RN or LPN - Cardiology - FT

GENERAL SUMMARY
Cardiology nurses diagnose and treat conditions that affect the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems. They may focus on preventative medicine and patient education or assist with diagnostics, such as electrocardiograms and other specialized tests.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the Communities we serve.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cardiology nurses may take on a variety of roles. At the advanced level, clinical nurse specialist work in hospitals and other medical facilities conducting research and taking a lead in patient education and preventative techniques. Registered nurses treat and educate patients in a clinic setting, keeping records of medical histories and performing diagnostics. They work with patients with postoperative rehabilitation.
 

1.    Performs assessment and data collection in an ongoing systematic manner, focusing on the patients physiologic and cognitive status.
2.    Formulates or individualizes a predefined, goal consistent and continuous manner by utilization of and adherence to pre-determined standards which define the structure, process, and desired patient outcomes of nursing process. 
3.    Evaluates effectiveness of care given by self and by all health care team members. Also, evaluates contribution of systems, environment, and instrumentation in processing patients toward desired outcomes.
4.    Demonstrates competency in select psychomotor skills adhering to predefined written procedures. 
5.    Identifies patient learning needs and readiness for learning. Implements patients/significant other instruction to meet self-care needs as defined in standards of care and patient teaching protocols.
6.    Performs documentation responsibilities following all existing structure standards and guidelines for forms used in the Division of Nursing and specialty assigned areas.
7.    Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to patient rights as identified within the institution.
8.    Functions with an awareness of and adherence to safety requirements as identified in existing standards. 
9.    Performs efficiently in emergency situations following established protocols, remaining calm, performing appropriate persons, and documenting events.
10.    Demonstrates applied knowledge base in areas and structure standards, patient care resources/references, protocols, pertinent drugs, standard of care, and significant lab values.
11.    Demonstrates an awareness of self responsibility and accountability for own professional practice within the Illinois Practice Act.
12.    Participates actively in staff development activities by sharing knowledge with others and using appropriate teaching/learning strategies to assist peers. 
13.    Demonstrates self-directed learning and participation in continuing education to meet own professional development.
14.    Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary and assertively requests guidance in areas of question.
15.    Demonstrates awareness of legal issues in all aspects of professional practice and patient care and strives to manage situations in reduced-risk manner.
16.    Participates in development and attainment of unit and department of nursing goals.
17.    Participates in development of standards at both the generic and unit specific levels, demonstrates an attitude of acceptance/importance of standards in all professional practice strives to achieve minimal compliance levels and uses “professional modification” measures with sound clinical judgment. 
18.    Activity involves self in Performance Improvement (PI) activities at the generic and unit levels through use of data resources and compliance peer review monitoring. 
19.    Demonstrates willingness and ability to effectively coordinate patient care/unit activities among nursing staff, physicians, and support services in both the care manager and shift leader role.
20.    Demonstrates effective organization and priority settings abilities in using self, human, and material resources in a time oriented and cost containment manner.
21.    Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills by implementing existing communication methods ( i.e. staff meetings, communication boards, etc) and always attempting to receive and give information in a timely, concise, clear, and positive manner.
22.    Formulates and uses effective working relationships with all health care team members, patients, and families.
23.    Demonstrates appropriate use of lines of authority in clinical and operational matters when seeking direction, validating self-decision making, and resolving problematic issues.
24.    Remains flexible in staffing patterns and in resolution of staffing conflicts; participates in temporary assignment measures in the division of nursing.
25.    Demonstrates problem identification skills using PI tools/methods; demonstrates sound clinical and operational decision making abilities based on current standards and resulting in prompt action/resolution.
26.    Demonstrates an attitude of seeking knowledge and rationale for actions and shows ability to apply theory/data to the clinical settings.
27.    Complete prior authorizations as needed for the clinic. 
28.    Other duties as assigned    
29.    Can help the cardiology technicians,cma/cna room and interview patients if needed.
30.    Assist provider with procedures.
31.    Travel to satellite clinics as needed. 
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.    Visual acuity to observe patient assessment data and use manual/automated documentation tools.
2.    Auditory acuity to hear patient verbal communication and gather data using auscultatory skills.

3.    Manual dexterity of hands and feet to ambulate 8-12 hours per shift.

4.    Physical strength to perform CPR (bed/floor), lift/push/pull 60-300—pounds; perform constant walking, twisting, turning, and stretching maneuvers in patient care and use of patient care equipment.
Physical strength to perform the following lifting demands:
•    Floor to waist - 40 pounds
•    14” to waist - 50 pounds
•    Waist to shoulder - 20 pounds
•    Shoulder to overhead -10 pounds
•    Carry 40 pounds for 30 feet
•    Push 40 pounds/force for 30 feet
•    Pull 40 pounds/ force for 30 feet 
•    Patient transfer with gait belt
•    Ability to push patient in wheelchair

5.    Keen mental faculties to perform assessment and decision making skills in the management of acutely ill patients.

6.    Communication/speaking/enunciation skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone.

7.    Emotional stability conductive to dealing with high stress level for 8-12 hours at a time associated with caring for acute patients fast paced physical activity, rapidly changing patient conditions, emotional demands of maintaining effective working relationships with peers, managers, physicians, and other health care workers.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

     Reports to the Department Manager, Department Director, and the respective provider.          . 
 

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1.    Clinical Skills, Bedside Manner, Infection Control, Nursing Skills, Physiological Knowledge, Administering Medication, Medical Teamwork, Multi-Tasking, Listening, Verbal Communication, Health Promotion and Maintenance.
2.    Current Illinois licensure.

3.    Graduation from an approved nursing program.

4.    Appropriate nursing practice/experience (within the past three years).

INFECTION EXPOSURE RISK LEVEL

Category I—Maximal Risk—this job exposes you to potential blood, body fluids, and tissues on a routine basis.  It is recommended that you get the Hepatitis B Vaccine.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1.    Work is performed in an office environment.
2.    Involves frequent contact with staff, patients, and the public.
3.    Work may be stressful at times.
4.    Contact may involve dealing with angry or upset people.
5.    Works in patient care areas where there are few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise, and the like.
6.    Works with patients and may be exposed to contagious diseases or infectious materials, but potential for personal harm and injury is limited when proper safety and health precautions and equipment is used.