Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Nurse

About This Role

Caring for patients in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab is the core of this nursing role, which involves planning and delivering care using nursing processes. The nurse oversees the care plan, applies evidence-based practices, and provides compassionate, family-centered care. This position supports and upholds the quality standards of a Magnet-designated hospital.

Responsibilities

• Ensure completion of pre-op assessment of patient, measure and document weight and height, check lab completion and vital signs
• Verify parental consents are completed and signed for medication administered per policy
• Ensure completion of patient admission history
• Prepare and accurately complete the discharge planning process per department and hospital policies and procedures
• Plan and implement the plan of care in collaboration with other disciplines and services to assure safe and efficient care
• Follow physician’s orders and administer and reconstitute medications as needed
• Adhere to six rights of medication administration per medication administration policy
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team (ICU, Child Life, Med-Surg, etc.) in daily care planning as appropriate
• Foster a Family Centered Care Environment
• Monitor child continuously during procedure and report any status changes
• Immediately notify physician and take action on findings
• Prepare all medication required for surgical field as determined by the procedure
• Stay with the patient during emergence and extubation; assist Anesthesia as needed
• Ensure advanced directives are complete, secure blood consents, document Time-Out procedures, and administer antibiotics as per Universal Protocol
• Perform surgical counts and proper use of cautery machines throughout surgical procedures
• Circulate throughout cases and ensure all expiration dates of implants are checked prior to use of any implant during a case
• Ensure specific labs are run during cases (ACT, ABG’s, and O2 saturation) and support with positioning patient prior to procedure/surgery
• Interpret EKG throughout the case and take appropriate actions based upon patient needs
• Assess/maintain all IV drips and intra-cardiac lines, central lines, chest tubes, and Foley catheters
• Assist in a collaborative manner with the transportation of all patients per policy and standard procedures
• Communicate with physician regarding patient’s progress including: critical findings, critical lab results, and changes in the patient’s condition
• Perform and document discharge plan per policy
• Ensure all surgical procedure documentation (labs, consents, advance directives, and custody documentation) is obtained in a timely and accurate manner
• Access Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and perform charge reconciliation according to hospital policy
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in the patient’s EMR
• Communicate with patients and families to review plan of care, solicit input, and communicate any patient and family concerns to physician
• Provide education and document on patient/family teachings on health related needs (i.e. disease, medications, treatments, pain, discharge, safety, nutrition, skin care, etc.)
• Promote an “error free” working environment by consistently providing high-quality safe care as prompted (as per Universal Protocol Policy)
• Provide patient information and effectively complete the hand off process at reassignments
• Utilize Same Day Surgery checklist
• Assess all body systems, ensure safe, effective, and efficient care delivery with emphasis on the absence of medication errors, avoidance of falls, and reduction of pain post-procedure

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure within the State of Florida or Multi-State Enhanced Nursing License Compact (eNLC) – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• American Heart Association BLS – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• American Heart Association PALS – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• American Heart Association ACLS – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• 1 year of adult/pediatric RN experience (including charge experience) in an acute care environment

Nice to have:

• BSN degree or currently enrolled in BSN program
• Proficiency in computers, (EMR) Electronic Medical Record, and Cerner
• National Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) and/or equivalent certification within 5 years of hire
• Able to analyze and interpret data and utilize the information to make judgments regarding patient care
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to positively influence, hold self, and others accountable
• Able to work effectively in a collaborative environment
• Knowledge of operating external defibrillator/pacemaker
• Ability to apply principles of evidence-based practice, analytical thinking, and service excellence in practice
• Ability to take call in the Cath Lab and deliver high quality service