Cardiac Catheterization Lab (CCL) Technologist

Description

Job Summary: Under general supervision, provides technical support and assistance to the physician during diagnostic and invasive cardiovascular and peripheral vascular procedures. Performs scrub and hemodynamic monitoring duties with cardiac catheterizations, vascular and interventional radiology procedures using clinical knowledge, technical skills, and professional judgement in accordance with professional and departmental standards and protocols. Provides care assessment prior, during and post procedural instruction to patients. Prepares and maintains all pertinent information related to procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Scrubs and assists Cardiologist in performance of invasive diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. Maintains operational knowledge of CCL equipment including fluoroscopy and hemodynamic monitoring equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications. This includes but is not limited IVUS/FFR.
• Prepares sterile trays, instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for procedures, and maintains sterile field.
• Provides all appropriate services to safely and efficiently complete patient’s procedures. Maintains knowledge of cardiac concepts and clinical practices inclusive of vascular sheath pulls. Monitors and records patients' hemodynamic status during procedures.
• Is knowledgeable of location, care and operation of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab equipment. This includes but is not limited to: imaging and hemodynamic monitoring systems, defibrillation equipment, crash carts and contents, temporary pacemaker, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and impella.
• Participates in administrative staff meetings and attends other meetings as assigned.
• Responds immediately to a Code Blue (cardiac arrest) within the CCL and effectively takes charge and initiates necessary emergency treatment until a physician arrives.
• Provides care for patients prior, during and after procedures. Responsible for patient safety in the CCL and must be able to recognize cardiac arrhythmias and respond according to emergency protocols, operate external/internal cardiac pacemaker and defibrillator. Intervenes with appropriate therapy in the event of cardiac emergencies.
• Properly handles and processes CVIS/Hemo images/data to include storage and transfer.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and operates fluoroscopy equipment to ensure operability and safety. Calibrates equipment and performs routine preventive maintenance procedures. Follows radiation safety policies as outlined by the NRC and Hospital’s Radiation Safety Committee.
• Acts as patient educator. Explains procedure and answers questions prior to the procedure.
• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as patient assessment results, individualized treatment plans, progress reports, and other such reports.
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• Continuously assesses and improves the department/entity/System's performance. Maintains appropriate quality control/assessment programs
• Helps with orientation and in-service training for hospital staff members, participates in guidance and education programs. Attends committee meetings as appropriate.

Requirements

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code standards, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and CMS regulations.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Works at maintaining a good rapport and a cooperative working relationship with physicians, departments and staff.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff, administration, patients and visitors.
• Resolves personnel concerns at the department level, utilizing the grievance process a required.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire, safety and infection control.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.
• Takes call as scheduled.
• Consistently completes and maintains assigned duties.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized time system correctly.
• Attends annual review and department inservices, as scheduled.
• Attends staff meetings, reads all staff meeting minutes if absent from meeting.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (QI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, vision, core values, ethics and goals of the hospital.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Graduate from an approved school of radiologic technology
• Certification as an ARRT
• 2-3 years clinical experience in diagnostic and/or interventional CCL required.
• Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification preferred.
• ACLS and BLS certification required
• Available to fulfill “on-call” obligations-response in less than 30 minutes.
• Demonstrates clinical competence in basic cardiac physiology/pathology, 12-Lead EKG interpretation; physiologic monitoring (intra cardiac pressure waveform knowledge), pacemaker operations (implantable and external) and other radiographic equipment related to cardiac care.