As a member of the interdisciplinary Cath Lab team, contributes professional Registered Nurse (RN) knowledge and skills in the provision and management of care to patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures.  The RN will function in collaboration with the RT staff and under the direction of physicians.  The RN is able to perform the role of primary circulator, secondary circulator, scrub tech, and monitor.  The RN maintains a practice environment that reflects the ANA Code for Nurses, Philosophy of Nursing at UnityPoint Health with in the structure of the Professional Nurse Practice Model and in collaboration with other care givers.

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.
• Benefits – Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options like 401K match, paid time off and education assistance that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Development – We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

    Hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work at https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org.

Clinical Excellence/Patient Care

• Assesses the needs of patients and families undergoing invasive cardiac procedures, providing appropriate teaching and making the necessary referrals to provide continuity of care.
• Assists the physician with the development of an individual plan of care using a collaborative approach with the patient/family and health care team.
• Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient’s care.
• Delivers high quality care while demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required in the Cath Lab in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care under the direct supervision of the physician.
• Utilizes holistic approach (considering biopsychosocial, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients and families served in the assigned service area.
• Utilizes critical thinking in making judgments, and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of conditions of the patient.
• Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required in the administration of cardiac and emergency medications used in the Cath Lab including, but not limited to the following:
  • Administration and management of conscious sedation / reversal agents; minimal to moderate levels
  • Administration and management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications / infusions
  • Administration of cardiac medications / infusions such as vasopressors and nitrates.
  • Administration of blood products
• Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required to operate specialized equipment in the Cath Lab including, but not limited to the following:
  • Point of care testing:  blood glucose, activated clotting times (ACT), oxygen analysis
  • Perfusion equipment: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella heart pump
  • Coronary interventional equipment:  rotational and pulse wave atherectomy
  • Advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems
• Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required to prepare and maintain sterile fields and to maintain a clean procedure environment. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of radiation safety and practice including, but not limited to the following:
  • Use of advanced imaging systems used in the Cath Lab setting
  • Use of radiation protection devices and exposure levels for both the associate and patient.

Development & Patient Education

• Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance RN practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research.
• Assess and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient’s and their families’ age specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension.
• Consults appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education.
• Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

Department Support

• Must meet requirements for standby call which includes a 20 minute response time from primary residence to hospital

• Graduate of accredited nursing program
• Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in Iowa.
• Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within 3 months from hire date. 
• Must possess and maintain hospital CORE (Chain of Response in an Emergency) certification with 6 months from hire date.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Multicultural sensitivity.
• Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
• Customer/patient focused.
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.