Invasive Cardiovascular Specialist

Invasive Cardiovascular Specialist

Reporting to the Manager, Cardiac Cath Lab/Special Procedures or Imaging Services Manager, the Invasive Cardiovascular Specialist is responsible for performing a wide variety of specialized invasive cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that assist in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Include but are not limited to:
• Performs specialized and routine diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures.
• Assists qualified physicians in fluoroscopic and special x-ray examinations.
• Records, stores, retrieves, and analyzes data obtained during the performance of interventional diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac and radiologic procedures.
• Monitors the patient to recognize changes in ECG rhythm and pressure, document and immediately communicates to the corresponding physician. Assists with procedures, ensuring maximum compliance to principles of aseptic technique by self and members of the team. Provides imaging during procedures. Completes documentation, reports and data entry on computerized exams.
• Maintains and evaluates equipment, performs quality control tests, troubleshoots and performs minor repairs as needed. Sets-up, maintains and monitors IABP equipment.
• Acts as preceptor or assist in the training of new staff as well as functions as the department resource person. Identifies continuous quality improvement issues and assist with quality assurance program. Complies with requirements for being on off-hour stand-by coverage for emergent cardiac catheterization in dedicated cath labs or cadiac catheterization and interventional radiology procedures. Reports for call duty within defined time frames. Functions independently and autonomously when on stand-by duty. Demonstrates and applies knowledge in specialty area and takes responsibility to maintain necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.
• Complies with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, chemical disinfectants, radiation, asbestos, and other hazardous substances. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to patients served within the unit. Performs hemodynamic and dysrhythmia monitoring and documentation of procedures, which may include, but is not limited to the following: Right heart cath, Left heart cath, Coronary angiography, Graft angiography, Pulmonary angiography, Menthegine provocation study, IHSS studies, Temporary pacemakers, Permanent pacemaker implantation, Intra-aortic Balloon insertion, Aortic stenosis studies, Valvuloplasties, Patent Foreman Ovale Closures, Intravascular Ultrasounds, Rotablations.
• Operates and troubleshoots hemodynamic computer systems. Including transducer balancing. Operates and troubleshoots digital imaging transfer, storage, and retrieval systems in addition to dispensing patient CDs to appropriate Hospitals and Physicians.
• Familiarity with the Crash Cart and the CVT/Invasive Cardiovascular Specialist role in CPR and defibrillation during a Code Blue situation. Responsible for Quality Control on radiology imaging equipment. Weekly Fluoroscopy checks and radiation protection for the medical staff and Physicians. Responsible for monthly statistics and quarterly film badge rotation.
• Assists the RN with admission process; continuously monitors and assists the physician and RNs during cardiac cath in dedicated cath labs or cardiac cath and interventional radiology procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Grade: 851

Basic Qualifications: Experience

• N/A

Education

• High School Diploma or GED. Graduate of an Accredited School of Radiologic Technology.

License, Certification, Registration

• Radiologic Technologist Certificate (California)
• Certified Radiologic Technologist - Fluoroscopy Certificate (California)
• Basic Life Support
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge of contrast media (ionic vs. nonionic).
• Knowledge of coronary artery anatomy and cardiac physiology in relation to invasive cardiac procedures.
• Demonstrated competence with critical thinking, interpersonal, and technical skills.
• Completion of sixteen (16) week training program in cardiopulmonary technology upon hire
• For a dedicated cath lab, demonstrated proficiency and competency in performing Cardiac Cath and PCI, within six (6) months of hire.
• For a combo lab, demonstrated proficiency and competency in performing Cardiac Cath, PCI and Interventional procedures, within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to perform all general diagnostic and routine fluoroscopic duties on patients of all ages as determined by employer.
• Excellent verbal, written and non-verbal communication skills.
• History of providing efficient, high quality service to patients in a courteous, caring manner and interacting effectively with co-workers in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.