Description

Summary

The Cath Lab nurse is responsible for providing and managing effective nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac procedures, using the nursing process and current standards of care. The incumbent provides patient education pre and post cardiac procedures. The incumbent is able to establish IV access, use IV infusion pumps and prepare and administer drugs necessary for procedure and monitors physiological patient responses.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:
• Aseptically preparing patient and the surgical field, selecting required instruments, catheters, guide wires and ancillary equipment necessary for the prescribed procedure. Prepping and draping patient according to protocol.
• Providing venous access via initiation of an intravenous line and setting IV pump to ordered drip rate and medication dosage.
• Venous access skill-set for IV medication administration.
• Preparing and administering cardiac medications as directed by the attending Cardiologist for all emergency and non-emergency situations in the Cath/EP Labs and Echocardiography.
• Administering and monitoring patients receiving anxiolysis or moderate sedation for all cardiac Cath procedures or transesophageal echo procedures.
• Providing critical care level nursing to critically ill patients which includes maintaining a patient on the ventilator, adjusting critical care medications, critical assessments and notifying staff of changes.
• Setting up computers in order to acquire, reconstruct and analyze data using various computer software and peripheral devices (digital imaging, and video formatters) to quantitate coronary lesions and to generate ventricular analysis reports, cardiac output, gradients, valve areas and other diagnostic parameters for patient reports.
• Assisting in Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) set-up by calibrating the machine and correlating the mechanics of the IABP with the cardiac cycle and/or pressure waveform.
• Assisting in maintaining sterile field, helping with catheter exchanges, injections, and balloon dilatation. Circulating responsibilities include providing supplies, administering medications, monitoring the patient and responding to emergencies. Hemodynamic and ECG monitoring, and ensuring optimal performance of radiological equipment.
• Removing arterial and venous sheaths and achieving effective hemostasis.
• Assisting in collecting blood and expired gas samples to determine Fick and thermodilution cardiac outputs.
• Dopplers patients with suspected peripheral vascular disease to determine: a) the best approach; and b) document peripheral flow post cath.
• Providing nursing care, medication administration and set-up for non-invasive procedures (Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms, Trans-Esophageal Echocardiograms, Treadmill Stress Testing).
• Maintaining practice and unit specific competencies. Utilizing protocols and Directives for safe procedural and patient care activities.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30AM to 4:00PM or 7:30AM to 6:00PM (8 or 10 hour shifts), on call weekend and off tours required.

Compressed/Flexible: Available.

Telework: Not available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected] and [email protected], the EDRP Coordinators for questions/assistance. Learn more.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards.

Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Help

Requirements

Conditions of Employment
• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6) OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Preferred Experience:
• BSN
• ACLS
• One year of EP or Cath Lab procedural experience
• Minimum of two to three years critical care or procedural care experience

Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:
• Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
• Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience.
• Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.
• Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
• Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience.

Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; straight pulling (6 hours); pushing (2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (6 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (6 hours); both legs required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); visual acuity 20/30 corrected.

Environmental Factors: Working with hands in water; working closely with others.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Read more
• Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System

1660 South Columbian Way

Seattle, WA 98108

US

Responsibilities

• The Cath Lab nurse is responsible for providing and managing effective nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac procedures, using the nursing process and current standards of care
• The incumbent provides patient education pre and post cardiac procedures
• The incumbent is able to establish IV access, use IV infusion pumps and prepare and administer drugs necessary for procedure and monitors physiological patient responses
• Aseptically preparing patient and the surgical field, selecting required instruments, catheters, guide wires and ancillary equipment necessary for the prescribed procedure
• Prepping and draping patient according to protocol
• Providing venous access via initiation of an intravenous line and setting IV pump to ordered drip rate and medication dosage
• Venous access skill-set for IV medication administration
• Preparing and administering cardiac medications as directed by the attending Cardiologist for all emergency and non-emergency situations in the Cath/EP Labs and Echocardiography
• Administering and monitoring patients receiving anxiolysis or moderate sedation for all cardiac Cath procedures or transesophageal echo procedures
• Providing critical care level nursing to critically ill patients which includes maintaining a patient on the ventilator, adjusting critical care medications, critical assessments and notifying staff of changes
• Setting up computers in order to acquire, reconstruct and analyze data using various computer software and peripheral devices (digital imaging, and video formatters) to quantitate coronary lesions and to generate ventricular analysis reports, cardiac output, gradients, valve areas and other diagnostic parameters for patient reports
• Assisting in Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) set-up by calibrating the machine and correlating the mechanics of the IABP with the cardiac cycle and/or pressure waveform
• Assisting in maintaining sterile field, helping with catheter exchanges, injections, and balloon dilatation
• Circulating responsibilities include providing supplies, administering medications, monitoring the patient and responding to emergencies
• Hemodynamic and ECG monitoring, and ensuring optimal performance of radiological equipment
• Removing arterial and venous sheaths and achieving effective hemostasis
• Assisting in collecting blood and expired gas samples to determine Fick and thermodilution cardiac outputs
• Dopplers patients with suspected peripheral vascular disease to determine: a) the best approach; and b) document peripheral flow post cath
• Providing nursing care, medication administration and set-up for non-invasive procedures (Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms, Trans-Esophageal Echocardiograms, Treadmill Stress Testing)
• Maintaining practice and unit specific competencies
• Utilizing protocols and Directives for safe procedural and patient care activities
• Performing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details
• Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration
• OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing
• Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6) OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia
• Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:
• Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required
• Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; straight pulling (6 hours); pushing (2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (6 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (6 hours); both legs required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); visual acuity 20/30 corrected
• Environmental Factors: Working with hands in water; working closely with others
• Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S

Educational Requirements

• Associates Degree

Benefits

• Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application
• Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
• Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards
• Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding