Radiology Tech, Cath Lab, Full Time

Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech

Major Responsibilities: The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech provides competent, proficient, technical support during diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures, implementing procedural standards and protocols.

Functions as scrub assistant, circulator and monitor technician on a rotating basis during procedures. Assists physician during interventional procedures with complex interventional devices, including intra-aortic balloon pump. Collects, analyzes, and interprets hemodynamic and oximetric data. Anticipates needs of scrub team for sterile supplies, equipment connection, and operation. Observes sterile technique when prepping, scrubbing, draping, assisting, and circulating. Processes digital imaging: titles and labels properly, demonstrates ability to view and transfer images. Demonstrates competence in the operation of imaging, physiological monitoring, and related equipment; performs basic troubleshooting for this equipment. Demonstrates competence in decentralized lab testing – assumes responsibility for QA proficiency testing, etc. Administers medication in accordance with medication administration policy. Performs roadmapping call-up of interventional studies. Assists with vascular software processing during peripheral studies. Sets up procedural table for chase bolusing during peripheral studies. Communicates and collaborates with physicians, managers, support personnel, and staff regarding technical issues to insure reliability of results and quality assurance in imaging, hemodynamics, and oximetry. Performs basic patient assessment and preparation for procedures: monitors vital signs, heart rate/rhythm interpretation, O2 saturation, LOC; obtains pertinent patient medical information and enters in point of care system or procedural record pre and post-procedure; monitors arterial and venous lines and their insertion sites; performs CPR, defibrillation and cardioversion as necessary; performs venipuncture for IV therapy. Rotates as qualified observer; administers IA medications under direct super vision of physicians. Provides for patient comfort and safety within procedural parameters. Documents procedural events chronologically in the procedural record (Quinton System). Completes database forms with input from physician. Performs post-procedure ACT determination, sheath removal, and hemostasis according to established protocol. Assists with implementation of hemostatic devices (i.e., vaso-seal, angioseal, and femostop device). Assists with transport of monitored patients to nursing units. Provides for the special needs and behaviors of specific age groups served. Participates in developing and revising policy and procedures. Assesses learning needs of patients, family members, and significant others. Documents patient teaching in medical record. Recognizes needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated. Precepts first-year Cardiology Fellows in operation of fluoroscope, C-arm, and angiographic imaging techniques. Presents inservices to Cath Lab staff on topics relating to technical skill enhancement, radiation safety, image quality, QA and hemostasis techniques. Precepts nurses and technologists in manual hemostasis and the use of mechanical hemostatic devices. Precepts new technologists in scrubbing, circulating, and monitoring roles. Acts as a resource for imaging and hemostasis techniques. Complies with established radiation safety standards, OSHA safety standards, and infection control standards/practices. Maintains quality control of technical equipment according to protocol. Identifies equipment and supply needs for procedures in a timely manner. Maintains clean, neat work areas. Removes broken or malfunctioning equipment from service and labels as such, notifies Biomedical Engineering. Assists with inventory processing when necessary. Performs fluoro benchmark phantom imaging for QA monitoring. Performs dosimetry checks. Seeks to meet anticipated customer needs in both clinical and non-clinical situations. Role-models behaviors supportive of cooperation and teamwork. Supports open communication amongst all members of the healthcare team. Assesses own educational needs, planning and implementing strategies to meet knowkedge deficiencies. Attends one (1) CV conference (local) annually. Acts independently in making decisions on routine daily assignments. Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility for change. Demonstrates reliability for attendance and punctuality. Demonstrates cost-effective measures with an awareness of quality. Maintains department-based mandatory education requirements. Actively participates in staff meetings/attends monthly inservices. Assists with development and revision of policies and procedures pertaining to technical matters. Participates in CQI development projects (team performance plan). Provides recommendations/input on capital equipment acquisition.

Education/Experience Required: Must be a graduate of an accredited School of Radiology. Employee must pass RT Boards (Registry Exam) within 6 months of graduation. Typically requires 2 years of experience in an Interventional Radiology and/or Cath Lab Tech role.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Intermediate computer skills, film-processing skills, hemodynamic interpretation skills, basic patient assessment skills, IV therapy skills. Knowledge of radiographic imaging and radiation safety. Current RT license in State of Illinois and current AART registry. BCLS certification.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Ability to work staggered 8-10 hour shifts. Ability to take call. Ability to work under stressful conditions and difficult situations. Exposed to blood and body fluids. Exposed to radiation. Ability to assist patients in transfer. Ability to perform lifting, pulling, and pushing activities related to patient positioning/transfer and stocking of supplies. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.