Cardiac Cath Radiologic Technologist

Job Description Summary

An Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist, also known as a Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating heart diseases. Responsible to perform all required procedures in the Cardiac Catheterization /EP Laboratories and to operate specialized equipment including, but not limited to, the X-ray equipment within the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, computer systems, hemodynamic monitoring and have working knowledge of invasive cardiac procedures, perform in all first and second assist duties under the supervision of a physician, prepare patients and equipment for cardiac catheterization and interventions, perform common catheterization interventions including, stent placements, balloon angioplasties, heart valve replacements, and electrophysiology tests, operate intracardiac or intravascular ultrasound equipment, fluoroscopy equipment, or other imaging systems, assisting with handling venous and arterial catheters and wires, monitor blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) equipment during procedures including coronary angiography, pacemaker implantation, aortic stenosis studies, and patent foramen ovale closures, calculate hemodynamic or physiologic values, and recording waveforms for patient records and retrieve and analyze imaging and other data obtained during procedures. Hourly rate: $45.45 - $61.17/hour

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - Procedure Documentation

   a - Captures All documentation required for all procedures in Mac/Cardio according to standards.

   b - Maintains accuracy of database. Insures all patients and procedures are recorded accurately in database

   c - Verifies procedure log is accurate and assists MD with procedure reports.

   d - Utilizes knowledge of A/P and cardiac procedures to document in Mac/Cardio Lab appropriately and carefully. to include but not limited to the following:

• Flushing of sheaths and maintaining sheath integrity to ensure proper homeostasis.
• Will introduce catheters into vessel structures consistent with current CDIC standard operating procedures.
• Will obtain hemodynamic and angiographic data by operating transducer and manifold. Assists in operation of mechanical atherectomy and thrombectomy devices.
• Under direct order of physician, will position, inflate, and deflate both balloons and stents inside vessels.
• Will assist with all balloon, catheter, sheath, and wire exchanges.
• Expected to be able to demonstrate and perform proper post access care and management (e.g mechanical closure devices and or manual compression.
• Must be able to convey pertinent patient history to the Physician in a fashion that is consistent with current pre and post care.

2 - EQUIPMENT
Is knowledgeable about and has the ability to operate complex and sophisticated equipment related to a Cardiac Catheterization/EP Laboratory.

   a - Operates electronic equipment to properly monitor patients' heart rhythm and blood pressure during procedure.

   b - Prepares and assists MD with radiographic equipment.

   c - Prepares and assists MD with EP/ Vascular and coronary equipment

   d - Prepares and assists MD with cardiac cath equipment such as IABP and Angiojet.

   e - Prepares and operates and maintains other Cardiac Cath/EP equipment according to policy /manufacturer recommendations to i.e., ACT machine, ablator, OCT, IVUS, RFR, IFR, FFR, Cath Works, Angiojet, CSI etc.

   f - Demonstrates thorough knowledge of location, care and operation of all cath lab equipment. Able to trouble shoot and resolve simple equipment problems or notify appropriate resources for resolution.

3 - SAFETY/QUALITY - Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

   a - Verifies patient identification with two identifiers prior to the start of any invasive procedure, including "time out", administration of care, medications, labeled specimens and documents confirming the correct patient, procedure, site, equipment, and consent

   b - Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing. Adheres to universal precautions, makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times and appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.  Maintains awareness of MSDS sheets and how to access.

   c - Assesses each patient’s risk of falling using appropriate interventions to prevent falls.

   d - Ensures environment meets regulatory requirements at all times (ie: no cardboard boxes on floor, care of soiled U/S Probe)

   e - Understands and is able to demonstrate individual roles and responsibilities in the event of hospital codes/emergency preparedness.

   f - Holds oneself and others accountable for meeting quality improvement/quality standards.

   g - Utilizes the chain of command to report any potential or actual patient safety risks.

   h - Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.

4 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

   a - Attends at least 5 CEUs in specialty area each year.

   b - Attends hospital sponsored training programs as required by department and by renewal date.

   d - Active participant in unit based initiatives.

   e - Assumes overall responsibility for professional development by seeking and attending educational opportunities.

   f - Functions as "tech in charge" as assigned.

   g - Trains staff technologists and assist with all Cath Lab personnel and students.

   h - Maintains current knowledge/certification

5 - RADIATION SAFETY

   a - Maintains up-to-date quality control program of all radiographic equipment.

   b - Coordinates annual radiation safety in-service class for departmental staff.

   c - Coordinates and maintains equipment (X-ray) maintenance prevention program.

   d - Gathers data for monthly fluoroscopy use report.

   e - Responsible for distribution and changing of film badges as assigned.

   f - Uses practical knowledge of anatomy for proper positioning to obtain maximum diagnostic information, as evidenced by image captured.

   g - Selections technical factors to insure high quality, radiographs using the A.L.A.R.A. (as low as reasonably achievable) standards.

   h - Practices radiation safety with all radiographic equipment and overseas that others practice radiation safety.

6 - DATA MANAGEMENT
performs various clerical duties including, but not limited to:

   a - Verification of information and procedures performed are accurately transcribed in cardiac catheterization log book.

   b - Verification of information and procedure performed using computer system.

    c- Assures correct billing of patient accounts at time of procedure and regularly reconciles patient billing as directed by nurse manager.

   d - Maintains accuracy of log book and Mac Lab database.

7 - INVENTORY

   a - Maintains stock inventory and initiates orders of all procedure areas.

   b - Notifies Lead Tech/NM of stock replacement needs.  Orders equipment as needed with Lead Tech/NM.

   c - Properly charges for all medical surgical items used. 

   d - Restocks as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

Graduate of approved program of radiological technology required

Minimum Work Experience

Prior Cardiac Cath Lab experience preferred. EKG interpretation, arrhythmia recognition, radiology

Required Licenses / Registrations

ARRT (RT) - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (Radiologic Technologist)
RT - MA - Radiologic Technologist - MA State License

Required Certifications

ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support