Interventional Radiology/Cardiology Registered Nurse (RN)

Definition of Position

The Interventional Radiology/Cardiology RN provides specialized nursing care to patients undergoing invasive interventional procedures such as angiography, embolization, cardiac catheterization, and other minimally invasive interventions. This role involves collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary team to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. The RN acts as the patient advocate and is responsible for directing and supervising any personnel assigned to them. Availability for on-call duties may be required.

Essential Job Functions

• Nursing/Circulator Role
  • Administer medications as ordered, including anticoagulants, vasoactive agents, contrast, and emergency drugs.
  • Maintain sterile technique and assist with procedures as needed.
  • Act as patient advocate and anticipate the needs of the interventionalist.
  • Recognize and respond rapidly to complications such as arrhythmia, bleeding, reactions to contrast, stroke alerts, and cardiac arrest.
• Contrast Allergy Management Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Rad Tech and physicians to identify and address contrast allergies or sensitivities.
  • Participate in pre-procedure discussions regarding appropriate contrast agents.
  • Communicate allergy considerations during the timeout process.
• Moderate Sedation Role
  • Monitor patients for moderate sedation, ensuring that continuous assessment is maintained.
  • Verify ASA classification and consult anesthesia for ASA scores of IV or greater.
  • Provide moderate sedation per protocol and monitor vital signs, hemodynamics, oxygenation, ventilation, and level of consciousness.
  • Implement nursing interventions for complications as necessary.
• Scrub Role
  • Function as the scrub technologist using sterile techniques to assist physicians during procedures.
  • Prepare and organize sterile instruments, guidewires, catheters, sheaths, and procedural trays.
  • Anticipate physician needs and respond accurately during critical moments.
  • Communicate with the monitoring personnel to ensure procedural activities and times are documented.
• Monitor Role
  • Act as the primary monitor technologist, recording hemodynamic data, pressures, and procedural events.
  • Ensure allergy considerations are communicated during the timeout and accurately documented.
  • Operate and troubleshoot physiological monitoring systems.
  • Document all supplies used, implants, contrast usage, and procedural details accurately.
  • Communicate real-time findings to the procedural team, ensuring appropriate documentation.
• Support to the Team
  • Assist with patient preparation, positioning, and connecting monitoring equipment.
  • Verify allergies, NPO status, renal function, and other relevant factors in collaboration with the clinical team.
  • Perform patient identification and timeout processes in accordance with institutional policy.
  • Manage sheath pulls and vascular access as needed.
• Department Support
  • Manage supplies, restock rooms, and track expiration dates while ensuring organized inventory.
  • Assist with room turnover by conducting post-procedure cleanup and preparing for the next case.
  • Ensure devices are cleaned and stored properly.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Required: Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing with evidence of continuing education appropriate for skill level.
  • Desired: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Experience:
  • Required: At least one year of experience in critical care, emergency, cath lab, or interventional radiology.
  • Desired: At least three years of experience in Interventional Radiology or Cath Lab,