Cath Lab Technologist

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

• Associate Degree: Radiologic Technology or graduate an accredited certification program in Radiologic Technology (Registered and Licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin) OR

• Graduate of a Cardiovascular Technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) with ability to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

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

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Licensure to be eligible to practice as a Licensed Radiographer in the State of Wisconsin.

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (A.R.R.T.) registered, (minimum) CV or VI registry preferred

• ACLS certification preferred.

• Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross 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 as acquired through completion of an approved curriculum in Radiologic Technology.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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 assessments 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 the Angiographic and procedural data is properly archived for long-term storage. Verifies the presence of lal 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 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 including but not limited to Heartbase, STS registry and others when added.

• 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.