RN - Echocardiography - MGH

Staff Nurse Echocardiography Laboratory

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

36 hours per week - 4 - 9 hour shifts A staff nurse in the Echocardiography Laboratory at MGH is a Registered Nurse responsible for assuring competent, compassionate nursing care of patients and families throughout their Stress, Transesophageal and/or Transthoracic echocardiogram visits. This includes collaboration with other professional, non-professional and support staff in both the inpatient and outpatient labs. The staff nurse is responsible for the overall nursing care management of this designated group of patients including those who are transported to the holding area during the course of their testing. She/he collaborates with the Department Managers and members of the Patient Care Team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Minimum clinical nursing experience of 3 years with advanced knowledge of cardiac/telemetry required; prior ICU or procedural experience preferred.

Principal Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides competent, compassionate nursing care based on scientific principles and nursing process.
• Is able to recognize, assess and respond to acute clinical issues, including: complaints of chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in mental status, arrhythmias, hemodynamic instability, and syncope among others. Airway assessment and initial management of a compromised patient (i.e. acute respiratory failure). Accurately identifies arrhythmias and interprets 12 lead ECG's and is aware of when additional/adjunct resources are needed. Recognizes emergency situations and demonstrates the ability to respond appropriately, including the ability to implement and direct initial cardiac resuscitative efforts.
• Performs nursing functions during stress echocardiography-Conducts exercise and pharmacological stress testing. Assesses for, identifies, and responds appropriately to patient issues which may interfere with or be contraindicated for stress echocardiograms. Closely monitors ECG and vital signs as well as provides careful surveillance for complications. Determines when the test should be terminated either for medical reasons or patient tolerance. Continues careful surveillance during recovery and remains alert for post-stress complications. Recognizes safe completion of recovery period and allows patient to leave the testing area. Maintains up to date information related to acute coronary syndromes, cardiac markers, and clinical evaluation of patients with known or suspected Ischemic --Heart Disease and applies these concepts in evaluating patients with chest pain. Is knowledgeable regarding common secondary diagnoses and care of patient populations (i.e. Diabetes, COPD, Oncology, etc.)-Maintains equipment, supplies, and RN documentation.
• Performs nursing functions during transesophageal echocardiography-Maintains up to date education related to procedural sedation administration and monitoring. Assesses for, identifies, and responds appropriately to patient issues which may interfere with or be contraindicated for transesophageal echocardiograms. Performs point of care testing (POCT) as it relates to glucometry as well as pre-procedural COVID Antigen testing. Closely screens inpatient and outpatient clinical status and medical history for appropriateness of testing and notifies team of potential additional resources required. Works closely with fellow nursing staff, advanced echocardiography fellows and attending cardiologists to provide safe patient care. Is knowledgeable regarding common secondary diagnoses and care of patient populations (i.e. Diabetes, COPD, Oncology, etc.)-Maintains equipment, supplies, and RN documentation.
• Manages flow into and out of the Holding Area as well as other responsibilities of this location-Assists in evaluation and management of acute patient issues that arise in the lab. Maintains open lines of communication with other Lab staff as well as with nursing staff on the patient care units, thus providing a collaborative relationship between the patient care units and the lab. Effectively provides accurate patient status report to appropriate staff caring for patient, both in the lab and with the patient's care-unit/team members. Performs agitated saline contrast or LV echo contrast studies for echocardiography.
• Assumes defined administrative responsibilities related to RN functions in Echo laboratory-Educates patients about stress tests, transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiograms and documents relevant information in patient's chart. Manages unexpected situations and multiple competing priorities in a flexible and adaptable manner and appropriately and effectively prioritizes and delegates responsibilities as needed. Critically evaluates own decision making and judgments. Learns, adapts, and improves own nursing practice based on evaluations of nursing performance and feedback. Operationalizes the critical mission of the Echo Labs related to overall hospital LOS priorities-Possesses a global awareness of the daily schedule both for the individual as well as the entire staff.
• Provides and maintains a therapeutic environment for coworkers, patients, and their families. -Articulates the role of the Echo Lab staff to the patient, family, and health team members.-Is open and inclusive of other's values.-Values and develops collaborative relationships with patients and families -Defines standards of excellence for patient's undergoing stress tests and Echo's.-Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served (school age and above) in echocardiography.-Actively empowers and advocates for patients and families to maintain their participation in decision-making and goal setting.
• Collaborates with other professionals and directs nonprofessional personnel in maintaining recognized standards.-Teaches and coordinates with all personnel with whom she/he is collaborates.-Participates in orientation of new staff members.-Appropriately utilizes resources.-Accesses and interprets hospital and department policies and procedures to nurses and other health care team members.-Demonstrates a spirit of inquiry as it relates to echocardiography nursing.-Promotes the development of collaborative relationships with colleagues and peers by communicating in a constructive manner.-Values the complementary contribution to a positive and successful patient outcome from all staff groups within the Echo department.-Acts as a resource to colleagues for stress testing.-Assists with observational experiences of students and RN staff orienting to the hospital units.
• Participates in daily operational activities necessary for safe patient/staff environment.-Utilizes resources efficiently to facilitate optimal patient care.-Provides input to the Unit Operations Manager regarding unit needs.-Participates in unit and departmental committees for formulation of nursing hospital policies and procedures.-Maintains holding area environment, and uses resources to achieve cleanliness, adequate supplies, properly functioning equipment, etc. -Assists with narcotic count in echo department.
• Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing education practices.-Adheres to Department of Cardiology requirements for required training.-Identifies own learning needs and goals and develops a plan to meet them.-Develops and maintains professional practice through continuing educational programs and appropriate learning experiences.-Contributes to relevant committees, professional meetings, and continuing education programs

We offer an outstanding benefits packages to eligible employees including-Medical, Dental and Vision insurance-Tuition Reimbursement-Generous paid time off-Subsidized MBTA pass (50% discount)-Resources for childcare and emergency backup care-Hospital paid retirement plan and tax-sheltered annuity plan-Employee "Perks" - enjoy discounts on tickets and passes for everything from ski resorts to museums to sporting events.

You contribute to our success. Every role has an impact on our patients' lives, and you can make a difference. We are looking for someone as dedicated as you to be a part of our team.

About Mass General Hospital

Mass General Hospital is a world-renowned hospital that provides the highest quality care to patients. We are a leader in medical research and education, and we are committed to delivering our employees with a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Summary

Accountable for interpreting the plan of medical care, assessment of patients' clinical decision-making regarding nursing care, assuring nursing care is provided in a safe and competent manner, providing individualized nursing care, and evaluating nursing care for groups of patients.

Does this position require Patient Care? Yes

Essential Functions

• Maintain accurate, detailed reports, and records.
• Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
• Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
• Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
• Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
• Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.

Qualifications

Education

Associate's Degree Nursing required or Bachelor's Degree Nursing preferred

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?

No

Licenses and Credentials

MA Registered Nurse License required

Experience

Clinical nursing experience 3+ year required

Knowledge, Skills and

MGH Institute of Health Professions