Cardiovascular Technologist

Summary:

Accountable for supporting the delivery of cardiac care by assisting in procedures, preparing equipment, and performing delegated clinical tasks as a technically skilled member of the Cardiac-Vascular Theatre team. Adheres to hospital policies, safety protocols, and nursing standards to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.

Job Description:

Organization and Management

• Understands and carries out nursing care in line with the Vision and Mission Statements, Goals, and Objectives that suit the scope of Nursing Services.
• Works shift duties or as assigned by the Unit Manager/Chief Nursing Officer according to the Unit’s Operational Hours.
• Informs the Unit Manager/Chief Nursing Officer when changes occur in circumstances which affect standards of care.
• Participates in the planning, development, and evaluation of Invasive Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Non-Invasive facilities and services.
• Participates in the health education of cardiac patients and their families in the ward/Critical Care Services.
• Assesses the condition of patients and compares with reports.
• Reports all abnormal findings and progress of patients to the relevant Cardiologist.
• Discusses with the Cardiologist regarding the approach to procedures and any special preferences.
• Ensures cleanliness of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Non-Invasive Department and prepares for the subsequent patient.
• Enters all cases correctly in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Record Book and Non-Invasive Department records.
• Prepares angiography procedures according to the order of the list.
• Arranges/assists in transporting patients pre- and post-procedure.
• Checks Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory charges for completeness and ensures charges are applied accordingly.
• Liaises and discusses with relevant doctors/consultants with regard to the care of patients in the unit/ward.
• Assists other services that require specialized technical assistance.
• Establishes and develops effective communication with all disciplines, patients, and relatives to achieve optimal patient satisfaction.
• Attends and participates in unit meetings, dialogue sessions, and hospital activities.
• Carries out assignments scheduled by the Unit Manager/Chief Nursing Officer and provides feedback.

Human Resource and Development

• Takes personal responsibility for own professional development and keeps up to date with professional changes and growth by maintaining mandatory learning hours.
• Participates in the teaching program of the unit/ward and orientation of new members of staff to the unit routine.
• Coordinates with the Unit Manager for clinical training in the services.
• Supports and assists the Unit Manager in effective and efficient utilization of staff, supplies, and services.

Policies and Procedures

• Contributes suggestions in periodic revision and upgrading of relevant Policies and Procedures and work instructions.
• Checks daily and audits the resuscitation trolley periodically as scheduled.
• Ensures all staff comply with Prevention and Control of Infection including implementation of surveillance activities in the unit and evidence of involvement.
• Maintains confidentiality of patients’ personal and medical history.

Facilities and Equipment

• Operates and maintains specialized equipment assigned to the unit and provides assistance/guidance to new staff in their use.
• Involves in the service budget including purchase of new items for Cardiac Services.
• Maintains cardiac equipment and machinery.
• Assists the Unit Manager in keeping accurate records of equipment, medical supplies, and drugs in the unit.
• Checks that all equipment in the unit is functioning well and serviced according to the PPM schedule.
• Reports to Biomedical personnel if any faults occur and takes necessary action accordingly.
• Assists in the maintenance of instruments and equipment by proper cleaning, handling, disinfecting, and utilization as directed.

Safety and Quality Improvement Activities

• Fully receptive and supportive in activities that contribute towards continuous improvement of nursing services, e.g., Quality Assurance, Infection Control, and Fire and Safety Programs.
• Conducts investigations and root cause analysis in any incident in the services, takes appropriate action, and ensures completion of incident reports within the stipulated timeframe.
• Carries out duties as an employee as stipulated in the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations 1994:
• To take reasonable care at work for the safety of yourself and other persons.
• To cooperate with your employer or any other person in the discharge of any duty.
• To wear or use any protective equipment or clothing provided by the employer.
• To comply with any instruction or measure on occupational safety and health.
• Ensures compliance with Patient Safety Goals as safety improvement measures recommended by the World Alliance for Patient Safety.
• Ensures the policies on Patient and Family Rights are addressed at all times.
• Participates in 5S activities and complies with the specified requirements.
• Ensures all staff always adhere to Standard People Practice (SPP).

Additional Duties and Responsibilities in the Specific Areas

1. Daily Cardiac Lab Operations Management

• Coordinate and support daily operations and workflow in the Invasive Cardiac Laboratory (ICL) and Non-Invasive Cardiac Laboratory (NCL).
• Review and verify daily cardiac procedure lists to ensure readiness of patients, staff, equipment, and consumables.
• Assist in preparation of procedure rooms, ensuring compliance with patient identification, consent verification, and procedural safety checklists.
• Support efficient patient flow, case turnover, and optimal utilization of cardiac lab resources.

2. Clinical, Technical, and Nursing Support in Cardiac Procedures

• Assist and perform delegated technical tasks under the supervision of a Cardiologist during cardiac invasive procedures, including coronary angiography, PCI, pacemaker implantation, and electrophysiology studies.
• Support non-invasive cardiac procedures such as ECG, Holter monitoring, treadmill stress testing, and echocardiography, including system setup, patient positioning, and image acquisition as directed.
• Provide nursing care before, during, and after procedures, including patient preparation, baseline assessment, monitoring, and post-procedural care within the approved nursing scope of practice.
• Ensure correct operation, calibration, and safe handling of diagnostic and interventional cardiac equipment throughout procedures.

3. Patient Monitoring and Continuity of Nursing Care

• Monitor patient vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and clinical condition during procedures, promptly escalating abnormalities to the supervising medical team.
• Provide post-procedural nursing care including vascular access site monitoring, pain assessment, early identification of complications, and recovery support.
• Deliver patient education, reassurance, and post-procedure instructions in accordance with nursing standards and medical directives.
• Ensure accurate nursing and technical documentation, handover, and continuity of care throughout the patient journey.

4. Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Cardiologists, Nurses, Radiographers, Anesthetists, and Allied Health Professionals to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.
• Act as a liaison between clinical, nursing, and technical teams to facilitate smooth coordination and continuity of care.
• Provide operational support during complex or emergency cardiac procedures when required.

5. Advanced and Specialized Procedure Support

• Assist in advanced invasive and non-invasive cardiac procedures and emergency or out-of-lab cardiac procedures when required.
• Demonstrate familiarity with cardiac devices and consumables, including stents, balloons, guidewires, catheters, and pacemakers.
• Support troubleshooting and equipment handling during complex procedures under supervision.

6. Leadership and Mentorship

• Provide technical and clinical supervision, mentorship, and on-the-job training to junior nurses, technicians, and trainees within the approved scope of practice.
• Support competency development, cross-training initiatives, and emergency preparedness within ICL and NCL.
• Promote adherence to professional standards, patient safety principles, and team-based care.

7. Equipment and Inventory Management

• Participate in the evaluation, selection, and upgrading of cardiac equipment, systems, and software in ICL and NCL.
• Ensure routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and safe operation of all cardiac lab equipment.
• Monitor consumable usage, maintain accurate inventory records, and ensure appropriate charging and documentation for consignment items.

8. Quality Assurance, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, MOH regulations, infection control practices, and radiation safety standards.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, SOP reviews, audits, and incident reporting.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the practitioner’s registration, valid practicing license, approved scope of practice, and under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner where applicable.

9. Documentation and Reporting

• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all procedures, measurements, patient data, nursing records, and equipment logs in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the preparation and consolidation of reports and statistics related to procedural volume, outcomes, complications, quality indicators, and equipment utilization for departmental monitoring and review.

10. Other Duties

• Perform any other duties, responsibilities, or assignments as reasonably assigned or delegated by the Manager, Head of Services, or authorized supervisors in line with the individual’s qualification, registration, and approved scope of practice.

 Education:

 Knowledge and Experiences:

• Diploma or Degree in Nursing or Medical Assistant / Cardiac Technology from a recognized institution.
• Registered with the Malaysian Nursing Board and/or Medical Assistant Board of Malaysia.
• Holds a valid Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) or current practicing license.
• Candidates holding dual registration (Nurse and Technician) will have an added advantage.
• Experience in Invasive Cardiac Laboratory (ICL) and Non-Invasive Cardiac Laboratory (NCL) is preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Minimum 3 years of clinical experience in Invasive Cardiology and Non-Invasive Cardiac Diagnostics, or related cardiac services.
• Competent in assisting invasive cardiac procedures and supporting non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tests under medical supervision.
• Able to provide pre-procedural nursing care, including patient preparation, monitoring, and post-procedure care.
• Familiar with cardiac equipment and devices including stents, balloons, catheters, guidewires, pacemakers, ECG, Holter, and stress testing systems.
• Capable of operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting cardiac diagnostic and interventional equipment.

 Special skills required

• Fluency in written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and hospital information systems.
• Ability to use cardiac laboratory systems such as ECG machines, Holter systems, stress testing platforms, hemodynamic monitoring systems, and imaging archiving systems (e.g. PACS).
• Strong clinical documentation and reporting skills, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory and hospital standards.
• Competence in basic data collection, analysis, and reporting for quality indicators, audits, and departmental statistics.

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills to recognize clinical changes, prioritize tasks, and escalate concerns appropriately within the approved scope of practice.
• Ability to assist in problem-solving and decision support during routine and emergency situations under medical supervision.
• Familiarity with medical equipment handling, troubleshooting, and basic biomedical awareness.
• Knowledge of infection control, patient safety practices, and radiation safety principles applicable to cardiac services.
• Effective time management, prioritization, and organizational skills in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies, systems, and clinical protocols with a willingness to learn and upskill.

 Personal attributes

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
• Demonstrates caring, honesty, responsibility, and professionalism in all aspects of patient care and workplace conduct.
• Possesses leadership qualities, with the ability to guide, support, and influence team members positively.
• Exhibits critical thinking, problem-solving, and negotiation skills, particularly in high-pressure clinical situations.
• Committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, while maintaining patients’ dignity, privacy, autonomy, and confidentiality.
• Passionate about continuous quality improvement, professional development, and adherence to best clinical practices.
• Willing and able to work scheduled hours, shift duties, weekends, public holidays, on-call assignments, and emergency coverage as required by service needs.
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and a strong sense of accountability as a team member.