Functions of Position: Maintains established departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and quality assurance and safety standards in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. Provides comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures, functioning as an integral member of the multidisciplinary Cath Lab team. Delivers safe, high-quality nursing care for patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), including primary PCI for STEMI and NSTEMI, peripheral vascular and endovascular procedures, and structural heart procedures as applicable to program scope.
Performs pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure patient assessments, including evaluation of hemodynamic status, cardiac rhythms, and overall patient response. Monitors patients continuously during procedures, promptly recognizing and responding to changes in condition, clinical emergencies, or procedural complications. Administers moderate sedation and medications per physician orders, hospital policy, and regulatory standards.
Assists with vascular access management (radial and femoral), hemostasis, and post-procedure recovery care. Provides post-procedure monitoring, discharge preparation, and patient and family education. Functions effectively in assigned procedural roles, including circulator, monitor, and recovery nurse.
Assists with procedure room setup, ensuring availability and proper functioning of monitoring, imaging, emergency, and medication equipment. Participates in procedural time-outs, documentation, and quality and safety checks. Collaborates closely with physicians, technologists, and ancillary staff to ensure efficient workflow and patient-centered care.
Adheres to hospital policies, evidence-based practices, and regulatory requirements, including infection prevention, radiation safety, and medication safety standards. Accurately documents nursing care, assessments, medications, and procedural events in the electronic medical record. Participates in quality improvement initiatives, performance metrics, and data collection related to Cath Lab operations and patient outcomes.
Maintains orderly, clean, and safe work areas. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, in-service meetings, current literature, and workshops. Attends staff meetings and supports orientation and mentoring of new staff as assigned.
Maintains workflow to ensure patient care and procedural responsibilities are completed efficiently and in a timely manner. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (ADN or BSN required). Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in MO BLS (Basic Life Support) – required ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) – required Moderate sedation competency – required or ability to obtain upon hire Minimum of 1–2 years of critical care or procedural nursing experience preferred. Previous Cath Lab, ICU, Emergency Department, or cardiovascular nursing experience strongly preferred.