Registered Nurse Cardiac Stress Specialist - USFTGP Cardiovascular

• Associate's degree - Nursing
• Florida Registered Nurse License
• Basic Life Support
• Advance Cardiac Life Support
• Five years of nursing experience within a cardiac specialty.

Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of cardiac stress testing protocols including exercise, nuclear, and pharmacologic stress procedures, ECG interpretation, and hemodynamic monitoring. 
• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills to identify contraindications, recognize abnormal findings, and escalate concerns to the supervising cardiologist. 
• Skilled in IV initiation and management, including administration of IV contrast, medications, and assisting with specialized studies such as Definity contrast and bubble studies. 
• Proficiency in ECG monitoring and rhythm interpretation, with the ability to detect and report ischemic changes, arrhythmias, and patient distress promptly.
• Effective communication and patient education skills to explain procedures, ensure patient understanding, and support a positive clinical experience.
• Ability to follow strict safety, emergency, and clinical protocols to maintain patient safety and comply with departmental standards and regulatory guidelines.

The Cardiac Stress Specialist RN is responsible for performing a wide range of cardiac stress testing procedures—including exercise treadmill tests, nuclear stress tests, pharmacologic stress tests, and stress echocardiograms—under the direct supervision of the supervising cardiologist. This role includes starting IVs, assisting with contrast, bubble studies, and IV medication administration as needed. The RN ensures all tests are appropriately indicated, safely conducted, and thoroughly documented to support accurate diagnosis and optimal patient care. The position emphasizes patient education, continuous monitoring, and adherence to departmental protocols and emergency procedures to maintain the highest level of patient safety and experience.

Essential Functions\: 

• Reviews and verifies all stress test orders to ensure appropriate indications and absence of contraindications prior to testing.
• Conducts pre-test evaluations including baseline ECG, blood pressure, medical history review, and patient education to prepare patients for the procedure.
• Performs exercise treadmill stress tests, nuclear stress tests, pharmacologic stress tests, tilt table test, and stress echocardiograms per departmental and supervising physician protocols. 
• Continuously monitors ECG, blood pressure, patient symptoms, and overall patient response throughout testing to ensure safety and accurate data collection. 
• Notifies the supervising cardiologist promptly of significant ECG changes, patient symptoms, or abnormal findings during or after testing.
• Inserts and manages IV lines for administration of medications, contrast agents, and solutions required for stress tests and special studies.
• Assists with Definity and bubble studies according to established policy and procedure. 
• Accurately documents all test data, patient responses, and clinical observations to support complete and compliant medical records. 
• Ensures emergency equipment readiness and adheres to all clinical emergency protocols to maintain a safe environment during stress testing. 
• Provides compassionate patient care, maintains patient comfort and safety, and supports an optimal overall experience throughout the testing process.