Special Procedures Tech - PD Days

Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist

Under general supervision, assists the Cardiologist with all aspects of the performance of specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the Cardiac Cath Lab.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates mastery of all technical aspects within guidelines of the Technologist I & II.
• Works cooperatively with all members of the department to resolve problems expediently.
• Displays flexibility, team spirit, compassion, respect, politeness and accountability when dealing with customers.
• Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity for patients' rights in all interactions with patients.
• Uses ALARA and safety principle at all times.
• Complies with organization-wide and department specific policies and procedures, including working knowledge of policies.
• Complies with patient care requirements of all regulatory agencies including working knowledge of policies, reference to and compliance to policies.
• Creates an environment of safe delivery of patient care and functions with a constant awareness of safety issues. Corrects and reports any unsafe conditions found immediately.
• Practices aseptic technique, isolation and infection control procedures and prevents cross contamination at all times. Follows Universal Precautions.
• Maintains awareness of and location of information manuals.
• Adheres to the Radiation Safety, Material Safety Data Sheet and Fire/Safety policies and procedures. Identifies where information manuals are located.
• Follows universal Protocol by using two patient identifiers prior to performing the exam, using pre-op/pre procedure verification check list, site marked with the physician's initials (physician performing procedure) and using "Time Out".
• Demonstrates competence with specific equipment used on all diagnostic and interventional procedures performed.
• Troubleshoots equipment before service is called.
• Assists the supervising physician in capturing the best projections to delineate the vascular anatomy.
• Creates an environment of safe delivery of patient care and functions with a constant awareness of safety issues. Corrects and reports any unsafe conditions found immediately.
• Assists the physician by preparing and passing equipment catheters, instruments, manifold/pressure monitoring system for each diagnostic procedure, including but not limited to:
• Interventional procedure, PTCAS, stent implantations, directional atherectomy, rotational atherectomy and valvuloplasty
• Intraaortic balloon placement
• Endomyocardial biopsies
• Transseptal, including brachial or radial approach, sones technique
• Monitors patients ECG, blood pressure, arterial and right heart pressures and oxygen saturation readings.
• Prepares the room, trays, procedures and patients according to physician preference cards.
• Practices aseptic technique in opening sterile drape packs, catheters, equipment and supplies.
• Maintains a sterile field throughout each procedure.
• Provides health care services and maintains interpersonal relationships in own job category to all age groups as applicable to job functions. Maintains a safe working environment: Ensures gurneys are in locked position except when transporting, ensures side rails are in up position as indicated, keeps unit free of hazards/clutter, adheres to infection control guidelines, disposes of infectious waste properly, places sharps in proper containers.
• Scrubs, gowns, and gloves according to approved techniques.
• Assists with orienting new Cardio Vascular Technician to department, equipment, and routines.

Department Specific Competencies

• Ensures upkeep and servicing of x-ray equipment in Cardiac Cath Lab, including PM's and annual inspection.
• Works with Cardiac Cath Lab management to implement new policies and equipment affecting Radiology personnel.
• Assists Cath Lab Team prepare patients: Placing BP cuff, pulse oximeter and EKG monitoring.
• Coordinates Cath Lab cost containment program with vendor management. Includes Cardiologists in process.
• Prepares operating room and/or cath lab strategies in collaboration with the appropriate department management teams, recommending schedule smoothing and/or case cancellation, whenever such strategies are required to mitigate impediments to patient flow.
• Receives delivered items from the warehouse, central supply and/or vendors and audits the delivery tickets versus what is actually delivered.
• Assists in cleaning and preparing procedure rooms. Cleans reusable equipment, rinses soiled instruments and transports to sterile prep.
• Reconciles orders to make sure all products have come in by expected delivery date.
• Provides explanation and education to family/significant other at discharge from Cath Lab for outpatients (SERVICE/EXCELLENCE).
• Sets up equipment for procedures performed in Cath Lab.
• Works with Cardiologist in capturing the best projections to delineate the cardiac anatomy.

Education

Degree - Program

Additional Information

Graduate of AMA approved School of Radiologic Technology.

Experience

Number of Years Experience - Type of Experience

3 - Procedural Areas or Support to Procedural Areas

License / Certification Requirements

Basic arrhythmia and/or 12-lead ECG course or equivalent work experience

Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT)

ARRT License for Radiologic Technologist

BCLS or ACLS Certification

Fluoroscopy License

Compensation Range $66.63 / Hour