Cardiology Coord ERT (MHO)

Reports to the Director, Cardiovascular Diagnostics. Monitors, evaluates and improves the quality of practice and standards in a designated cardiology specialty area. Serves as a practitioner, educator and resource person for a specific patient population and nursing/technical team members. Assesses the educational needs of staff and acts to meet these needs. Enhances clinical practice through quality improvement projects and cost efficiency programs. Works collaboratively with others to support the goals of the department. Assumes circulating and/or scrubbing/technical duties in designated cardiology specialty area.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Monitors and improves the quality of practice and standards in a designated cardiology specialty area by:

• Participating in the development and evaluation of specialty area goals and priorities.
• Assisting in the development of standards of care and policies and procedures and development of care paths, as they relate to specialty area.
• Assisting in the coordination of team members assignments to provide adequate coverage, including the scheduling of 24-hour call to meet the needs of the Cardiology Services Division.
• Facilitating and participating in regularly scheduled team and unit meetings which provide opportunities for discussion of team and unit concerns.
• Assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality improvement programs for a specialty team involving staff members in same.
• Ensuring availability of all materials, equipment, and instrumentation related to designated cardiology specialty area. Participating in the care of equipment to ensure good working order.

Assesses the educational needs of staff assigned to cardiology specialty area and implements plans to meet these needs by:

• Observing staff, reviewing patient care plans and records and collecting/analyzing peer reviews, incident reports and other department records.
• Developing and implementing plan(s) for continuous education of staff to be in compliance with the standards of care and policies and procedures within the department and with Hospital and regulatory standards of practice.
• Developing, implementing and coordinating a competency-based orientation program for new team members for specialty area.
• Serving as a practitioner, educator and clinical resource person for designated specialty area.
• Works closely with other coordinators within cardiology services to assure continuity of care across department.

Supports the management team by

• Developing an effective, professional working relationships with physicians and multi-disciplinary team members. Assisting with coordination of care, implementation of protocols, as appropriate, etc.
• Assuming circulating, scrubbing or technical duties in specialty area to develop team members as knowledgeable practitioners, improve complex technical skills and advance clinical expertise.
• Assisting in validating nursing/technical personnel in designated cardiology specialty area.
• Assisting initial 90 day performance appraisals and other performance appraisals as assigned under the direction of the Director; providing written and/or verbal input into performance appraisals.
• Providing input into the formulation of the capital and operating budgets for specialty area; assisting with the implementation of cost efficient programs.
• Participating in the evaluation and determination of needs for new and replacement equipment, instrumentation and supplies, as reflected by current and new trends in cardiology.
• Providing monthly reports and statistics of cardiology specialty area procedures.
• Updating physician preference cards and case cart forms on an ongoing basis in collaboration with other specialty team members.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Maintaining a liaison communication with Director, physicians, nursing personnel, technical personnel and ancillary/support departments.
• Assisting in the resolution of physician/patient/family concerns.
• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of one of the following (depending upon assigned area of responsibility):
• A Registered Nursing program from an accredited school of nursing with license to practice as a RN in the state of Indiana and three years of acute-care nursing experience required.
• A Radiologic Technology program with current license to practice in the state of Indiana and certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or registry through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and three years of cardiac cath lab experience required.
• An Ultrasound program and credentialing as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) in adult and/or pediatric through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and three years of echocardiography experience required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates a high level knowledge and competency in performing nursing/technical care procedures, assessments, treatments, techniques and current professional developments utilized within designated area.
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize nursing/technical process effectively in the planning of care for cardiology patients.
• Demonstrates advanced analytical skills necessary for solving complex problems and making decisions related to patient care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and use of the principles of adult learning.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently at setting priorities and accomplishing goals and job responsibilities.
• Demonstrates well developed communication skills, both verbal and written, and the interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, families, associates and physicians.

Working Conditions

• Works in patient care environment, requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, and certain undesirable patient care activities.
• May be exposed to bio-hazards.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.