Cardiovascular Tech

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

3/1/2024

Entity:

Wisconsin

Job Code:

510001

Job Title:

Cardiovascular Tech

Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

JOB SUMMARY

The Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) functions independently as a member of the Heart & Vascular Care Procedure Center patient care team that includes registered nurses, cardiovascular technologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, cardiology fellows and faculty physicians. This individual is responsible for helping to develop and implement systems to assure the smooth and efficient flow of patients for procedures in the Cardiovascular Lab.  Duties for this position include but are not limited to hemodynamic monitoring, circulating, and scrubbing roles during Invasive Cardiovascular and basic EP procedures and other procedures scheduled in our Heart & Vascular Procedure Center.  This position also includes patient teaching, assisting with pre and post patient assessment and patient care within scope of practice. This individual is able to demonstrate technical expertise in working with electrophysiology and cardiovascular patients during invasive diagnostic and interventional angiographic procedures.     

This position requires the individual to be flexible in their work schedule.  This individual has previous radiologic technologist or cardiovascular technologist work experience or is a graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist/Technologist (CVIS) training program and has ACLS certification.  The ability to self-direct and to organize a varied workload is required.  This incumbent demonstrates competency in assisting with Cardiovascular procedures from newborn thru geriatric patient population.  This position reports to the Invasive Cardiology Supervisor. This individual's annual performance is jointly evaluated with input from the Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Labs and Invasive Cardiology Supervisor and Invasive Cardiology Manager.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

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Duties for this position include but are not limited to hemodynamic monitoring of patients during basic EP and Cardiovascular procedures and other procedures scheduled in our invasive procedure lab, assisting with pre and post patient assessment and patient care within scope of practice, patient teaching, circulating and scrubbing during invasive cardiovascular and EP procedures.

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Demonstrates technical expertise in working with electrophysiology and cardiovascular patients during invasive diagnostic and interventional angiographic procedures.

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Under limited supervision provides patient care within a broad range of health care needs in Cardiac Special Procedures. To include, but not limited to: basic Electrophysiology Diagnostic and Interventional procedures, Implantable Cardiac Devices, Cardiac, Peripheral Vascular and Nephrology Diagnostic and Interventional procedures.

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Systematically and continuously collects, assesses and documents data in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to provide procedural care for the patient. Documentation of chronological events of the procedure and medical care during the procedure will require basic computer skills to complete electronic medical record.

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Assists the physician in the performance of pediatric and adult invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures.

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Documents obtains accurate patient information and assists with data entry for national registries including but not limited to ACC/NCDR CathPCI, ICD and CARE registries.

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Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the moderate sedation process.

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Assists with the patient monitoring of level of moderate sedation in conjunction with procedure performed and individual patient's clinical state. Initiates additional patient comfort measures/alternatives for sedation, as appropriate.

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Assures that informed consent has been obtained on the patient prior to the start of the procedure and that all questions and concerns have been answered to the patient's satisfaction. Actively participates in the Universal Protocol for all invasive procedures.

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Assists in the checking of daily quality controls for a wide range of equipment utilized in the routine care of a patient presenting to the Heart & Vascular Care Procedure Center.

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Develops/integrates standards of care for patients presenting to the lab.

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Implements safe, competent and efficient care to patients within UWH and departmental policies, procedures and standards across a variety of populations and complexity of situations.

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Foresees potential problems, adapts priorities and plans independently with and without outside direction.

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Demonstrates knowledge of cardiovascular medications, vasopressors and anti-arrhythmic agents including dosing, side effects, and drug interactions per ACLS guidelines. Able to identify adverse events or unanticipated outcomes using critical thinking skills and notifies the medical staff including nurses and physicians appropriately.

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Demonstrates technical skills, trouble shooting skills, and expert knowledge of catheters and equipment used during EP and Cardiovascular procedures. Actively participates in annual CV skills, ECG competency and unit competencies as required.

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Demonstrates a basic understanding of radiological safety, shielding techniques, imaging skills and X-ray equipment, analyzing and recording equipment and other equipment utilized in the Heart & Vascular Procedure Center.

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Implements safe, competent and efficient procedure care to cardiovascular patients within policies, procedures and standards of care across a variety of populations and complexity of situations within the scope of practice.

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Foresees potential problems and adapts priorities, plans independently and with & without medical direction. In response to general information/data indicative of potential urgent or emergent life-threatening risks, initiates action to reduce or correct the risk per ACLS guidelines.

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Serves as role model and resource for both internal and external customers regarding standards of care for the subspecialty of patients. The incumbent is responsible for pre, intra and post procedure care of Cardiac Special Procedures patients to include but not limited to diagnostic, therapeutic / interventional Cardiac, Peripheral Vascular, Nephrology and basic EP procedures.

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Uses a variety of specialty cardiovascular equipment and X-Ray equipment. Understands the capabilities of this equipment and is able to perform troubleshooting strategies as indicated to support patient care.

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Maintains an expertise in image acquisition, transfer and archiving.

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Properly enters service requests for equipment failure and notifies Invasive Cardiology Supervisor/Manager appropriately.

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Cleans, Disinfects, and inspects equipment.

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Checks the status of the imaging and specialty equipment to ensure device is in proper operating condition.

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Analyzes and assists in resolving problems resulting in improvement of patient care, practice and system operations.

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Identifies areas and assists in the Improving Organizational Performance (IOP) process in the Cardiovascular/EP Lab and relating areas.

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Displays professional attitudes and behaviors i.e.; trust, respect, honesty and caring.

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Strives to maintain constructive, positive working relationships with other units and support staff.

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Effectively communicates with patients, families, professionals, supportive personnel and others.

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Pursues knowledge and education that enhances professional practice. Identifies and communicates educational needs using formal and informal resources.

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Utilizes product literature, professional literature, and company representatives as competency resources.

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Seeks supervision of performance when appropriate.

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Shares knowledge within the department at staff meetings through participation in continuing education activities.

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Evaluates and plans own professional growth in relation to expectations for practice in specialty area.

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Maintains professional standards in conjunction with those practice standards recommended by professional societies such as SCAI, RCIS.

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Acts as preceptor for other staff, students and fellows.

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Evaluates and updates teaching materials for Cardiac Special Procedure patients.

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Communicates with appropriate personnel for follow-up of procedure patients and identification of specific learning needs.

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Participates in activities that support the advancement of clinical practice through best practice literature, professional organizations, research and hospital committees and councils.

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Participates in IOP activities. Assists in investigating potential practice problems in the delivery of patient care in the Heart & Vascular Care Procedure Center.

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Assists in identifying and coordinating studies with the Cardiac Special Procedures Lab and other related areas.

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Assists in implementation of methods to improve care in areas identified as deficient by IOP studies.

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Participates and assists in current cardiovascular research studies that are ongoing or developed.

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Acts to facilitate cost control in use of material and human resources.

ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

X

Clinical

(Select all that apply)

X

Infants (Birth - 11 months)

X

Toddlers (1 - 3 years)

X

Preschool (4 - 5 years)

X

School Age (6 - 12 years)

X

Adolescent (13 - 19 years)

X

Young Adult (20 - 40 years)

X

Middle Adult (41 - 65 years)

X

Older Adult (Over 65)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Graduate of a Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Technologist (CVIS) training program

Required

One year of Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), Electrophysiology or Interventional Radiology experience or participation in the CVT apprenticeship program may be considered in lieu of education requirement

Graduate of a Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (CVIS) Technologist training program

Preferred

2 years

of Cardiovascular Technologist work experience in a Cardiac Catheterization or Electrophysiology Laboratory

Preferred

Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR Certification

Upon Hire

Required

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

within 6 months

Required

RCIS certification.  If a graduate meeting minimum education requirement, then licensed, certified, or registered by appropriate credentialing program

Preferred

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Self-motivated & directed with regard to an increasing level of understanding and knowledge.

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Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects and meets objectives and deadlines.

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Effective oral and written professional communication skills.

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Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors at all times.

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Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy.

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Ability to use initiative and independent judgment.

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Ability to work independently.

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Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, healthcare professionals and external vendors.

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Knowledge regarding quality improvement and standards of care within practice area.

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Capable of demonstrating flexibility with demands of external/internal customers placed on operating functions of the department.

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Basic computer skills required.

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Capable of wearing lead aprons for extended periods of time.

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Physical ability to lift and position patients and assist with patient transfers utilizing beds or stretchers.

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On Call Requirement: Call response time of 30 minutes from pager activation to arrival, dressed in scrubs and reported to F6/3 HVC Procedure Center

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

☐

Sedentary: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one, which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10#

Negligible

Negligible

☐

Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may only be negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

up to 20#

Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls.

Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight

☒

Medium: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

20-50#

10-25#

Negligible-10#

☐

Heavy: Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

50-100#

25-50#

10-20#

☐

Very Heavy: Ability to lift over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Over 100#

Over 50#

Over 20#

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.