The Registered Nurse is accountable to the Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse Manager within Nursing Services who is the rating and approving official.

Duties

Demonstrates expert knowledge, technical skills, and application of the nursing process in providing comprehensive, effective healthcare to the patient's we serve. Implements Cardiac Cath Lab specific education for patients/families to promote self-care. Perform an initial focused assessment of patient's condition upon admission on all patients during pre-procedure phase of Moderate Sedation and/or Monitored Anesthesia Care. Demonstrates nursing assessment and reassessment skills for the Cardiac Cath Lab and/or any Outpatient Service patient during the intra-procedure phase of Moderate Sedation and/or Monitored Anesthesia Care. Demonstrates knowledge, procedure, and ability to manage care of the Cardiac Cath Lab patient during diagnostic and therapeutic Cardiac Cath procedures. Demonstrates knowledge, procedure, and ability to operate equipment and accessories during diagnostic and therapeutic Cardiac Cath procedures. Proficient in the knowledge of major cardiac diagnoses, medications used in the procedure labs, medications used during emergency situations, knowledge of sterile technique, and flexibility to assist wherever needed. Function in several roles to include, preprocedural assessments, post procedural recovery, and assisting providers during procedures. Maintain proficiency on the maintenance, cleaning, and preparation of cardiology specific equipment. They recognize changes in patient care situations and initiate appropriate emergency responses. Documents care given according to policy and supervises others in the same. Performance reflects knowledge in areas of care specific to Cardiac Cath Lab (i.e. moderate/conscious sedation and various complex procedures). Coordinates and supervises patient care of multiple patients, prioritizing patient care to ensure patient needs are met in a timely fashion to enhance patient flow. Assess patient's pain level; document patient's pain level; acknowledge patient's acceptable level of pain and reassess pain levels as needed. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educate the patient and family regarding pain management. Obtain, document, and assess vital signs of patient on admission and per Moderate Sedation/Analgesia requirements unless patient's condition warrants more frequent assessment. Observes behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions and documents. Adjusts and acts upon expectations of patient's behavior, according to the effect medication has on patient. Demonstrates ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment. Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring; identification of basic cardiac rhythms as well as dysrhythmias; and taking appropriate action for cardiac dysrhythmias. Requires competency in EKG recognition, clinical competence in hemodynamic monitoring, data interpretation, and various interventional Cardiac procedures. The nurse must demonstrate nursing skills to manage and assist with emergency or life-threatening situations, (airway management and resuscitation efforts). The nurse will have knowledge, competency and will circulate and scrub in for the Structural heart Left and Right, Transesophageal echocardiogram cardioversion, Heart ablation, valve replacement, TAVR, Thrombectomies, stents, angioplasties, assisting Implants of Pacemakers, TEE's, Catheterizations, ICD's and other procedures. Other duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards 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 Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0730 - 1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), 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 the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited 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); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (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 to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). 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. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12681266. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Preferred Experience: 2-5 years of current Cath Lab/Nursing experience required. 2-5 years of current moderate sedation experience required. 2 years of experience working in Procedural/Surgical nursing environment that conducts Emergency cases with need of experience Advance Cardiovascular Life Support required. Ability to rotate 24/7 call duties including weekends and holidays with a 30 minute or less response time. Demonstrates expert knowledge, technical skills, and application of the nursing process in providing comprehensive, effective healthcare in Cath Lab / Emergency Medical setting. Current ACLS/BLS certification required. Demonstrates flexibility/adaptability to maximize available resources to ensure comprehensive, effective healthcare delivery in Cath Lab and Outpatient clinical services. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and interdisciplinary teamwork. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35·pounds for 8-12 hours, intermittently, moderate carrying (15-35 pounds) for 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, lifting over 35 pounds with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care, pulling for 8 to 12 hours intermittently, pushing for 8-12 hours, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8-12 hours, intermittently, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, repeated bending for 8-12 hours, intermittently, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted, twisting, simple grasp and fine manipulation.

Education

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), or Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) must be fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission On Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Verification of accreditation may be obtained from http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm or https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp

• If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
• If your school was accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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.

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]