Cath lab technician

Description

Under the direction of the RN, the technician works cooperatively with all team members to provide direct (basic) patient care, transport services and general support duties.

The technician is responsible and accountable for all patient care given and must adhere to all standards of care within the scope of practice identified.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates competency in populations served, interpersonal communication and relationships as applies to job functions and clinical areas assigned.
• Identifies self using AIDET to patient and family / visitors at the beginning of the shift and updates patient white board with care team and contact information.
• Implements the patient care plan by providing direct patient care using AIDET during all forms of communication for assigned patients and all other encounters with patients / families and other departments, including but not limited to patient care, transport, repositioning, answering phones and responding to call lights.
• Performs purposeful hourly rounding and documents in the record actions or observations of the rounds.
• Answers the telephone and patient call system promptly and courteously and relays calls / messages to the appropriate person in a timely manner.
• Orients / instructs patient / family regarding the physical environment, call light, phone, meals / snacks, open visitation, smoke free campus and call - don't fall pledge
• Inventories and documents patient belongings in the medical record, on admission, transfer and discharge ensuring safe disposition.
• Receives report from the RN before beginning assignment.
• Informs RN of new or unfamiliar condition changes, establishes patient care priorities with RN to address the specific patient care situations.
• Prepares room for cleaning and disinfecting beds.
• Maintains a safe working environment : ensures unit equipment accounted for and in good working order with support of Biomed Department, ensures beds are in low position and locked at all times, assists patients with moving / ambulating as needed, keeps room free of clutter, observes all safety guidelines, ensures corridor walkways are free of equipment / clutter (eg clean core), keeps hallway clear.
• Assists in maintaining a well-functioning unit by : orders appropriate supplies for patient care, refills nurse servers, places charge documents in appropriate place.
• Understands role in maintaining medication security to authorized personnel only.
• Utilizes safe patient handling by selecting the appropriate lift equipment and asking for assistance when turning or moving a patient if required.
• Identifies patients using identity band to verify the name and date of birth. Verifies medical record number prior to blood administration.
• Demonstrates that all patients are considered to be at risk for falls and will have the following fall precautions : bed or gurney locked at all times, side rails up, call light within reach if available, ensures safe patient transfers, assists with ambulation as needed, environment free of clutter.
• Adheres to infection prevention guidelines : Uses good hand washing technique, foam in and out of room. Adheres to isolation policy.

Disposes of infectious waste properly.

• Performs vital signs per physician order or unit policy, documents and notifies RN of any change or abnormal findings in a timely manner.
• Assists patients and families and refers questions to the RN for follow-up.
• Applies and monitors oxygen as directed by the RN.
• Applies, monitors and documents the use of restraints.
• Assists with postoperative coughing, turning, and deep breathing.
• Ensures that comfort supplies are easily accessible, . tissues, water, grooming supplies.
• Collects specimens as instructed using appropriate technique.
• Performs POC testing, quality control and maintenance procedures including uploading data on monitoring device. (. glucose, urine dips
• Obtains blood and blood products from Blood Bank according to policies and procedures.
• Prepares patient for examinations and treatments, draping, setting up equipment and stocking supplies for bedside procedures.
• Assists / performs treatments as directed by RN including : weight application, ambulation, foley care, application of binders, application of orthopedic devices, sitz baths, and others as directed.
• Applies EKG leads to patients and sets up monitors, performs basic and 12 lead EKG's when the EKG technician is not available and follows Cardiology Department procedure to file and record EKG.

Provides RN with EKG printout immediately.

• Documents accurately on I and O sheets all intake and output for assigned shift, including suction, hemovac, T-tubes and foley outputs, NG Tubes, colostomy and rectal bag drainage.
• Provides break coverage for unit secretaries or other PCT’s and comparable positions
• Assists with transfers ensuring secure and complete transfer : collects personal belongings, assists patient to wheelchair / gurney, accompanies patient to new room, provides patient with call light.
• Transports deceased patients to the morgue : identifies the body per policy.
• Activates and participates in emergency response situations as directed by policy.

Department Specific Competencies

Applies physical pressure after A-line removal by RN or MD; records pedal pulses.

Additional Information

High school diploma / GED or higher education required AND meet any of the following :

• CNA certification
• Successful completion of first semester enrolled in RN program or a graduate from a RN Program and awaiting next in-house New Grad Residency Program application process
• Current paramedic license issued by the State of California EMS Authority (EMSA)
• Certified Medical Assistant

License / Certification Requirements

BCLS or ACLS Certification within 6 months of hire

Compensation Range

$21.53 - $31.51 / Hour

Last updated : 2024-06-13

Salary : $22 - $32