Cath Lab/Special Procedures Tech - SFMC

at Health Advocates Network in Peoria, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Summary

Performs cine, digital subtraction angiography, and other specialized radiologic procedures under sterile technique in order to aid physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients. In doing so, prepares examination area, positions patients for procedures and operates complex radiology equipment in accordance with established techniques and routines. The Special Procedure Tech demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care that is appropriate to the ages of the patients served while always following established guidelines for radiation safety. The Special Procedures Tech operates the physiologic monitor to record functions of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems of patients during diagnostic and interventional cardiac and vascular procedures.

Primary Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Functions as a scrub tech which includes obtaining and arranging sterile set-up of the instrument table with supplies required for the specific procedure, passing catheters and other sterile instruments and equipment to the physician. Anticipates and responds to the needs of the physician during the course of the procedure while ensuring the cleanliness of all exposed surfaces.

2. Prepares patients for procedures by positioning patients, applying sterile technique to catheter insertion sites, applying mobilization and sliding devices, and so forth. Explains procedures to patients to allay apprehensions and elicit cooperation. Reviews patient charts and/or computer prior to procedures to verify all required laboratory work has been completed, completes necessary paperwork, maintains necessary patient records, and files films.

3. Operates complex radiology equipment such as special x ray tubes for biplane filming, cine angiographic equipment, high speed serial angiography, digital subtraction devices, power injectors, in accordance with estab-lished techniques and routines; in doing so, sets, adjusts and manipulates controls in order to obtain suitable radio¬graphic exposures. Calculates and selects proper technical factors on radio¬graphic and fluoroscopic equipment such as voltage, current, exposure time and focal distance based on factors such as patients’ size, physical condition and suspected pathology. Ensures proper injection programs necessary exposures are obtained for diagnostic procedures.

4. Transfers images to the cardiac picture archival system. Ensures all images are transferred and permanently archived in the patient’s record in the current archival system. Ensures all old and new exams are correctly stored in the patient’s records.

5. Ensures all equipment is in proper working order by perform¬ing minor repairs or notifies appropri¬ate personnel of malfunc¬tioning equip¬ment.

6. Observes and monitors patient’s cardiovascular and pulmonary systems during catheterization procedures. Recognizes arrhythmias, heart blocks, and morphologic changes. Alerts physician to changes in the instrument readings outside normal ranges. Calculates hemodynamic data for presentation to physician for interpretation.

7. Attends mandatory department, Medical Center meetings, and other work-related educational programs.

8. Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with department and Medical Center personnel, and outside agencies. Assists in preparing room in between patients by tearing down equipment, removing waste, disposing of contaminated materials, and replenishing supplies. Responsible for completing monthly on-call requirements which includes: weekends, during the week after hours and holidays

9. Attends department and medical center meetings along with required educational programs which will assist with supporting the Medical Center’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to increase patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and improve the utilization of the Medical Center’s human, capital, and physical resources

10. Successfully completes the special procedure technologist competency.

Basic Qualifications

1. Knowledge of principles and procedures of diagnostic radiology as normally acquired through completion of two years post high school training at an approved School of Radiologic Technology with six months related training in radiologic special procedures. Registered with the ARRT and licensed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

2. Minimum of 1 year experience on the job experience necessary in order to gain technical competency in perform¬ing radiologic special procedures.

3. The job incumbent is required to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care that is appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit(s) or by their department.

4. CPR certified.

Health Advocates Network, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected basis under applicable federal, state or local law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. EOE including Veterans/Disability