RN Nurse Specialist Cardiology Laboratory

Northwell Health•Danbury, CT

12d

About The Position

At Danbury Hospital, the RN Nurse Specialist provides nursing care to patients undergoing invasive cardiac diagnostic and interventional procedures, electrophysiology (EP) studies and ablations, and endovascular/peripheral procedures before, during, and after procedures. The role maintains patient safety and comfort while assisting physicians in obtaining valid hemodynamic and radiologic data for diagnosis and possible intervention. The nurse assesses and monitors patients of all ages, provides supportive care and education, prepares and administers procedure-related medications and sedation, assists physicians during procedures, and maintains a safe sterile environment. The position also includes emergency response, patient and family education, comprehensive documentation, equipment knowledge, staff training, participation in an on-call program, pacemaker and ICD interrogation and reprogramming, policy development, and quality improvement activities.

Requirements

Current State of Connecticut RN license.
At least two years of experience.
Ability to interpret rhythm strips.
Knowledge of sterile technique and conscious sedation.
Current BLS and ACLS credentials.
Medium-to-heavy physical effort; may exert up to 35 pounds of force.
Some occupational risk and exposure to dirt, odors, noise, human waste, and similar conditions.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of cath lab and critical care experience is preferred.
Knowledge of pacemakers, ICDs, and electrophysiology studies.

Responsibilities

Assess, monitor, and provide supportive nursing care, health counseling, and education to patients of all ages; identify changes in patient status and respond promptly.
Provide IV access and procedure-specific preparation; prepare and administer procedural sedation, reversal agents, intracoronary medications, anticoagulants, IIb/IIIa agents, and other medications as needed.
Document patients’ responses to medications in the medical record.
Monitor patient responses to vasoactive and cardiac medications before, during, and after procedures as needed.
Assist physicians with diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures; peripheral and endovascular procedures; intra-aortic balloon insertions; permanent pacemaker and ICD implants; TEE procedures and cardioversions; and EP studies and ablations.
Create and maintain a safe sterile environment throughout all phases of procedures.
Follow ACLS protocol under the cardiologist’s direction in the event of a complication or code; assess and monitor patients, establish IV access, defibrillate, administer medications as needed, and document care.
Provide pre-procedure education to patients and families; obtain patient history and assess blood work, allergies, and renal status; verify informed consent.
Contact physicians regarding contrast and renal prophylaxis when needed and report other abnormalities; revise the nursing care process as indicated to support optimal care in the cath lab.
Use diagnostic equipment and supplies for patient preparation and diagnostic and interventional procedures, EP studies and ablations, and permanent pacemaker and ICD implantation.
Complete documentation for procedures performed before, during, and after the procedure, including ACC-NCDR and Connecticut Registries.
Assist with training new staff and serve as an information resource for technical cath lab staff.
Participate in the on-call program for emergent diagnostic catheterizations/PCI, IABP insertions, temporary pacemakers, and other emergent procedures.
Interrogate and reprogram permanent pacemakers and ICDs according to physician orders.
Establish policies for new procedures and equipment.
Assist with the department’s quality improvement program, including tracking adverse outcomes and door-to-balloon time.
Meet organizational expectations for quality service, teamwork, self-development, and community service.
Fulfill compliance responsibilities related to the position.
Perform other duties as assigned.