Cath. Pathology-Lab. Cardio RN - Specialist 8 HR FT Variable

AHMC Healthcare•Monterey Park, CA

6d•$54 - $67

About The Position

Provides direct patient care in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, including care before and after cardiac and interventional radiology procedures. Communicates changes in patients’ clinical conditions, diagnostic results, and symptoms to physicians, Nurse Directors, and coworkers, and responds promptly and accurately to changes in condition or treatment response. Rotates onto variable shifts as needed for coverage. Prepares the unit for procedures and monitors instrument and supply levels. Participates in departmental meetings, performance improvement activities, and training new staff. Assists with invasive and cardiac procedures, including transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) and cardioversions. Conducts patient assessments, develops and updates care plans, supports patient education and discharge planning, and documents nursing care. Follows patient-safety, medication, infection-control, communication, and unit-safety policies while coordinating care with physicians and the interdisciplinary team.

Requirements

Current, valid California RN license.
BCLS certification required upon hire.
ACLS certification required upon hire.
Previous critical care experience.
If not already completed, complete Critical Care Course Certification within one year.

Nice To Haves

Cath lab experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete initial assessments of new patients within two hours of arrival, including functional, psychosocial, and pain assessments, discharge planning, referrals, and code status.
Initiate and update patient care plans, assess education needs and barriers to learning, review orders, and transcribe orders when necessary.
Follow telephone read-back policy and monitor telephone orders for physician signature and validation within 48 hours.
Explain procedures to patients, protect privacy, and allow patients to express emotional needs.
Apply knowledge of IV medications, adverse drug reactions, and blood components.
Document nursing care, observe for reactions or complications, and report findings to physicians promptly.
Apply knowledge of National Patient Safety Goals and quality initiatives.
Use two patient identifiers when drawing labs, administering medications, and performing procedures; avoid unacceptable abbreviations and use read-back for telephone orders.
Follow medication reconciliation policy and document medications given, resolving discrepancies in the medication dispensing system.
Check crash cart and defibrillator function according to protocol and after each code, replace required items, and sign the crash cart checklist.
Comply with infection prevention and control requirements, including OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards, CDC guidelines, appropriate personal protective equipment, and hand hygiene.
Perform purposeful rounding according to hospital policy.
Provide thorough, detailed, efficient bedside change-of-shift reports to support continuity of care.
Assist physicians with special tests and procedures, using time-outs for bedside procedures.
Maintain a safe environment, use proper body mechanics, and ensure suction and oxygen are available when needed.
Assess and reassess pain within the required timeframe after pain medication and upon discharge or transfer.
Recognize signs of abuse and report them appropriately.
Initiate and document discharge and patient/family education planning.
Prioritize patient care based on essential needs and available time, equipment, personnel, and supplies.
Formulate, maintain, and update prioritized, goal-directed plans of care based on patient outcomes.
Prepare the unit for procedures and monitor instrument and supply par levels.
Participate in staff meetings, performance improvement activities, and training new staff.
Assist with invasive and cardiac procedures, including TEE and cardioversion.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.