Practices within the scope of licensure, complies with federal and state legal and professional requirements
Consistently follows Imaging and Cardiology Services departmental and facility wide policies
Follows proper patient identification protocol by using two determined patient identifiers, instructs the patient to repeat name and date of birth
Inspects the patient's examination order, clinical indication, previous imaging exams, and any pertinent patient information before proceeding with the imaging or cardiology procedure
Consults the Radiologist, Cardiologist or ordering provider if further clarification is needed
Prepares patients for examination by acquiring history, answering questions, and providing instructions and detailed explanation of the procedure to obtain the best possible imaging study while reducing the patient's anxiety
Thoroughly completes patient screening and applicable forms relating to the procedure and patient's care
Demonstrates competency in appropriate documentation
Follows policies/protocols when documenting within the patient's chart
Communicates effectively to caregiver responsible for the care of the patient following the imaging or cardiology procedure if applicable
Demonstrates competency in accurately implementing "downtime" processes
Assists in preparing and positioning patients for imaging and cardiology procedures, using immoblization devices appropriately when needed to obtain optimum views
Follows approved protocols and parameters while delivering quality patient care and ensuring safety
Documents crash cart, emergency equipment, and medication/narcotic checks according to policies
Consistently informs the Radiologist or Cardiologist of all pertinent information before and after the procedure when needed and promptly notifies the Radiologist or Cardiologist of any critical finding
Demonstrates competency in anti-coagulation clinic skills; scheduling patients, creating new patient visits, obtaining blood sample for INR testing, evaluating/adjusting levels, and proper documentation
Possesses a solid understanding of anatomy and demonstrates the ability to assist in positioning patients as needed to complete adequate imaging, cardiology, EKG, and holter monitor procedures
Protects the patient's privacy at all time and ensures all patient documents are kept private including information on computer screens
Complies with HIPAA guidelines
Follows patient safety guidelines with every encounter, ensures the patient is attended to at all times
Possesses the ability to manage emergency situations according to BLS and ACLS guidelines
Assists in operating imaging equipment under the direction of an imaging Technologist and/or Radiologist
Possesses the knowledge and ability to safely operate all cardiology, EKG, and holter monitor units in the facility
Follows proper steps to report equipment malfunctions and promptly notifies the Director or Chief Technologist with any equipment issues
Performs equipment QC and calibration when applicable on cardiology equipment and point of care iStat units
Effectively communicates any changes in the patient's condition during or after the procedure with the Radiologist, Cardiologist, Technologist and/or ordering provider
Demonstrates the ability to consistently meet or exceed the departmental standards for imaging and cardiology and possesses a solid understanding of modality specific skills checklists
Demonstrates competency with all invasive modality specific procedures
Follows proper protocol, practices sterile technique, prepares the room with required supplies/instruments to be readily available
Consistently available for conscious sedation and invasive procedures and ensures appropriate patient forms/documentation is completed
Participates in and ensures a "Time Out" is completed with the team prior to beginning invasive procedures
Properly screens patients receiving contrast media while following the Administration of Contrast Media policy
Possesses the ability to proficiently obtain medi-port and intravenous access
Follows proper sterile technique when accessing existing intravenous and medi-port sites or obtaining a new IV site
Demonstrates competency in proper infection control
Washes and/or sanitizes hands before and after each patient encounter
Thoroughly cleans/sanitizes equipment after each patient encounter following manufacturer's guidelines
Consistently reviews each completed examination for adequate quality and technical accuracy
Completes all required patient forms appropriately and routes the forms correctly for distribution to medical records
Demonstrates competency with Electronic Medical Records, and other computer programs; Paragon Radiology Management, Order Management, Resource Scheduling, PACS, Cardioserver and any additional programs as requested
Contacts scheduled outpatients prior to their procedure to complete pre-procedural assessment requirements and explain the procedure and instructions as well as address any patient questions/concerns
Performs clerical duties including but not limited to answering phones, scheduling outpatient imaging/cardiology exams, documenting patient information within computer programs, and properly releasing imaging studies for continuing care according to hospital and departmental policies
Consistently performs patient call back process for imaging and cardiology special procedures within 3-5 days post procedure
Demonstrates competency with imaging retrieval for archiving, CD exporting/importing, and film printing
Ensures work environment is free from patient/visitor/employee safety hazards
Appropriately reports any safety issues immediately
Practices radiation protection and safety guidelines to minimize radiation to patients and staff
Consistently ensures life support carts, oxygen hook-ups, suction devices are maintained properly and are in excellent working condition at all times
Ensures work area is kept clean and organized
Reports cleaning and linen needs to Environmental Services in a timely manner
Maintains supply inventory, ensuring proper quantity of supplies are stocked
Consistently rotates supply inventory to prevent out-dating and verifies supply room and cabinets are secure at all times
Completes all work prior to shift end and informs incoming staff of any pending exams/patient information
Provides a positive image to customers by creating a friendly atmosphere and places a high priority on meeting customer requirements in a timely and courteous manner
Responds to "on-call" in the required time frame
Participates in orientation and training of new employees and student technologists
Contributes to a team atmosphere by demonstrating excellent communication skills, taking initative to perform needed tasks, and being flexible to go beyond normal expectations to meet the needs of others
Willingly accepts various work assignments, is accountable and responsible for actions/decisions
Demonstrates an openness to change through suggestions and constructive feedback
Demonstrates proper use of time, equipment, and supplies in efforts to control costs
Maintains current certifications and continuing education requirements
Seeks opportunities to improve knowledge base by attending deparmental meetings, in services and completing education assignments
Maintains a good rapport and professional working relationship with JSH providers, staff, patients, families, and visitors, as well as outside providers and offices
Required Skills
Required Licenses
Demonstrates the ability to provide care according to licensure and registration requirements
Current Registered Nurse license from the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Basic Life Support certification (BLS)
Minimum Education
Graduate of an accredited school of Registered Nursing
Minimum Work Experience
Minimum 1 year of experience as a cardiovascular nurse; critical care or cardiac catheterization lab required
Skills will vary by community needs, but may include: