the RN.
5.    Supports the Mission, Vision and Values  of the hospital. .
6.    Meets expected standards of care for Cardiac Cath Lab.
7.    Completes a 12 lead EKG (4/year).
8.    Maintains radiation safety and protection devices as required
9.    Demonstrates proper technique for removal of, caring for and maintaining, venous/arterial sheaths (8 /year).
10.    Able to demonstrate proper sterile technique.
11.    Able to demonstrate proper technique for assisting in cardiac cath and electrophysiological procedures
12.    Able to monitor hemodynamic system for all procedures.
13.    Able to provide the Cardiologist, Electrophysiologist, or assistant with any equipment needed, anticipates and adjusts rapidly to needs during procedures.
14.    Assists in the scheduling of patients.
15.    Participation of On-call rotation.
16.    Assists in obtaining specimens and ensures proper preparation and handling.
17.    Experience monitoring and interpreting patient hemodynamics, documenting and reporting changes to performing physician, pre, intra, and post procedure.     
18.    Maintains minimal continuing education credits as required by ARRT, CI and RCIS..
19.    Proactively renews certifications/renewals before the due date without reminders from supervisor.
20.    Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
21.    Routinely demonstrates competency and adherence to all organizational safety directives and P&Ps. 
22.    Contributes/participates in quality improvement activities throughout the year.
23.    Accurately enters, updates, and edits ITS clinical/ demographic/technical information; utilizes EMR inquiry functions correctly.
24.    Able to demonstrate proper technique for catheters/guidewire exchanges, and power injector operation.
25.    Employee regularly attends daily safety huddles.
26.    Ensures that supplies and equipment necessary for patient care are stored in an organized and efficient manner.
27.    Verifies correct patient by checking wristband with the name on requisition and verbally identifying patient.
28.    Obtains patient history using standardized form, as indicated.
29.    Explains procedures and educates the patient to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation.
30.    Transports, transfers, and positions patient during the examination process; adjusts immobilization devices to obtain optimum views of specified areas of the body; routinely insures that safety devices and restraints are used appropriately.
31.    Assists in the operation of x-ray equipment, to include moving of x-ray equipment into specified position, selecting physicians preset radiation preferences, adjusting acquisition controls, and/or storing of images. 
32.    Under the direction of licensed practitioner, utilizes fluoroscopy to acquire desired x-ray images (specific to an individual who has passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) exam or equivalent).
33.    Practices radiation protection techniques, using beam restrictive devices, patient shielding skills, and knowledge of applicable exposure factors to minimize radiation to patient and staff.
34.    Transports patients to appropriate locations post-procedure.
35.    Maintains clean environment by cleaning  and sanitizing surfaces between each patient.
36.    Routinely demonstrates accountability to the organization's ALARA, Core Values, Confidentiality, Customer Service, HIPAA, Infection Control, Patient Safety, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Federal rules in all interactions or assignments.
37.    Seeks knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to stay productive in current positions.
38.    Completes assignments before end of shift, communicates outstanding issues to next shift for follow up.
39.    Completes safety/injury reports accurately and within 24 hours.
40.    Willingly shares knowledge and experience with students and shadowing visitors.
41.    Creates a positive experience for patients, families, and co-workers by using customer service skills in daily work routine.
42.    Performs other related duties or tasks as directed or assigned.    
43.    Collects data, identified priority  problems, reports issues to the RN and physician, and document findings in the Cath Lab documentation system.
 

Qualifications

Qualifications and Standards
 

Qualifications and Standards
 

Education:     Minimum Education: Graduate of a certificate or degree granting program or post-secondary educational program in a health science (includes, but not limited to, cardiovascular technology, radiologic technology, Licensed Practical Nurse, Paramedic, Biomedical Engineering).
Preferred Education:  Degree from an accredited school of Cardiovascular Technology
Note:  Other combinations of formal education, training and experience may be considered.      

Experience: Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required.  
Minimum Experience   1 - 2 years Cath Lab and/or interventional radiology experience preferred; Previous Cath Lab experience preferred

Pref Field Of Expertise:  Graduate of an approved Cardiovascular program; knowledge of cardiology, electrophysiology, pacemakers and related equipment; Fluent in medical terminology; Ability to use radiographic equipment and handle patients who present in a variety of conditions  

Certifications/Licensure:   Eligible for certification as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS), or registry eligible; Registered Radiologic Technologist RT(R) or Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) or Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). Obtain requisite certification within two (2) year of hire. Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required within 6 months of hire.   

Benefits Offered:

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Education assistance
• Financial education and support, including DailyPay

For additional details: Benefits & Incentives | WellSpan Careers (joinwellspan.org)