Cath Lab Tech

Interventional Procedures

• Services provided include angioplasty, stenting, thrombolysis, nephrostomy, G and J tube placement, AV fistula de-clotting, EVAR’s, embolectomy’s, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, steroidal injections, radiofrequency ablations, EP studies, dysrhythmia ablations for SVT, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, VT, AV Node and Bundle of HIS, temporary and permanent pacemaker and AICD placements, right and left heart catheterization, cardioversions, peripheral angiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms.

• Staff of 4-5 Registered Nurses and 9-10 Interventional Procedure Technicians
• Scheduled procedures are Monday – Friday
• Call team (one RN and two IP Technicians that are on call after hours for any acute emergency and are available within 30 minutes of being called into the hospital).

POSITION PURPOSE

• This job description is congruent with Froedtert South’s mission, vision, and values. The values of integrity, respect, quality, commitment, and accountability are the framework for all hospital activities. It is expected that employees will perform their job duties in accordance with this mission, vision, and values. The Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist plays multiple roles on the Cardiac Cath Lab team during Cardiac Catheterization procedures demonstrating technical proficiency in all Cardiac Cath Lab procedures and equipment; applies anatomical and physiological knowledge to proficiently assist the Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist with providing cardiac patient care.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Licensure to be eligible to practice as a Licensed Radiographer in the State of Wisconsin through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (A.R.R.T.); OR

• Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• No experience required; 1 to 3 years’ Invasive Cardiovascular experience preferred.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

Current ACLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire. 

Current BSL, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrates technical proficiency for all cardiac catheterization procedures while functioning in a primary role as a Cardiac Cath Lab Technician or Hemodynamic Recorder. 

• Consistently and correctly identifies cardiac structures, coronary vasculature, and the associated disease processes. 

• Requires knowledge of diagnostic radiology principles and procedures as well as operation and maintenance of radiographic equipment consistent with applicable licensure, as acquired through completion of an approved curriculum in Radiologic Technology or certification of Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS).

• Ability to achieve homeostasis from puncture sites using continuous manual pressure for a minimum of 30 minutes. Requires strong fingers, hands, and wrist. 

• Ability to participate in critical thinking that promotes desired positive outcomes. 

• Ability to read, write, hear, speak, and comprehend the English language. 

• Performs under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual, or dangerous situations; or situations in which work speed and sustained attention are required aspects of the job.

• Requires fine finger movements with above average dexterity. 

• Requires sustained, long periods of standing. 

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Receives and records verbal orders from licensed independent practitioners for orders that are specific to the services provided by their department.

• Demonstrates technical proficiency for all cardiac catheterization procedures while functioning in a primary role as a Cardiac Cath Lab Technician or Hemodynamic Recorder. 

• Consistently and correctly identifies cardiac structures, coronary vasculature, and the associated disease processes. 

• Practices radiation safety and observes all principles to ALARA.  

• Assists the physician in obtaining or entering data into the Physiologic Monitoring System(s) for accurate assessment of left and/or right-sided Hemodynamic pressure measurements. Assures accurate information is gathered or entered for the calculation of intra-cardiac shunts, valve areas, and pressure measurements throughout the catheter path. 

• Accurately reports Ejection Fraction by demonstrating proficiency in the assessment of Cardiac function, utilizing Left Ventricular Analysis program(s). Understands the disease processes that result in depressed Cardiac function such as: Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiomyopathy, Myocardial Infarction, Valvular disorders, etc. 

• Consistently assures that Angiographic and procedural data is properly archived for long-term storage. Verifies the presence of all components of procedure information in both hard copy and computerized formats. 

• Administers contrast safely and in accordance with policy and procedure and within scope of service.

• Ability to perform as a tech in the circulator, monitor and scrub role.

• Operate all healthcare (imaging and non-imaging) equipment, consistent with applicable licensure, required to provide patient care and treatments administered in the Interventional Procedure Labs and locations outside the department as needed for procedures. 

• Participates in activities associated with quality assurance, performance improvement, Data base recording and reporting, maintaining compliance with all associated accreditation programs. 

• Participates in patient teaching/education.

• Recognizes the occurrence of life-threatening situations and emergencies and takes the appropriate actions in a timely manner.

• Actively participates in the implementation and monitoring of unit-based Quality Assurance standards of care.