Special Procedure Technologist Cath Lab

SUMMARY:

Prepares advanced catheterization and special lab equipment, to include coronary angioplasty balloons, coronary stents, coronary athrectomy devices, inflation devices and temporary pacemaker leads, permanent pacemaker leads, implantable pacemaker generators, implantable defibrillator devices, and intra-aortic balloon pumps.  Applies knowledge of the use and care of neurovascular and peripheral vascular embolization devices including PVA particle emboli, spring coil emboli, and GDC; diagnostic and interventional guide wires and catheters; thermal dilution Swan Ganz catheters used in hemodynamic studies; nephrostomy/biliary drainage catheters and stents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ensures an informed patient consent form has been properly executed.

Performs all basic functions of scrub assistant; assists in collection of specimens.

Maintains sterile technique and assists physicians in procedures as requested; drapes patients for surgical procedures using accepted sterile technique; prepares patient’s skin for surgery.

Prepares angio suite for specific procedures, including table setup, instrument array, and supplies; opens sterile supplies and sets up for all procedures; maintains adequate aseptic supplies during procedures.

Assists in maintaining a correct count of all instruments, sutures and sponges during surgical procedures.

Sets up, calibrates, and operates computerized hemodynamic testing equipment to ensure accurate results during right heart studies and cardiac catheterizations.

Evaluates and analyzes results of hemodynamic studies.

Observes and monitors patient’s vital signs during procedures, including high risk patients undergoing complex procedures; uses judgment in selecting guidelines appropriate to changing patient conditions.

Terminates arterial and venous catheters and achieves homeostasis of puncture site utilizing both mechanical compression and subcutaneous homeostasis techniques.

Provides verbal and written documentation of procedures, medications administered, and other pertinent data regarding care rendered to a patient.

Provides information and support by explanation of patient care, diagnostic and/or interventional procedures to patient, family and other health care members.

Provides training and advice to students, staff, and physicians about procedures and equipment.

Initiates and terminates intravenous lines according to procedure.

Adheres to TMC organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in specialty area preferred.

EXPERIENCE:  One (1) year of special procedures or EP experience; or demonstrated competency in all areas of EP/Lab related experience.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: Current Arizona Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT), American Registered Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.  For EP:  Preferred Certification from the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners for Special Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Associated Professional.  Additional certification may be required per department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of a variety of special procedures and techniques and the proper methods to be used.
• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the structural and electrical conduction systems of the heart, including a working knowledge of electrocardiography, as well as diagnostic catheters, sheaths, and ablation catheters specific to EP.
• Skill in operating and troubleshooting electrophysiological recording, mapping and navigation systems.
• Skill in following procedures during surgical operations to ensure the proper patient care and follow up.
• Ability to listen and anticipate a physician needs during surgical operations.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations;
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquiries or complaints from employees, patients and/or their representatives, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to apply basic algebraic concepts.
• Ability to define and solve practical problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.