Cardiovascular Technologist at MEDSTAR HEALTH

Assists physician with routine to complex invasive diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures, such as cardiac catheterizations; 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.
Education

• High School Diploma or GED including completion of a Cardiovascular Technologist training program and/or related college level education in basic sciences. required

Experience

• Experience in cardiovascular laboratory procedures, particularly as relates to cardiac and vascular interventional procedures preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• RCIS - Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist with Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within 1 Year required or
• R.T.(R)(CI) - Registered Technologist in Cardiac-Interventional Radiography within 1 Year 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.
• Health Services\ACLS required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• May require the use of specialized medical equipment (i.e., EEG, EKG, blood analyzer), or data processing equipment (i.e., tape drives, consoles).

Assists/scrubs in with physician during routine to complex invasive diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac and vascular procedures. Prepares catheters, balloons, guiding wires, etc. to 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 required 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 Catherization 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 sheaths removal. Accompanies and monitors patient during transports.

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.

Document required data prior to, during and post-procedure and enters appropriate codes/charges/equipment used into computer for statistical/billing reports.

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.

Participates/responds to post-cardiac catheterization site bleeding, hematomas, pain, loss of distal pulse, etc., as appropriate, and documents findings and resolution.

Participates in the orientation, training and inservices of other/new personnel, as defined by CCL manager and departmental educator.

Administers contrast at the direction of the physician while the physician is in the room directing the administration and dosage.