Cath Lab Tech

The Special Procedures Technologist working in the Cardiac Cath lab demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to any age-related needs of adults and adult-geriatric patients. Under direction, assumes responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, quality improvement, and equipment maintenance. Assists physicians in diagnosing and treatment of patients within the Cardiac Cath Lab department. Performs a broad spectrum of radiographic procedures utilizing established radiation safety practices.

Maintains thorough knowledge of radiation physics, anatomy and radiological techniques in the areas of fluoroscopy, interventional procedures, and surgical techniques. Understands and contributes to the vision/mission and goals of the department. Accountable for performing and providing quality customer service throughout CHN.

• Perform diagnostic imaging procedures and therapeutic vascular procedures following established radiation safety practices.
• Greet patient with positive attitude, introduce self.
• Explain procedure to patient prior to study.
• Explain post-procedure care to patient.
• Check for accuracy of ordered exams.
• Check all armbands/D.O.B.
• Collect pertinent patient history and document on requisition.
• Document patient education on requisition/worksheet as appropriate.
• Complete consent forms as indicated per procedure.
• Complete pregnancy forms, oxygen transportation forms, medication reconciliation forms.
• Demonstrate understanding of patient prep and protocols and comply with all departmental processes regarding patient care, filing, etc.
• Maintain patient confidentiality as regulated by the HIPPA policy.
• Complete all exams in accordance with department protocols.
• Assess patient to assure exam completeness.
• Stretcher locked, bed rails when patient in bed/stretcher, patient transfer/slide boards, armband in place.
• Demonstrate understanding and complete contrast form.
• Ensure film history file is made available.
• Organize work to assure optimal service and to meet deadlines.
• Maintain proper oxygen therapy on patients who require oxygen.
• Maintain skills required to change oxygen tank.
• Must be able to use masks and nasal canula.
• Adjust rate of O2 flow with mask/nasal canula according to written physician orders. Secure, transport, and secure e-cylinders.
• Maintain clean work/patient care environment.
• Communicate to manager/supervisor all procedure schedule changes.
• Patient Care Age Specific
  
  Skills:
  • Pediatrics:
    Maintain safe environment, involve child in care and educate parents/caregivers at same time.
  • Adolescent:
    Maintain safe environment, involve patient in procedure. Allow time for and encourage questions. Explain all test and procedures thoroughly to patient before performing procedure. Maintain patient confidentiality with parental/caregiver involvement and education.
  • Adult:
    Maintain safe environment related to equipment, bed rails, and mental status. Involve patient in treatment and procedures. Explain rationale for all treatments and procedures, explaining to patient prior to performing procedure. Encourage participation in care.
  • Geriatric:
    Maintain safe environment related to equipment, bed rails, fall precautions, mobility needs, aspiration potential, and mental status. Involve patient in treatment and procedures. Allow patient to maintain control, involve patient in decision making and planning of participation in care. Assess and monitor for potential skin breakdown. Allow for possible hearing and/or vision lost, speaking in lower, louder tones as necessary.
    
    Provide all patient instructions slowly, speaking distinctly and assess for patient understanding.

• Required
  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.). Graduate of an accredited radiology program. Completion of IABP, EKG, and Hemodynamic Monitoring Classes within one year of employment in position.
  • Licensure and
    
    Certifications:
    • ARRT-CRT
    • ACLS within one (1) year of employment. Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association.
  • 1 year as a Radiology Technologist.
  • Effective organizational skills to successfully multi-task; verbal and written communication skills that are clear; and, demonstrated knowledge of sterile technique.
  • Knowledge:
    Medical Terminology;
    Contrast Media, imaging and protocols. Requires good communication and organizational skills. Requires reasoning ability and good independent judgment. Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours. Requires working with frequent interruptions. Able to comprehend and interpret complex clinical subject matter related to area of expertise. Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills necessary to provide care/services to the age of the patients served in the hospital facility.
    
    Must also possess the ability to assess data and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their specific needs.
  • Basic computer skills
  • Understands the mission and vision of the hospital.…