Position Overview

This role is designed for a skilled Clinical Nurse II with a strong background in critical care, specializing in interventional radiology and cardiac catheterization procedures. The nurse will provide direct patient care throughout procedural stages, ensuring safety, comfort, and efficient workflow in a fast-paced interventional environment within a regional healthcare setting in the Pacific Northwest.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Collaborate with the healthcare team to deliver patient-centered, timely, and equitable care during procedures.
• Perform thorough preoperative assessments tailored to individual patient needs.
• Monitor patient responses during procedures and intervene promptly when necessary.
• Advocate for patients, maintaining dignity and confidentiality.
• Administer moderate sedation and educate patients and families on post-procedure care and medication.
• Manage complications such as bleeding or hypotension following procedures.
• Promote evidence-based practices in procedural nursing care.

Procedural Support

• Handle instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies with precision.
• Document specimens accurately according to protocols.
• Anticipate procedural team needs to maintain smooth workflow.
• Perform circulating, scrubbing, and procedural sedation duties.
• Assist physicians during interventional radiology and cardiac catheterization, adhering to sterile techniques.

Safety and Compliance

• Strictly follow aseptic techniques, infection control, and radiation safety guidelines.
• Comply with regulatory standards including The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN during implant procedures.
• Ensure patient identification, pre-procedure verification, and prevention of retained items.
• Report safety concerns and contribute to systemic improvements.
• Monitor and order procedural supplies as needed.
• Safely manage biohazardous materials and radiation protection equipment.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care and interventions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Professional Development and Leadership

• Mentor new graduate nurses, new hires, and students to support their growth.
• Engage in continuing education, certifications, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for best practices within the procedural department.
• Assume charge nurse responsibilities as needed.

Emergency Preparedness

• Recognize and respond to hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, and respiratory distress.
• Initiate Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and participate in rapid response and code situations.
• Maintain composure and advanced clinical skills during critical events such as cardiac arrest or stroke.

Qualifications

Experience

• At least two years as a Registered Nurse in Interventional Radiology or Cardiac Cath Lab, or five years in Emergency Department or ICU critical care settings for transitional programs.
• Ability to scrub and circulate in IR and Cath Lab environments.
• Capability to respond on call within 30 minutes and perform physical tasks including lifting and wearing protective lead gear.
• Support non-invasive cardiology and radiology nursing services.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with five years relevant experience considered.
• Completion of Critical Care or Interventional Radiology/Cath Lab training preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse license in the applicable state.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications from recognized providers.
• Preferred certifications include Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS), or Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN).

Successful candidates must pass physical evaluation, drug screening, and background checks prior to employment.