Per Diem Electrophysiology RN

General Summary Statement

Assist in all electrophysiology procedures, diagnostic and interventional as well as vascular and cardiac catheterization procedures. Perform emergency procedures such as emergent percutaneous cardiac and peripheral interventions, IAB insertion, pericardiocentesis and temporary pacemaker insertion. Follow established standards and practices under the direction of a credentialed invasive cardiologist, vascular surgeon or electrophysiologist. The Cardiovascular Registered Nurse will demonstrate cardiovascular knowledge in physical assessment, and perform high quality Clinical Care for all cardiovascular patients. Provides staffing support and supplements the entire program with expert nursing knowledge. Supports the mission, philosophy and objectives of Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital and the cardiovascular program at all times. Provides quality nursing care through application of the nursing process established guidelines of nursing practice. Adheres to Nursing and organizational policies and procedures

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

1. Provides age appropriate care for the population served. Gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, nutrition, medication administration, nutrition, safety and privacy of the patient.
2. Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.
3. Ensures attention to patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
4. Demonstrates competency in assessment skills (Includes admission and shift assessments).
5. Performs pain assessments and intervenes to optimally meet patient’s needs for comfort.
6. Plans clinical care based on patient’s needs and uses available resources.
7. Performs clinical care in accordance with policy and procedure.
8. Performs peripheral venipuncture and peripheral and central vascular access care according to policy & procedure.
9. Evaluates outcomes of nursing interventions and takes appropriate actions to move patient toward reaching goals of care.
10. Identifies situations that warrant patient rescue and takes appropriate action, e.g. Rapid Response or Code Blue/Pink.
11. Adheres to the 5 rights of medication administration and uses the Medication Administration Check (MAK) system per policy and procedure.
12. Integrates principles of infection control & infection prevention into practice.
13. Adheres to aseptic technique as appropriate.
14. Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, medications, and clinical information.
15. Prioritizes and organizes work effectively within assigned shift.

Clinical Responsibilities Specific to the Invasive CV Lab

1. Calls for, receives and preps patient for all procedures.
2. Provides patient teaching prior to, and following all procedure
3. Checks chart for completeness including required signatures, patient education and physician orders, and enters data into computer
4. Responds quickly and efficiently during an emergency and follows ACLS protocols.
5. Checks and documents emergency and POC testing equipment, and prepares cath lab holding area for day.
6. Performs cardiology testing as per protocol.

Communication

1. Uses effective communication during hand-offs. (E.g. Shift report, transfer report, etc.).
2. Organizes information into a meaningful format, such as SBAR.
3. Delegates appropriately to unlicensed personnel and team members.
4. Communicates patient care information to the interdisciplinary care team.
5. Provides patient and family education in a manner that is understood and gives the patient and family handouts, brochures and resources that can be taken home for future reference.

Documentation

1. Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using Centricity, PennChart and paper documentation forms according to policy and procedure.
2. Documents patient care that is relevant to patient’s diagnosis, problems and reflects patient’s status.

Professional Role Development

1. Develops own nursing knowledge via practice, observation, professional literature, networking and attending continuing education programs.
2. Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care and the profession of nursing.
3. Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.
4. Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.
5. Mentors student nurses.
6. Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.
7. Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.
8. Adheres to the Department of Nursing Dress Code.

Department of Nursing and Organization Support

1. Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.
2. Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.
3. Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet® , Hospital of Distinction, Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, Nursing Councils, and integrates their standards into clinical practice.
4. Reviews nursing quality data, e.g. NDNQI and identifies how to apply best practice into own practice and mentor others towards meeting quality target goals.
5. Maintains good attendance/lateness standards in accordance with Hospital policy.

Department Support

1. Must have necessary skills to identify clinical problems through assessment and conversation with patients during all phases of care and general contact with the patients
2. Must be astute in identifying these problems and be able to implement appropriate actions to be taken to address these conditions
3. Must be competent in use of all equipment in the Invasive Cardiology Department
4. Must be competent in monitoring, circulating and administration of moderate sedation for invasive CV procedures. and in the ability to respond to a cardiac emergency
5. Maintain compliance and competence with the development of the electronic medical record and all developing technology
6. If trained in the circulation and monitoring of Invasive procedures, will fulfill the on-call requirement
7. The following are duties that the Invasive Cardiovascular RN may be trained to performed:
1. Monitoring Cardiac, Peripheral and Electrophysiology procedures
2. Circulating Cardiac, Peripheral and Electrophysiology procedures
3. Scrub Cardiac, Peripheral and Electrophysiology procedures
4. Cardiovascular testing

Education Training and Experience

BSN required

Minimum of two years or more of Electrophysiology Lab experience required. Training in hemodynamic monitoring and EKG interpretation

Basic computer skills

Ability to complete data entry on clinical documentation screens

Ability to use email and internet

Ability to successfully complete on the job training for Penn Medicine CCH computer programs

Ability to speak, read, write and understand English

 Licensure/Certification

Current Pennsylvania RN License BLS and ACLS certification required.

RCES, RCIS and/or CCRN preferred