Cardiac Stress Testing

Cardiac Device Nurse

The Cardiac Device Nurse provides direct care to patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) in the Cardiac Device Clinic. The Cardiac Device Nurse utilizes knowledge of cardiovascular nursing cardiac electrophysiology and biomedical engineering concepts to assess the technical function of the CIED perform testing and programming of the CIED analyze and interpret device and patient diagnostics and perform accurate clinical documentation as determined by departmental and best practice standards.

The Cardiac Device Nurse demonstrates autonomous direct cardiac rhythm management care for patients with CIEDs by integrating knowledge from physiology pathophysiology and the basics of electronics to perform competent device interrogations diagnostic reviews and overall analysis of device function for in-person evaluations and remote monitoring.

The Cardiac Device Nurse performs post-operative CIED patient assessment and teaching regarding incision care cardiac device function Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) shock plans and remote CIED monitoring. Utilizes critical thinking skills and knowledge of electrophysiology concepts to safely and autonomously program device parameters to optimize system function ensure patient safety promote appropriate pacing optimize rate modulation battery longevity and device timing cycles and support the electrophysiological needs of the patient.

The Cardiac Device Nurse recognizes abnormal functions of pacemakers ICDs Implantable Loop Recorders (ILRs) and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) devices through in-person evaluation and remote monitoring. Employs strategies to address and correct issues. Accurately identifies heart rhythms including cardiac arrhythmias. Provides appropriate triage and immediate communication of life-threatening and other critical arrhythmias to provider. Provides guidance and support to the patient and family in critical instances.

The Cardiac Device Nurse professionally communicates with cardiac electrophysiologists and other providers about CIED function diagnostic data and overall patient status through accurate and professional standardized documentation. Completes scheduling protocols for in-person and remote monitoring CIED evaluations utilizing best practice and departmental guidelines. Attends and participates in educational meetings and seminars related to device management electrophysiology general cardiology and nursing. Must complete fifteen nursing and device related education hours per year. Promotes excellence in the care of patients with CIEDs and cardiac rhythm or heart failure disorders. Supports regulatory processes related to CIED billing compliance CIED tracking and advisory/recall management. Submits accurate billing codes and procedural information for all patient encounters. Supports and contributes to the Patient Centered Care Philosophy by understanding that every teammate is a caregiver whose role is to meet the needs of the patient.

The Cardiac Device Nurse works requires walking standing sitting lifting reaching stooping bending pushing and pulling. Must be able to lift and support the weight of 35 pounds in handling patients medical equipment and supplies. Keyboarding/typing skills required. Must speak English in good understandable terms. Intact sense of sight hearing smell and touch. Finger dexterity. Critical thinking and ability to concentrate. Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions. Physical Abilities Testing required. Additional departmental specific physical requirements may be identified for unique responsibilities within the department by the department manager.

The Cardiac Device Nurse graduate from an accredited school of nursing. BSN required. Minimum of four years of cardiovascular nursing electrophysiology nursing critical care nursing or cardiac device nursing experience required. American Heart Association (AHA) BLS and ACLS certification required per policy guidelines. Current Registered Nurse (RN) license or temporary license as an RN Petitioner in the state in which you work and reside or if declaring a National License Compact (NLC) state as your primary state of residency meet the licensure requirements in your home state or for Non-National License Compact states current RN license or temporary license as an RN Petitioner required in the state where the RN works. Additional education training certifications or experience may be required within the department by the department manager.

The Cardiac Device Nurse demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and demonstrates the skills and competency appropriate to the ages culture developmental stages and special needs of the patient population served. Will limit access to Protected Health Information (PHI) to include only information necessary to perform job responsibilities. Will share information only on a need-to-know basis for work purposes. Access to verbal written and electronic PHI for this job has been determined based on job level and job responsibility within the organization. Computerized access to PHI for this job has been determined as described above and is controlled via user identification (ID) and password.

The Cardiac Device Nurse works with complex medical equipment and supplies. Various internet based and network computer applications including but not limited to Electronic Medical Record (EMR) cloud-based device documentation system Medtronic CareLink Boston Scientific Latitude Biotronik Home Monitoring Abbott Merlin.net Outlook Word PowerPoint and Excel. Standard office equipment including but not limited to desk or laptop computer telephone copier fax machine and device programmers.