Allegheny Health Network Job Opportunity
At AHN, employees trust working together and place patients at the center of all they do. This 9 Hospital system, a part of Highmark Health, is transforming the future of healthcare by providing highly effective services to patients and communities. Forbes Hospital is a 315 bed, Level II trauma hospital located in the community of Monroeville. Our hospital offers the service lines of a city hospital, inclusive of trauma, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, interventional cardiology, obstetrics and psychiatry, while also building relationships across the organization in a community setting.
Job Overview
This job performs nursing care during cardiac catheterization procedures, including precise instrument handling, accurate medication administration, and proficient monitoring of hemodynamic parameters. A registered nurse in the Cath Lab is proficient in the operation and maintenance of specialized Cath Lab equipment and ensures the accuracy and completeness of procedural documentation and participates in quality assurance activities to maintain optimal procedural outcomes.
Essential Responsibilities
- Participates in the care of patients undergoing Cardiac Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, Electrophysiology, Hybrid Operating Room procedures and surgeries.
- Prepares patients for cardiac catheterization procedures, including explaining the procedure, obtaining informed consent, and verifying allergies and medical history.
- Integrates knowledge of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular physiology, pathophysiology, and procedural techniques being performed, and assists accordingly.
- Positions patients, selects anatomical and technical parameters accurately for independent imaging of special procedures per established protocol.
- Prepares for and assists the physician and/or physician assistant while performing procedures.
- Maintains the competency to administer and monitor moderate sedation, vasoactive medications, and anticoagulants as directed by a physician.
- Anticipates adverse reactions/conditions when monitoring the effects of all procedural activities and responds appropriately.
- Demonstrates competent technical skills and may perform scrub functions related to the intra-operative phase. Assists cardiologist during cardiac catheterization procedures by preparing equipment, managing instrumentation, and maintaining a sterile field.
- Demonstrates knowledge of accepted procedures performed during the intra-operative phase utilizing proper aseptic techniques and practices standard precautions. Follows policy for medication and specimen handling.
- Prepares contrast media, practices aseptic technique pre-, during, and post- special procedures.
- Completes required documentation for procedures e.g. regulatory, billing protocols and image storage and archival.
- Maintains adequate supplies for efficient section/department operations. Participates in inventory control and monitoring.
- Orients inexperienced staff on the operation of laboratory equipment; troubleshoots malfunctions and is knowledgeable of proper support personnel and instances when they need to be contacted.
- Provides accurate and thorough nurse-to-nurse handoff to receiving unit.
- Available to cross-train as appropriate in various areas.
- Other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Minimum + Act 34 Criminal Background Clearance Certificate + Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance Certificate + Act 73 FBI Fingerprinting Criminal Background Clearance Certificate + Current State of PA RN licensure OR Current multi-state licensure through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). + BLS and ACLS Certification Preferred + Certification in area of specialty + RCIS Certification encouraged within five years + Critical Care experience