Cardiology Technologist

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 1201 Grand

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Summary:

The Cardiology Tech in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory performs tasks that provide technical support during invasive cardiovascular procedures while also providing basic patient care to all types of patients under the direction and supervision of the professional nurse. Cardiology Tech assists in maintaining order and cleanliness of the department.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (Percent of Time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

1. General Patient Care: Performs general patient care as it relates to the patient’s physical needs under the direction of the RN. (1, 3, 5, 6) 25%

Criteria

A. Follows established policies and procedures if providing direct patient care.

B. Initiates and plans for provision of patient comfort and hygiene measures.

C. Makes frequent rounds on all patients noting condition, requests, and environment.

D. Performs EKG.

E. Assist with admission, discharge and transfer of patients.

F. Assists nurses and physicians with procedure.

G. Prepares rooms prior to and following cases.

H. Applies sterile drapes and prepares equipment prior to start of procedure.

I) Documents an appropriate patient history containing pertinent patient information regarding their condition and including patient limitations into computerized Cath lab charting system under the RN’s direction.

2. Technical Support: Performs technical support during catheterization procedure. Circulates in the procedure rooms, scrub assist during procedure. Initiates appropriate action in regard to supplies and equipment. (1, 3, 5, 6, 8) 25%

Criteria

A. Accurately connects patients to EKG monitors.

B. Establishes arterial/venous line set-up prior to procedure.

C. Operates equipment necessary and demonstrates proficiency.

• Hemodynamic monitor/recorder
• Video/imaging system
• Oximeters
• Contrast injectors
• Cardiac output units
• Oxygen consumption monitors
• Quantitative analysis software
• Intravascular ultrasound units
• Doppler blood flow velocity unit
• Intra-aortic balloon pump
• Fractional Flow Reserve
• Bovine
• Ablator
• Impeller
• Temporary Pacemaker

D. Maintains supplies and equipment.

• Ensures equipment/supplies are available and stored appropriately
• Empties full trash/soiled linen containers
• Notifies appropriate department to maintain a clean and safe environment (housekeeping, maintenance, dietary, etc.)

3. Performs catheter and sheath removal after invasive procedures. (1, 3, 5, 6, 8) 10%

Criteria

A. Assesses groin site and peripheral pulses.

B. Checks vital signs prior to sheath removal.

C. Compresses artery and/or vein for prescribed length of time.

D. Assesses site after homeostasis is obtained.

E. Gives patient instructions regarding post-procedural activity.

4. Assists Operations Coordinator as needed on inventory/supply maintenance. (2, 6) 5%

Criteria

A. Order supplies from Central Service as directed.

B. Sends clean supplies for sterilization as needed.

C. Assists with inventory counting.

5. Communication: Communicates effectively on behalf of patients and/or unit concerns to the appropriate people. (5, 6) 5%

Criteria

A. Obtains patient care instructions from professional nurse and informs nurse of changes in patient’s condition.

B. Documents all procedures concisely and legibly on chart forms according to chart form guidelines.

C. Answers the telephone by identifying the unit and self in a courteous manner.

D. Directs prompt and courteous attention to the needs of patients, families, visitors, and physicians.

6. Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies. (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) 5%

Criteria

A. Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.

B. Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

1. Maintains clutter free environment.

2. Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum.

3. Adheres to dress code.

C. Reports risk management concerns.

D. Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements as assigned by SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital .

E. All patients are to be properly identified by checking the patient armband. In areas that do not utilize armbands, two unique identifiers should be used to verify identification of the patient. Example: ask name, date of birth, etc.

F. Cleans procedure room between patients (mops floor, empties trash, etc.).

G. Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

7. Communication: Communicates effectively on behalf of patients and/or unit concerns to the appropriate persons. 5%

Criteria

A. Obtains reports from professional nurse and informs nurse of changes in patient’s condition.

B. Documents all procedures concisely and legibly on chart forms according to chart form guidelines.

C. Answers the telephone by identifying the unit and self in courteous manner.

D. Directs prompt and courteous attention to the needs of patients, families, visitors and physicians.

8. Service Standards: Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner. (1, 3, 6) 5%

Criteria

A. Demonstrates care and courtesy

1. Provides prompt, respectful, and courteous service.

2. Meets physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of patients and families.

3. Demonstrates ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, to assure and promote a culture of safety.

B. Communicates effectively and maintains confidentiality

1. Listens to patient/family concerns and addresses needs.

2. Explains procedures and all education in a manner that patient and family understand.

3. Allows time for questions.

C. Demonstrates competence and collaboration

1. Provides quality care in accordance to standards.

2. Assist with other departments to facilitate workflow and continuity.

3. Provides cost effective services.

4. Uses resources wisely.

5. Recommends changes in practice that increase efficiency and minimize waste.

9. Personal Accountability: Demonstrates accountability for own job performance. (1, 3) 5%

Criteria

A. Acknowledges authority, responding appropriately to supervisors’ directions.

B. Participates in additional learning experience to increase competence, including:

1. Staff meetings

2. Mandatory in-services and other educational programs

C. Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements:

D. Is at work as scheduled and begins duties promptly at start of shift.

E. Functions as a resource person to co-workers, patients/families, medical staff, and ancillary personnel.

F. Identifies problems, gathers pertinent data, suggests solutions, communicates using appropriate lines of authority, and works toward problem resolution.

G. Asks for assistance when necessary and offers to willingly assist co-workers.

H. Demonstrates pride in physical appearance of the hospital, keeping all areas neat and clean.

I. Spends free time with patients and/or in another constructive manner.

J. Adheres to and incorporates all customer service standards in patient care and work practices.

10. Performance improvement (PI): Incorporates performance improvement into one’s professional practice. 10%

Criteria

A. Assists in deploying unit-based PI plan.

B. Collects PI data as assigned.

C. Collaborates in developing and implementing action plans.

D. Participates in research activities on the nursing unit.

11. Provides age-appropriate care to: <1%

Criteria

A. Attends or completes annual age-specific in-service.

B. Performs age appropriate assessments which include input from family/guardian.

C. Includes the family/guardian providing care in decision making as appropriate.

D. Determines immunization status, if warranted.

E. Appropriately refers or requests consultations for special needs and/or equipment.

The following job accountabilities may be assigned:

1. Telephone communication.

2. Routine patient care activities (i.e. bathing, bed changes, feeding patient).

3. Specific data collection activities.

DISCLAIMER: Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Rationale for Essential Functions

1. The performance of this function is the reason the job exists.

2. There are limited employees among whom the performance of this function can be distributed.

3. This function occupies a great deal of the employee’s time.

4. This function is highly specialized. Employees are hired for the skill/ability to perform this function.

5. Failure to perform this function may have serious consequences.

6. The function was performed by past employees and is performed by current employees.

7. Exposure to blood borne pathogens that require the use of protective equipment.

8. Exposure to tuberculosis that requires the use of protective equipment.

Job Specifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION: High school graduate. Radiology Technologist registered preferred, or eligible. or CCI credential for Cath lab.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Previous Cath Lab experience

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS: BLS, ALS preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases and radiation. 
• Requires wearing of protective apparel such as lead aprons, eye protection, sterile and non-sterile medical gloves and masks. 
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. 
• Exposed to unpleasant element (accident, injuries, illness). 
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. 
• May perform emergency care. 
• Subject to irregular hours. 
• Pressure due to multiple competing demands.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking.
• Lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients. 
• Considerable reach, stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crouching. 
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Employee _______________________________________ Date ___________

Department Manager/Director________________________ Date ____________

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. An individual working in their job classification must also perform specific tasks upon request by supervisor personnel. Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities for this job classification are subject to change at the discretion of the medical center.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

 
State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin

• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)

 

Work Shift:

Variable Shift (United States of America)

Job Type:

Employee

Department:

3001000037 Cardiac Cath Lab

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefits:

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

• Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE). 

• Flexible Payment Options:  our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.

• Upfront Tuition Coverage : we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. 

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SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more.