Position Summary:

• RN Cath lab helps doctors perform cardiac catheterizations to diagnose and treat heart conditions.
• Cath lab nurses typically work in hospitals or outpatient clinics.
• During cardiac catheterization procedures, cath lab nurses monitor and record patients` vital signs, and they must be ready to intervene if an emergency arises.
• Post-procedure, they administer any necessary medications and watch for any side effects or signs of infection in patients.
• Between patients, cath lab nurses ensure that supplies, including medications and emergency and IV supplies, are stocked and organized.

Reports to:

• Unit supervisor of contracted medical facility.
• Cynet Health Director of Nursing

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares patients for upcoming procedures which can include helping doctors perform assessments prior to heart-related procedures and even conducting some assessments.
• Assess a patient's vital signs and perform tests to check his heart rate and oxygen intake. These assessments provide physicians with information they need to begin examinations and decide whether and how to proceed with diagnosing, testing and treating a patient.
• Works alongside doctors who are performing catheterizations, which involves threading a small tube into a patient's heart; angioplasties, which doctors use to treat blocked arteries; and implantation of pacemakers, which help keep a patient's heart beating properly.
• Administers medication as instructed by a doctor.
• Monitors the health of patients but also provides reassurance and insight into what to expect of a procedure and recovery.
• Interacts with and help educate both the patient and concerned family members; Relays patient concerns and questions to physicians.
• Informs physicians of changes in the patient's condition.
• Keeps records on patient conditions and any steps taken for the patient's care.
• This includes updating patient charts with vital sign information, details of the patient's appearance and mood, and treatments and medications administered in the course of care.