Travel Nurse RN - Electrophysiology Lab
Louisville, KY
Magnet Medical
5x8 hrs, Days

Pre-Procedure Assessment and Preparation:

• Conduct thorough pre-procedure assessments of patients, including reviewing medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous cardiac conditions.
• Educate patients and their families about the electrophysiology procedure, including the purpose, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
• Ensure patients are appropriately prepared for the procedure, including obtaining informed consent, performing vital sign checks, and ensuring lab work is completed (e.g., EKG, blood work).
• Monitor patient status prior to the procedure, including sedation levels, anxiety management, and any comorbid conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).

Assisting in Electrophysiology Procedures:

• Assist the electrophysiologist during electrophysiology studies (EPS), which involve mapping the electrical pathways of the heart.
• Set up and monitor electrophysiology equipment, including the electrophysiology lab’s electrical mapping system, fluoroscopy, and other diagnostic tools.
• Assist with the insertion of catheters into the heart via the femoral vein, internal jugular vein, or other access points, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs, oxygenation levels, and electrocardiogram (ECG) during the procedure.
• Administer sedatives, analgesics, or other medications as ordered, ensuring patient safety and managing potential side effects or complications.
• Assist with catheter ablation procedures to treat arrhythmias, including monitoring for any adverse events during the procedure.

Post-Procedure Care and Monitoring:

• Monitor patients closely after an EP procedure, including assessing vital signs, cardiac rhythms, and any signs of complications (e.g., bleeding, infection, arrhythmia recurrence).
• Provide care for patients recovering from sedation, ensuring they are stable and alert before discharge.
• Educate patients on post-procedure care, including wound care (for catheter insertion sites), activity restrictions, medication management, and recognizing signs of potential complications (e.g., infection, bleeding).
• Coordinate with the healthcare team to ensure follow-up appointments and ongoing care, such as pacemaker or defibrillator programming or cardiac rehabilitation.

Patient Education and Emotional Support:

• Provide education to patients and families regarding arrhythmias, pacemaker/defibrillator use, and lifestyle changes needed to manage their heart condition.
• Address patients' concerns and provide emotional support before, during, and after the procedure, helping to alleviate anxiety and ensuring they are fully informed.
• Educate patients about heart health, including the role of medication, activity restrictions, and long-term care following heart rhythm treatments.

Collaboration with the Healthcare Team:

• Work closely with electrophysiologists, cardiologists, and other medical professionals to ensure that patients receive optimal care during and after the procedure.
• Communicate effectively with the healthcare team, providing updates on patient status and any changes in condition during or after the procedure.
• Collaborate in the development of individualized care plans for patients with arrhythmias, ensuring appropriate treatments are delivered.
• Participate in patient rounds to review and update care plans as necessary.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Follow strict infection control protocols during procedures, including sterile techniques when inserting catheters and performing other invasive procedures.
• Monitor for and address any signs of infection at catheter insertion sites or internal device sites (e.g., pacemaker or defibrillator).
• Ensure patient safety by monitoring for potential complications, such as bleeding or arrhythmias, following procedures.

Documentation and Record-Keeping:

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of patient assessments, procedures, medications administered, and outcomes.
• Ensure patient records are in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards, including HIPAA guidelines.
• Document any post-procedure complications, patient responses to treatment, and care instructions provided to patients.

Emergency Response:

• Respond to emergency situations, such as cardiac arrhythmias, complications from the procedure (e.g., catheter-induced trauma), or adverse reactions to medications or anesthesia.
• Be prepared to initiate life-saving measures such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) in the event of a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to stabilize patients and provide appropriate interventions in emergency situations.