Cardiology APC

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Chief of Cardiology for clinical issues and for administrative issues. The Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner will work with the Cardiovascular physicians to facilitate the assessment, evaluation, preparation, procedures and follow up of cardiology patients.

Job Description

1 - Facilitate the assessment and work up of cardiology patients in any environment including, but not limited to: Outpatient Office, ED, and Inpatient floors.

   a - The Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant will be responsible for obtaining and coordinating the following general items: history and physical, laboratory results, charting of clinical findings, admission orders, nursing instructions, clinical documentation required by various registries and other required elements. 

   b - In collaboration with the Hospitalist Service, will coordinate admissions and transfers to the hospital, and ensure that informed consent for procedures is obtained at the appropriate time. 

   c - Perform pre-procedure assessments in the Recovery room/holding area, Emergency Department, Inpatient Floors, or outpatient setting as needed.

2 - Medical Treatment and Post-procedure Care

   a - The Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant will be responsible for all aspects of care under the supervision of the attending physician, including but not limited to: fluid and electrolyte management, nutrition, pain management, transfusion therapy, anticoagulation management and patient education.

   b - Assist in the evaluation and management of clinical events such as fever, altered hemodynamics, CHF, pulmonary complications, abrupt vessel closure, arrhythmias, access site complications and others. 

3 - Education and Professional Development

   a - Attends internal and external education meetings and read appropriate professional journals in order to maintain and enhance skills and clinical competence.  

   b - Completes 100 hours of continuing medical education necessary during each 2-year period of employment. 

   c - Analyzes causes of problems, identifies and evaluates alternative solutions, and selects appropriate solution, and communicates appropriately and effectively utilizing chain of command. 
 

   d - Assumes an active role in keeping informed about changes in hospital policy, procedure, and equipment.

4 - SAFETY/QUALITY - Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
a. Verifies patient identification with two identifiers prior to the start of a visit including administration of care, medications, labeled specimens and documents confirming the correct patient, procedure, site, equipment, and consent


b. Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing. Adheres to universal precautions, makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times and appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.  Maintains awareness of MSDS sheets and how to access.


c. Understands and is able to demonstrate individual roles and responsibilities in the event of hospital codes/emergency preparedness.



d. Demonstrates compliance with and participates in quality indicators/standards on the unit and hospital wide. (hand hygiene, Press Ganey, nursing indicators)


e. Adheres to guidelines for disposal of waste (biohazardous, pharmaceutical and PHI)
 

5 - Maintains a knowledge of culturally competent care to improve health outcomes for diverse patient populations

6 - Rounds on patients on the floor or in the unit as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Cont.)

1 - Technology and Learning

   a - Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

   b - Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.