Cardiology Clinical Nurse, RN

The scope of practice of the Cardiology nurse occurs within the framework of the nursing process & encompasses those nursing functions which assist the members as well as support all procedures in the Cardiology department. Nursing functions are directed toward providing continuity of care for the cardiology patients.

Essential Functions:
* Prepares patients for appointments with providers & for Nuclear Cardiology under the direction of the physician/provider.
* Assists the Cardiologists with procedures requiring professional nursing, including but not limited to Nuclear Cardiology.
* Provides pre-procedural assessment & preparation, intra-procedural intervention & post-procedural evaluation. Utilizes this assessment for identification of actual & potential needs.
* Applies nursing judgment for tolerance of procedures & medications & communicates findings with the Cardiologist.
* Prepares & administers cardiovascular agents & other medications, per the physician's order.
* Demonstrates knowledge of the actions of the cardiovascular diagnostic & therapeutic agents.
* Assess patient response during chemically induced cardiology procedures.
* Responds to all medical and/or pharmacological reactions & medical emergencies, assuming the role as team leader until the attending Cardiologist or Emergency Medical Response Team arrives.
* Follows established Cardiology protocols to maintain a clean & safe working environment. Safeguards self & others against the hazards of toxic drugs. Disposes of biohazardous waste according to approved protocol and abides by federal, state & or local standards regarding drug accountability.
* Maintains crash carts, defibrillator, & other emergency equipment & supplies.
* Demonstrates ability to use the electronic medical record. Documents medication administration, patient response to therapeutic interventions & procedures &all patient encounters.
* Relays messages between providers & patients as directed. Collects information & data required by providers such as laboratory & x-ray results, consultation reports, etc.
* Communicates w/consultants regarding laboratory studies & patient care. Arranges for follow-up care as needed or directed.
* Participates in staff meetings & attends in-service programs.
* Maintains & updates knowledge by attending continuing education programs related to Cardiology. Provides education for staff members.
* Is familiar with community resources available to patients.
* Is knowledgeable of Kaiser Permanente resources w/whom to consult for information on additional resources.
* Performs other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:
* 2 years of current cardiology experience with at least 1 year in cardiology inpatient or ambulatory environment required.
* Current experience administering intravenous infusion required.
* Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing required.
* RN license in jurisdiction to which assigned.
* Current ACLS Certification required.
* Current CPR Certification required.

* Allergy experience preferred.