Cardiac Cath Lab Tech

Join our team at Nellis Air Force Base as a Cardiac Cath Lab Tech and help to save lives one heartbeat at a time!

The Mike O’Callaghan Medical Center - 99th Medical Group is comprised of approximately 1,400 personnel who are dedicated to providing preventive, emergency and acute care services for approximately 22,000 active duty personnel and their dependents. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technician will provide clinical assistance in the cardiac catheterization lab, set up the lab for procedures, assist the Cardiologist during procedures, and provide assistance in other cardiopulmonary service areas at the discretion of the Cardiology Chief. The technician will provide patients with the utmost care and attention. All patients shall be assured of their privacy and personal dignity.

CORE DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain cardiac catheterization lab supplies; assist with ordering and maintaining supplies for the cardio service; ensure all equipment is properly cleaned and stored at the end of each work shift.
• Ensure preventive maintenance and routine cleaning are performed as directed; ensure a safe work environment and employee-safe work habits.
• Educate and train new cardiac catheterization lab technicians.
• Prepare all documentation to meet or exceed established standards of the military treatment facility (MTF), to include, but not limited to, timeliness, accuracy, content and signature. Only MTF and Air Force-approved abbreviations shall be used for documentation of the patient health record.
• Assess patients' conditions for potential or life-threatening crises. Distinguish between normal and abnormal physical findings (from physical assessment and vital sign assessment). Plan appropriate nursing care. Notify physician if needed and carry out appropriate interventions as ordered.
• Conduct preoperative and postoperative visits. Discusses Cardiac Catheterization and diagnostic cardiac testing procedures with patients and informs them of what to expect during procedures. Consults with the physician performing the procedure and establishes priorities of care for each patient.
• Establish and/or utilize a checklist to monitor the physical plan of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and equipment for conformity to all national standards for ensuring safety for the patient and all personnel.
• Carry out prescribed physician orders and document in patient medical record.
• Demonstrate proper preparation of patients for treatments and procedures, to include interventions.
• Pull medications (nitroglycerin, nipride, verapamil, marcaine, lidocaine, lidocaine with epinephrine) from the pyxis and prepare these medications including vancomycin for the provider to administer. The only medication that technicians administer is the contrast. Administration consideration based on protocols, policy and recommendations by medical references.
• Administer prescribed medications to include multiple medication drips and intravenous push drugs (e.g., sedatives, narcotics, vasoactive medications, neuromuscular blockades, antidysrhythmics, antihypertensives, thrombolytics, and emergency drugs). Administration consideration based on protocols, policy and recommendations by medical references.
• Assess and document patient response to medications administered and intervene if desired response is not achieved.
• Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technician may be assigned to serve as a “shift lead tech” who is responsible for ensuring housekeeping of cath lab is done for the regular duty shift. Housekeeping responsibilities would include daily tasks such as crash cart checks, room temperature checks, ensuring any equipment or supplies are adequate. Cardiac Cath Lab Shift lead tech of the day would work alongside the Cardiac Cath Lab charge nurse of the day (or the shift) and must report any housekeeping questions, issues, concerns to the Cardiac Cath Lab Officer In Charge.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of an accredited Registered Cardiovascular Technician Certification (RCVT) program.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional cardiac catheterization experience. Must have worked full time (greater than 36 hrs/week) as a professional Cardiac Catheterization Technician for at least 48 months in the previous 60 months.
• Must have a current American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• This position is based at a military facility. Must be a U.S. citizen.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Possess excellent written communication skills to perform accurate documentation, both written and electronic, of all activity in accordance with requirements.
• Possess knowledge of a variety of pharmacological agents used in treatment of patients, the desired effects, side effects, complications and usual dosage of their use as well as the accurate administration of the pharmacologic agent, including dosage calculations as required.

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