Cardiovascular Tech I at Ellis Medicine – Schenectady, New York

UNDER the direct supervision of the registered nurse, the Cardiovascular Tech (CVT) functions as an integral part of the cath lab team working to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive procedures. CVT’s primary responsibilities are to prepare and maintain the sterile field, pass instruments, and assist the cardiologist within their scope of practice. The CVT collaborates with other members of the team to utilize resources in a cost-effective manner in an environment that promotes continuous quality improvement.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

• Exhibits professional behaviors and skills in the interventional cardiology environment.
• Adheres to the Hospitals Code of Ethics
• Behaviors and communication are professional, positive, and respectful.
• Follows through with assignments and instructions
• Assists the cath lab team in providing a safe environment of care related to patients and personnel.
• Utilizes safe patient handling techniques
• Minimizes occupational injury by employing proper body mechanics during the performance of physical tasks
• Utilizes appropriate personal protective devices
• Maintains a clean and safe work area. Takes precautions to avoid hazards associated with infectious and non-infectious wastes
• Contact the appropriate Charge Nurse or manager for equipment problems
• Relays information appropriate to repair services for equipment problems. Fills out service logs for all calls to GE Cares lines for service on Innova, Mac lab, Cardio lab, and Centricity systems.
• Applies the principles of asepsis to the practice of sterile technique
• Performs hand antisepsis according to established guidelines
• Utilizes sterile technique when donning a gown and gloves. Able to don a gown and gloves and assist others to do so without pollution
• Creates and maintains a sterile field according to AORN guidelines.
• Inspects items to be introduced to the sterile field for proper processing, packaging, and package integrity
• Verbalizes knowledge of correct traffic patterns in and around the sterile field
• Recognizes breaks in sterile technique when preparing, performing or assisting with procedures. Takes immediate corrective action when a break in sterile technique occurs.
• Successfully demonstrates competencies for decontamination and immediate use sterilization.
• Selects the appropriate method of cleaning/sterilization according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU)
• Demonstrates knowledge of relevant anatomy and pathology for cardiac procedures, and cardiologist preferences.
• Cardiovascular Tech will safely prepare equipment and patients for cardiac procedures.
• Selects appropriate supplies, instruments, and equipment for cardiac procedures
• Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the exposure control manual:
• Standard Precautions
• Blood-borne Pathogens
• Disposal of Sharps
• Blood/Body Fluid Spills
• Medical Waste Disposa
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
• The CVT actively participates in the training and cross-training of staff and students using appropriate competency documents.
• Actively participates in quality assurance documentation and review
• Participates in ongoing education and training to advance practice
• Maintains RCIS certification by participating in continuing education activities
• Completes Annual:
• Mandatory Healthstream education
• Health assessment
• Competencies
• Will monitor, verify with the MD and RN, and record the patient's vital signs, modify Ramsey and pain scales, EKG tracing, pressures, and other hemodynamic data during procedures.
• Will read back verification and document medications administered by the RN and/or physician, contrast administered by the MD, RN or Licensed radiology tech, and supplies used.
• Demonstrates accuracy in completion of event log and applicable registries with post procedure verification from the MD and RN.
• Will demonstrate the ability to utilize the Mac Lab hemodynamic system when selecting protocols for procedures.
• Transports medications (excluding controlled substances) under the direction of licensed personnel.
• Provides basic pre- and post-patient care in the holding room within the CVT scope of practice and under the Registered Nurse guidance.
• Demonstrates ability to problem-solve in relation to the procedure being performed
• Applies base knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, for optimal patient care
• Applies basic knowledge of equipment being used in the procedure being performed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

A high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training in cardiology such as

Applied Science degree in Cardiovascular Technology or other related medical field.

Graduates of accredited Cardiovascular Technology programs must hold nationally

Accredited certification or be eligible for certification.

Experience:

Experience preferred.

Integral components consist of strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on collaborative team behaviors.

Certification:

ACLS certification is mandatory.

Current Cardiovascular Tech or Radiology Tech license required.

The credential of Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) must be obtained within18 months of the date of hire as a Cardiovascular Tech.

Coverage:

In addition to regularly scheduled work days, the CVT provides scheduled on-call coverage on a rotating basis during department off hours such as nights, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 35 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period of time, in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance. Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will prohibit, discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, domestic violence victim status, known relationship or association with any member of a protected class, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law violates federal, state and, where applicable, local laws , reproductive health decisions or source of payment, consistent with applicable legislation and to comply with the laws pertaining thereto.

Salary Range: $ 31.50-$47.26 /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the state.