Travel Cath Lab Technologist
Evanston, IL
Magnet Medical
5x8 hrs, Days

Pre-Procedure Preparation:

• Prepare the cath lab environment for procedures by ensuring all necessary equipment and tools are sterile, functional, and properly set up (e.g., catheters, guidewires, contrast agents, X-ray machines).
• Verify patient information, including medical history, allergies, and consent forms, before the procedure begins.
• Assist in the preparation of patients, including setting up the monitoring equipment and ensuring proper positioning for optimal procedure results.
• Provide patient education and reassurance before the procedure, explaining what will happen and answering any questions.

Assisting with Procedures:

• Assist cardiologists and other physicians during cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, stent placement, electrophysiological studies, and other interventional procedures.
• Handle sterile instruments, such as catheters, balloons, and stents, during the procedure, ensuring correct placement and maintaining a sterile field.
• Operate X-ray fluoroscopy equipment and assist with imaging during diagnostic tests, such as angiograms, to visualize blood vessels and heart function.
• Monitor vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) during procedures and report any abnormalities to the physician.
• Administer medications under physician direction, such as sedatives or contrast dyes, ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure.

Post-Procedure Care:

• Monitor patients for immediate complications after the procedure, such as bleeding, changes in vital signs, or signs of infection.
• Assist in transferring the patient from the procedure table to recovery, ensuring comfort and safety during transport.
• Help with patient recovery by monitoring cardiac rhythm, vital signs, and the insertion site for any signs of complications, particularly bleeding or hematoma formation.
• Provide post-procedure instructions to patients and their families, including advice on post-operative care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.

Equipment Management and Maintenance:

• Maintain, clean, and sterilize the cath lab equipment and instruments, ensuring they are functioning properly and ready for the next procedure.
• Regularly check and troubleshoot cath lab machinery, including X-ray equipment, electrocardiograms (EKG), defibrillators, and patient monitors.
• Order necessary supplies, manage inventory, and ensure all materials needed for procedures are available and in good condition.
• Assist in the calibration of equipment to ensure accurate diagnostic results.

Patient Monitoring and Safety:

• Continuously monitor the patient's vital signs during the procedure, ensuring optimal conditions for the intervention.
• Ensure proper documentation of patient information, procedures, and outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR) or procedure logs.
• Adhere to safety and infection control protocols, including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterile techniques, and radiation safety protocols to minimize exposure to patients and staff.
• Monitor the catheter insertion site for signs of complications such as infection or clot formation.

Collaboration with Medical Team:

• Work closely with cardiologists, radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care for patients undergoing catheterization or other cardiac procedures.
• Attend pre-procedure meetings to review patient conditions and provide input on the appropriate procedure.
• Assist in evaluating the results of diagnostic tests, including angiograms, to support the development of treatment plans.

Education and Training:

• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in cardiac catheterization techniques, equipment, and best practices.
• Participate in ongoing education, certification programs, and training in areas such as radiation safety, advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), and other relevant certifications.
• Educate patients about their condition, the procedure they are undergoing, and the importance of follow-up care.
• Assist in training and mentoring new staff or students in the cath lab environment.

Quality Control and Compliance:

• Adhere to all regulatory guidelines, including HIPAA for patient privacy, OSHA safety standards, and Joint Commission requirements.
• Ensure that all procedures and documentation meet hospital policies, accreditation standards, and industry regulations.
• Participate in regular performance audits to ensure the quality and safety of procedures, equipment, and patient care.