Cath Lab Tech

Cardiac Cath Lab Invasive Specialist- Certified

The Cardiac Cath Lab Invasive Specialist- Certified plays multiple roles on the Cardiac Cath Lab team as the Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist during Cardiac Catheterization procedures. In both roles he/she demonstrates technical proficiency in all Cardiac Cath Lab procedures and equipment; applies anatomical and physiological knowledge to proficiently assist the Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist with providing cardiac patient care. As the Invasive Specialist he/she maintains good communication with the Cath Lab team to ensure proper equipment set up, accurate monitoring, and quality data collection.

Minimum Education, Experience, Training, Required Knowledge, Skill, Abilities and Other Job-Related Characteristics:

1. Education and Experience: All of the following: High School graduate or GED
2. New hires as of 6/1/2013 have to have ONE of the following:

• One (1) year fulltime Invasive Cardiovascular Technology experience.
• An Associate Degree or equivalent college hours (62 semester hours) in health, science, natural science, nursing, engineering or any primary science or higher.
• Graduate of an accredited (by CHEA, USDOE, or CMA) program in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology.
• Graduate of a NON-Programmatically accredited program in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology which has a minimum of one (1) year of specialty training and includes a minimum of 800 clinical hours.

• Employee completes initial and ongoing training and competencies as defined by service line, facility and department/unit which are specific to the needs of the patient population served (if applicable). Includes specific competency in:

• Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization
• Peripheral Angiography
• PTCA, Stent implantation
• Aspiration/Extraction devices
• Distal Embolization Protection devices, PTA and Peripheral Stent implantation
• Vascular Closure devices
• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
• Temporary Transvenous Pacing
• Implantable Defibrillators/Pacemakers all of which can occur on an Elective/Emergent basis preferred.
• Various interventional radiology procedures

• Employee completes initial and ongoing training and competencies as defined by service line, facility and department/unit which are specific to the needs of the patient population served (if applicable).
• Preferred: Two (2) year (fulltime or fulltime equivalent) in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology preferred.
• Baccalaureate in health, science, natural science or nursing, engineering or any primary science AND six (6) months of (fulltime or fulltime equivalent) in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology preferred.

Minimum License, Certificates, or Registrations Required:

1. Required (must hold one of the following credentials): ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) OR
2. Must have ONE of the below listed certifications: Current certification eligible Cath Lab Technicians must successfully pass RCIS/RCES exam in 24 months from start date.

• RCIS (Registered Cardiac Invasive Specialist) from CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International)
• RCES (Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist OR

• Certified Surgical Tech or Registered Respiratory Therapist OR

• EMT-B (Basic) / EMT-P (Paramedic)
• Military EMT equivalent with 10+ years experience

Essential Job Functions:

1. Demonstrates technical proficiency for all cardiac catheterization procedures while functioning in a primary role as a Cardiac Cath Lab Invasive Specialist.

2. Consistently and correctly identifies cardiac structures, coronary vasculature, and the associated disease processes.

3. Practices radiation safety and observes all principles to ALARA. This includes a good knowledge of all regulations and requirements set forth by the Texas Bureau of Radiation Control and the Methodist Radiation Safety Committee and the proper use and storage of personal radiation badge.

4. Assists the physician in obtaining or entering data into the Physiologic Monitoring System(s) for accurate assessment of left and/or right-sided Hemodynamic pressure measurements. Assures accurate information is gathered or entered for the calculation of intra-cardiac shunts, valve areas, and pressure measurements throughout the catheter path.

5. Accurately reports Ejection Fraction by demonstrating proficiency in the assessment of Cardiac function, utilizing Left Ventricular Analysis program(s). Understands the disease processes that result in depressed Cardiac function such as: Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiomyopathy, Myocardial Infarction, Valvular disorders, etc.

6. Consistently assures that Angiographic and procedural data is properly archived for long-term storage. Verifies the presence of all components of procedure information in both hard copy and computerized formats.

Additional Job Functions:

1. May have access to contrast agents and other non-controlled medications as appropriate to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

2. Takes "Call" on a rotating basis.

3. Supports the mission and vision of the Methodist Healthcare System. Understands and is committed to helping the Methodist Healthcare System and its associated facilities achieve its goals.

4. Must learn and comply with System and facility safety policies and rules; must use appropriate safety equipment and procedures at all times; must immediately report all unsafe conditions to supervisors; must be familiar with all safety features of equipment, tools or materials encompassed by job duties; and must check with supervisors (prior to job performance) if there is a question as to the safe procedure to be used for any job function.

5. Adheres to the MHS Code of Conduct and demonstrates ethical behavior as expected by our patients, colleagues and the community. Understands the personal obligation to report any activity that appears to violate applicable laws, rules regulations or the Code of Conduct itself.

6. Completes other duties as assigned.