Cardiovascular Tech

About this Job

General summary of position: Assists physician with routine to complex invasive diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures such as cardiac catheterization, cardiac and vascular percutaneous transluminal angioplasties, structural heart and other interventional procedures. Performs a variety of related ancillary support activities and other duties as assigned.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations. Assists/scrubs with physician routine to complex invasive diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac and vascular procedures. Prepares catheters, balloons, guiding wires, etc. for physician as needed. Prepares, cleans and drapes appropriate site prior to invasive procedure ensuring a sterile field according to Association of Operating Room Nurse (AORN) standards. Enters patient data into the computer, connects electrocardiograph (EKG) and pulse oximeter monitors. Provides physical and psychological comfort to patients prior to, during and post-procedure. Monitors electrocardiograph (ECG), blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters during procedure in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CCL). Assists with intra‑aortic balloon pump (IABP), other cardiac assist devices and sets up/removes arterial and venous lines as needed in the CCL, CCU and ICU. Draws arterial blood gases (ABG) as requested by physician. Performs activated coagulation time tests to determine appropriate arterial/venous sheath removal. Accompanies and monitors patient during transports. Documents required data prior to, during and post-procedure and enters appropriate codes/charges/equipment used into computer for statistical/billing reports.

• Prepares/cleans, arranges and stocks room/equipment for next procedure. Maintains and stocks inventory such as catheters, defibrillators, monitors and temporary pacemakers. Provides monitors/external pacemakers to various locations within the hospital.
• Discharges/transports patients from procedure room. Communicates/instructs patient regarding post‑procedure site care instructions and precautions as appropriate. Provides patient's family/significant others with information related to procedures according to departmental policy and procedures.
• Administers contrast at the direction of the physician while the physician is in the room directing the administration and dosage.
• Participates/responds to post‑cardiac catheterization site bleeding, hematomas, pain, loss of distal pulse etc. as appropriate and documents findings and resolution.
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and business unit in community outreach efforts.
• Participates in multi‑disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
• Performs orientation training and in‑service for other/new personnel as defined by CCL manager and departmental educator.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or GED. High school degree or GED diploma is required, including completion of a Cardiovascular Technologist training program and/or related college level education in basic sciences. May require the use of specialized medical equipment (i.e., EEG, EKG, blood analyzer) or data processing equipment (i.e., tape drives, consoles).

Experience

In cardiovascular laboratory procedures particularly as relates to cardiac and vascular interventional procedures preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• RCIS – Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Certification as an RCIS with Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within 1 year required.
• CI – Cardiac Interventional Registered Technologist in Cardiac‑Interventional Radiography (R.T.(R) (CI)) preferred but must be obtained within one year of employment.
• Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician within 1 year required.
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification upon hire required.
• CPR – Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 days required.
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Work requires a high level of judgment to plan and perform the work and solve difficult job‑related problems.

Salary: USD $35.68 – USD $64.71 /hr.