Cardiovascular Technologist San Diego CA

Job Description

This position is contingent upon award

This position will support the US Department of Veterans Affairs Critical Staffing Program. The person in this position will represent International SOS Government Medical Serivces, Inc. and provide services outlined below:

International SOS Government Medical Serivces, Inc. is looking for individuals who hold qualifications as a Cardiovascular Technologist to perform support services in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Lab at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS).

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in diagnostic and interventional catheterization procedures including coronary angiograms, coronary angioplasty, coronary arteriography, left and right ventricular angiography, ventricular biopsy, thrombolytic procedures, electrophysiology catheter ablation, aortic balloon pump counter-pulsation, post coronary bypass graft studies and Pacemaker/Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (AICD) implantation.
• Function as the first assistant to the Cardiologist during the cardiovascular procedure.
• Perform a wide range of diagnostic tests and support duties such as the collection of blood samples for analysis for research, coagulation studies and blood gas determination.
• Operate radiologic fluoroscopy equipment to allow the medical team to appropriately visualize images during the procedure, assists/performs testing such as electrocardiograms (ECG), Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) echocardiograms, Intracoronary Pressure Wire, Drug exercise challenges, and the administration of Dynamic Electrocardiograph (EKG’s) analysis.
• Monitor cardiac rhythms and recognize abnormal and life-threatening rhythms.
• Perform other monitoring procedures such as oximetry, blood pressure, arterial monitoring, intracardiac monitoring and can recognize abnormal readings.
• Conduct patient care procedures such as applying dressings, and collection of specimens or blood samples for analysis.
• Be responsible for preparing catheters, guide wires, transducers, angioplasty balloons, stents, and manifold assembly.
• Operate the angiographic pressure injector to control the rate of pressure development and limits the onset of ejection to minimize ventricular irritability during the procedure.
• Function in the nonsterile role (circulator) by preparing the vascular access site on the patient, positioning the patient, operating the electric exam table and radiologic equipment, opening sterile supplies and monitoring patient physiological response to the procedure.
• Operate the defibrillator and initiate CPR to restore the patient to a normal cardiac rhythm during a cardiac arrest.
• Organize the Procedure Suite, ensuring sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the procedure being performed.
• Set up Mac Lab and the GE Innova x-ray computers, perform quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure, set up the GE x-ray diagnostic system (angio/fluoroscopic) so that appropriate views of cardiac anatomy can be obtained and recorded for analysis, and perform a check of lead shielding equipment in compliance with National Standards (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Radiation Exposure – as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA).
• Prepare the various computer software and peripheral devices (disk and magnetic tape drives and video formatters) to quantify coronary lesions and to generate ventricular analysis reports, cardiac output (thermodilution, Fick determinations), and maintains logs of patient data and library of videotapes and hardcopy tracings.
• Performs daily calibration of equipment, prepare physiologic monitoring equipment such as ECG, Oximetry, Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), balloon catheters, code cart, Intravascular ultrasound, Fick cardiac output device, Therapeutic Pressure wire, defibrillator, and various other complex equipment.
• Execute quality checks for various lab analysis equipment such as blood gas, coagulation studies that are used throughout the procedure, and ensures that emergency medication is available in the suite, performing quality checks to verify outdates and competency of like containers to ensure sterility and correct medication dosage.
• Conduct a quality assessment of the 35mm cine film processor daily, validating sensitometer exposures and ensuring correct parameters are used.
• Coordinate the scheduling of patients.
• Generate reports and keep records.
• Review test results with the interpreting physician.
• Be familiar with the use of an electronic medical record to obtain scheduling information, patient exam notes and results and with the use of other simple computer-based data entry forms for recording preliminary data from each recorded examination.
• Perform elementary preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment and coordinate emergency and preventive services with Biomedical Engineering and outside service companies.
• Recognize normal anatomy and functional anatomy in diseased conditions and shall have knowledge and clear understanding of the coronary arteries and cardiac chamber anomalies as well as pressure requirements of the heart to anticipate and set up for the specific catheterization procedure needed to make a diagnostic evaluation.
• Knowledge and understanding of electrocardiography (EKG), how to perform the procedure accurately; understanding of abnormal cardiac rhythm during catheterization so that proper therapy is initiated.
• Provide for the psychosocial needs of patients and their families; including explaining procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and gain cooperation.
• Recognizing life threatening situations and initiating appropriate emergency resuscitation measures.
• Completes required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.

This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

Basic Requirements/Certifications:

• Must have a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) or a Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) certification.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a cardiac catheterization laboratory in a hospital. Services performed a minimum of six (6) months within the past 12 months.
• Must have completed an accredited Cardiovascular Technologist Program (CVT) or Certified Radiologic Technologist Program (CRT).
• Must be a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS); Certified Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT); OR Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT).
• Certified through the California Board of Health or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and prior VA/military experience are both preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Work involves sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time.
• May require bending, stooping and lifting to 25 lbs.

Other Special Qualifications:

• US Citizen.
• Must relocate to project site for the duration of the contract.
• Pass/possess VA Public Trust Clearance.

Additional Information

Pay range is based on several factors and may vary in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Final salary and offer will be determined by the applicant’s background, experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographical market data.

Benefits – Full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include a 401k plan paid time off and an annual bonus. International SOS Government Medical Services, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.

International SOS Government Medical Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with the applicable federal, state and local laws.