Cath Lab RN

The Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse patient-care specialist in all aspects of the Cardiac Catheterization and peripheral vascular procedures.

The Cath Lab RN is knowledgeable in cardiovascular care and demonstrates an ability to critically think and problem-solve on his/her feet. The Cath Lab RN’s practice is guided by the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope and Standards of Practice and Nursing Code of Ethics. The RN has knowledge of professional nursing principles, practices, concepts, and procedures as applied to the care of the patient populations served.

The Cath Lab RN may function as the RN Circulator, Monitor or Scrub for interventional cardiology or peripheral vascular procedures.

The RN circulator positions patient on the table and preps the catheter insertion sites following AORN guidelines for skin prep; performs moderate sedation under the direction of the physician; prepares contrast for injection during the procedure; records vital signs during cardiac/peripheral vascular procedures, supports/assists the scrub, physician and/or monitor as needed, moving equipment, troubleshooting issues with radiologic and cath lab video/imaging recorders and other equipment, pulling and opening additional supplies/implants, and operates POC testing as required.

As a scrub, the Cath Lab RN sets up and maintains a sterile field according to AORN guidelines, directly assisting the physician with stent placement, pacemaker or defibrillator insertion and other interventional procedures.

As the monitor, the Cath Lab RN documents hemodynamic values, calibrating and operating physiologic measurements independently and at the direction of the physician, calculating and reporting data to the team.

The Cath Lab RN may perform various imaging procedures, at the direction of the physician, in accordance with applicable standards of practice (ARRT).

The Cardiac Cath Registered Nurse must be able to maintain calm while being effective and accurate in critical situations, foster an environment of collaboration and respect, and maintains a positive approach to working in a fast-paced environment.?

Key Responsibilities

Registered nurses in the Cardiac Cath Lab assist physicians during cardiac catheterization procedures, elective angioplasty procedures, structural heart procedures and other advanced specialized cardiovascular and peripheral vascular procedures.

Depending on his/her role the Cath Lab RN

• Assesses, utilizing age specific data, the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual status in a comprehensive manner.
• Performs initial assessment and completes required documentation within organizational standards.
• Performs and documents ongoing assessments including observation, physical examination, laboratory/test results, and patient response to procedural intervention.
• Participates in the identification and clarification of patient needs, as evidenced by participation in multidisciplinary care planning, to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Reviews and revises plan of care according to change in patient’s status.
• Assists other staff in the delivery of patient care, as appropriate.
• Demonstrates the ability to function in all aspects of diagnostic and interventional catheterization to include scrubbing, circulating, monitoring and recording of procedures (preferred).
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of special devices used in the Cath Lab, for example: Intra-aortic balloon pump, rotablator, Angio-Jet, thrombus aspiration system, filter-wire.
• Demonstrates the ability to use and/or assist with all peripheral devices, as defined by the role in the Cath Lab, for example: IVUS, flow wire, rotablator, and Mac-Lab system.
• Collaborates with physicians and other health employees in coordinating the plan of care and facilitating patient outcomes.
• Incorporates patient teaching/discharge planning to promote optimal patient outcomes.
• Coordinates and documents appropriate discharge planning and referrals to ensure continuity of care after discharge.
• Provides radiation protection to patient, staff and self, according to prescribed safety standards.
• Prepares and administers contrast media or medications under the supervision of the Cardiologist.
• Assists in maintaining inventory and ordering supplies, notifying the coordinator when supplies are low.
• Actively participates in product evaluation to determine best and most cost-effective product.
• Maintains daily work log of patients and procedures.
• Participates in the follow-up of cath lab patients.
• Actively participates in, and/or leads Cath Lab quality and performance improvement initiatives to include evaluating, reporting and follow-up recommendations, including benchmarking indicators (KPI) with other outpatient cardiac cath labs.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Valid Nevada Registered Nursing License
• Current BLS and ACLS Certifications
• Associate degree in nursing, Bachelor’s preferred.
• BC-CV (ANCC Board Certification in Cardiovascular Nursing) preferred.
• 2 years of experience working as a registered nurse in a cardiac catheterization lab setting preferred.
• Certification in Moderate Sedation preferred.