Cardiac Registered Nurse

The Nurse Clinician, under the general supervision of the Assistant Clinical Manger, and in collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Non-Invasive Cardiology Attending, and fellows evaluates patients referred for cardiac stress testing according to established guidelines. Nurse Clinician will review patients' medical history and perform focused cardiovascular assessment prior to testing. Administers exercise and/or pharmacological stress tests in Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Non-Invasive, and MRI. Provides initial management of arrhythmia or adverse events that may occur during stress testing. Under the supervision of the cardiology fellow and Non-Invasive cardiologist attending, administers moderate sedation and monitors patients undergoing Transesophageal Echocardiogram with or without cardioversion. Monitors patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) in MRI department. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

The Nurse Clinician is expected to embrace Brown Health University (BHU) mission of "Delivering health with care" and successfully role model BHU's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Evaluates patients referred to for stress testing according to standard criteria and guidelines. Identifies indications and contraindications for stress testing. Safety concerns are communicated to Cardiology Attending or Fellow prior to proceeding.

Interviews patient referred for cardiac stress testing. Performs a focused cardiovascular assessment to detect evidence of any of the following conditions such as, but not limited to: Heart Murmur, Congestive Heart Failure, Cervical Bruit, Arrhythmias, Edema, Vascular Insufficiency.

Suggests appropriate stress testing protocol based on patient assessment.

Explains the stress test being performed to patients and obtains consent.

Performs baseline 12 lead ECG interpretation and compares resting ECG to stress ECG tracings. Identifies patterns or ischemia, infarct, and other common ECG abnormalities.

Recognizes life threatening arrhythmias and initiates therapy according to ACLS guidelines. Demonstrates effective interventions of complications when they occur and reports any concerning findings to cardiology team.

Documents nursing assessment and stress testing procedure information in patients' medical records.

Understands and practices ALARA principles of radiation protection, including the use and exchange of personal dosimeters.

Administers moderate sedation to patients undergoing Transesophageal Echocardiogram, and monitors throughout the procedure into recovery.

Administers Definity and Agitated Saline for "Bubble Studies", when indicated per Echocardiogram protocol.

Monitor patient with CIED's and place them in MRI safe mode, by programming the device to non-inhibited or asynchronous settings. Patients are monitored during the procedure and then placed back to previous settings.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Must have current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Rhode Island. Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.

Advanced Cardiac Life support and Basic Life support certifications.

Advanced physical assessment skills and strong cardiac background. Able to obtain a comprehensive patient history and perform a focused physical assessment on patients referred for stress testing, to determine safety of administering a cardiac stress test.

Analytical ability to interpret 12 lead ECG, recognize cardiac arrhythmias and intervene appropriately.

Knowledgeable in administration of moderate sedation and monitoring patients during and post sedation after a Transesophageal ECHO with or without cardioversion.

Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients and physicians.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimal three years' related experience plus additional training preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability to assist in lifting and positioning patients, frequent walking, standing, pushing patients on stretchers and wheelchairs.

Exposure to low level radiation.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Nurse Clinician functions independently within the department's policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to supervisor when clarification of departmental policies or procedures are required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Pay Range:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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Driving Required:

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