Specialist

Provides care to patients undergoing cardiac and vascular procedures. Collaborates with physicians and other team members to assess, implement and evaluate patient care in accordance with current policies and procedures.

Education

Graduate of an accredited program in one of the following disciplines:

• Registered Nurse (RN) - ( Preferred)

• Registered Radiologic Technologist (RTR)

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

• Registered Cardiac Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

• Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES)

• Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P)

• Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT)

• Vascular Intervention (VI)

Experience

• RN: Minimum one (1) year of Critical Care, Emergency Services, Cath Lab/EP Lab, or Special Procedures experience required.

• EMT-P: Minimum two (2) years of acute care hospital experience required.

• RTR, RRT, RCIS, RCES, CVT, or VI: One (1) year of related experience preferred.

Licensure & Certification

Must hold current, applicable licensure and/or registry based on discipline:

• RN: Active North Carolina Board of Nursing license

• RTR: ARRT Radiology credential

• RRT: Licensed by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board (NCRCB) and credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)

• EMT-P: Current credentialing/accreditation and/or Paramedic associate degree from an accredited program

• RCIS, RCES, CVT, VI: Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Program

Certification Requirement:
Non-RN Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists (unless already RTR with CI or VI certification) must obtain RCIS or RCES certification within 24 months of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of generic and department-specific competency validation

• Annual Cardiac Dysrhythmia testing required

Clinical Patient Care

• Deliver comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac and vascular procedures (pre-, intra-, and post-procedure) in accordance with clinical standards.

• Perform baseline assessments and continuously monitor EKG rhythms, hemodynamic waveforms, and patient response to procedures and medications.

• Recognize and report changes in patient condition; respond effectively in emergency situations.

• Administer medications under the direction of a qualified physician (RN or RCIS-certified team members only).

• Prepare and maintain sterile fields; scrub and assist physicians during diagnostic and interventional procedures.

• Ensure patient safety, comfort, and advocacy throughout all phases of care.

• Provide patient and family education related to procedures and recovery.

• Accurately document patient care and clinical outcomes.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate effectively with physicians, interdisciplinary teams, patients, and families.

• Demonstrate strong customer service and conflict resolution skills.

• Partner with leadership to identify workflow improvements and educational needs.

• Serve as a clinical resource to team members across the Cath Lab and Radiology areas.

Radiation & Procedural Safety

• Adhere to radiation safety protocols to protect patients, staff, and self.

• Ability to wear lead protective equipment for extended periods.