CATH LAB TECHNOLOGIST FT DAYS POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Procedures Technologist working in the Cardiac Cath lab demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to any age-related needs of adults and adult-geriatric patients. Under direction, assumes responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, quality improvement, and equipment maintenance. Assists physicians in diagnosing and treatment of patients within the Cardiac Cath Lab department. Performs a broad spectrum of radiographic procedures utilizing established radiation safety practices. Maintains thorough knowledge of radiation physics, anatomy and radiological techniques in the areas of fluoroscopy, interventional procedures, and surgical techniques. Understands and contributes to the vision/mission and goals of the department. Accountable for performing and providing quality customer service throughout CHN.

PATIENT CARE AGE SPECIFIC SKILLS:

Pediatrics: Maintain safe environment, involve child in care and educate parents/caregivers at same time.
Adolescent: Maintain safe environment, involve patient in procedure. Allow time for and encourage questions. Explain all test and procedures thoroughly to patient before performing procedure. Maintain patient confidentiality with parental/caregiver involvement and education.
Adult: Maintain safe environment related to equipment, bed rails, and mental status. Involve patient in treatment and procedures. Explain rationale for all treatments and procedures, explaining to patient prior to performing procedure. Encourage participation in care.
Geriatric: Maintain safe environment related to equipment, bed rails, fall precautions, mobility needs, aspiration potential, and mental status. Involve patient in treatment and procedures. Allow patient to maintain control, involve patient in decision making and planning of participation in care. Assess and monitor for potential skin breakdown. Allow for possible hearing and/or vision lost, speaking in lower, louder tones as necessary. Provide all patient instructions slowly, speaking distinctly and assess for patient understanding.

EDUCATION

Required: High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.). Graduate of an accredited radiology program. Completion of IABP, EKG, and Hemodynamic Monitoring Classes within one year of employment in position.

EXPERIENCE

Required: 1 year as a Radiology Technologist.
Preferred: 1 year experience in a Cardiac Catheterization Lab or Radiology Special Procedures (such as Angiography)

SKILLS

Required: Effective organizational skills to successfully multi-task; verbal and written communication skills that are clear; and, demonstrated knowledge of sterile technique.
Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish)

KNOWLEDGE

Required: Medical Terminology; Contrast Media, imaging and protocols. Requires good communication and organizational skills. Requires reasoning ability and good independent judgment. Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours. Requires working with frequent interruptions. Able to comprehend and interpret complex clinical subject matter related to area of expertise. Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills necessary to provide care/services to the age of the patients served in the hospital facility. Must also possess the ability to assess data and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their specific needs.
Preferred: Cardiovascular Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology; EKG identification of lethal arrhythmias, and electrophysiology.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform diagnostic imaging procedures and therapeutic vascular procedures following established radiation safety practices.
Greet patient with positive attitude, introduce self.
Explain procedure to patient prior to study.
Explain post-procedure care to patient.
Check for accuracy of ordered exams.
Check all armbands/D.O.B.
Collect pertinent patient history and document on requisition.
Document patient education on requisition/worksheet as appropriate.
Complete consent forms as indicated per procedure.
Complete pregnancy forms, oxygen transportation forms, medication reconciliation forms.
Demonstrate understanding of patient prep and protocols and comply with all departmental processes regarding patient care, filing, etc.
Maintain patient confidentiality as regulated by the HIPPA policy.
Complete all exams in accordance with department protocols.
Assess patient to assure exam completeness.

LEVEL 2 – PROFICIENT (IN ADDITION TO ABOVE DUTIES)

Demonstrate knowledge and implement procedures from protocol book
Troubleshoot errors and perform quality assurance checks.

LEVEL 3 – SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (IN ADDITION TO ABOVE DUTIES)

Participate in quality improvement measures and monitoring within the department.
Assist in training, mentoring others in acquiring skills. Document clinical instruction.