Cardiovascular Technologist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• This position is responsible for the overall quality of care provided by the cardiovascular technologists of the department.
• Plans, coordinates, directs and controls the work performed by the Cardiovascular Technologists.
• Performs standard and complex cardiovascular diagnostic procedures.
• Works directly with cardiologists in order to meet the specific requirements of the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the daily activities of the of all CVT’s.
• Assists with formulating clinical policies and procedures that pertain to the Cardiac Catherization lab.
• Is responsible for daily supply and charge reconciliation.
• Oversees inventory to ensure par levels remain adequate.
• Takes personal responsibility to ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and standards as promulgated by state and federal agencies, the hospital and other regulatory agencies.
• Prepares cardiac Cath lab, and compiles patient information, pertinent paperwork and charges.
• Obtains informative, accurate and concise needs from the patient.
• Ensures patient is as comfortable as possible.
• Explains procedure and what he or she is to experience during the procedure, answers any questions concerning the procedure being performed in a kind, understanding and professional manner, ensuring the patient’s dignity and confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Adheres to AIDET training competency.
• Assists physician prior to and during a procedure by setting up the necessary supplies and equipment on a sterile field. Passes instruments, catheters, contrast media and other supplies as needed during the procedure without breaking the sterile field.
• Maintains equipment and instruments through proper cleaning troubleshooting and servicing.
• Ensures the correct patient is being attended to, that orders are written on the patient’s chart before a procedure is started and, along with the RN, ensures the consent form is correctly filled out and a “Time Out” is performed prior to procedure.
• Validates data obtained by reviewing plan of care with attending RN and Medical staff for a specific patient problem.
• Operates electronic monitoring necessary to properly monitor, record and assist in interpretation of patient EKG and hemodynamics during procedures.
• Operates angiographic equipment competently to produce high quality studies.
• Assists in scheduling patients for procedures ensuring that all appropriate supplies, equipment and previous films are readily available for the physician before the procedure is performed.
• Maintains physiologic and hemodynamic equipment.
• Notifies materials management or Supervisor of needed supplies.
• Maintains and retrieves from PACS’s system as needed.
• The CVT Lead functions as a scrub technician for cardiac pacemakers/defibrillators, diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures, diagnostic and interventional peripheral procedures and interventional radiology procedures.
• Adheres to aseptic and sterile technique and provides needed equipment and supplies in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates competence to perform assigned patient care responsibilities in a manner that meets the population-specific and developmental needs of patients served by the department.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform in emergency procedures safely and effectively.
• Utilizes clinical experience and knowledge to anticipate potential patient problems and/or emergencies and makes provisions to meet them.
• Appropriately adapts assigned patient assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the unique physical, psychosocial, cultural, age-specific and other developmental needs of each patient served.
• Call and Call back is required to work in the Cardiac Cath Lab and Associate must be onsite within a 30 minute response time.
• May be asked to work overtime with little or no notice.
  Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

• High school graduate or equivalent is required.
• Graduate of an approved School of Radiological Sciences or Graduate with a degree in Allied Health Science or Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Technologist Associate degree program is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years experience with Cardiac Catheterization procedures is required
• Previous lead/supervisory experience in a Cardiac Catheterization Lab is preferred.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications:

• Medical Radiologist Technologist (MRT) through Texas Medical Board (TMB) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) required for graduates from a Radiological Technologist program.
• Registry from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCIS) or (RCES) required for graduates from a Cardiovascular Technologist program.
• BLS for Healthcare Worker is required (AHA only).
• PALS and ACLS certification required (AHA only).