Facility: Kennestone Hospital
Job Summary: The RN Outpatient Cardiovascular Nurse is a proactive member of an interdisciplinary team of licensed and unlicensed care givers who ensure that patients, families, and significant others receive individualized high quality, safe patient care. They practice in a clinical environment that is administered by Nurse Managers and other leaders and is supported through the Wellstar Shared Governance Model. The framework for practice is steered by the Wellstar Professional Practice Model and evidence-based practice and research. RN competencies are derived from these models and supported by the Wellstar Values in Action. It is expected that all RN Clinical Nurses are licensed, knowledgeable and uphold the practice of nursing as outlined by the Georgia Professional Nurse Practice Act and implements the Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics Standards put forth by the American Nurses Association. As a member of the patient services team, it is expected that the individual upholds the voice of the patient, system policies and procedures while supporting service excellence goals. Cardiac Diagnostics: The RN Outpatient Cardiovascular Nurse will work in the Cardiac Stress Lab and report to the program Manager. This individual will utilize a high level of knowledge of cardiology to perform various stress testing and provide quality patient care.. The RN will interpret data received prior to procedure, utilize nursing judgment that is in line with safety protocols and effectively communicates issues with physicians. The Diagnostic Nurse must be self-directed and act independently and to intervene as appropriate to resolve issues. Cardiac Rehab: The RN Outpatient Cardiovascular Nurse RN reports directly to the Manager Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, in conjunction with Subject Matter Experts. Key responsibilities of the role include providing age appropriate, patient specific care that addresses the biological, emotional, psychological, physical fitness, and educational needs of the patients/family; collaboration with system care partners such as cardiologists, health psychology, diabetes education, and other wellness programs to ensure patients have access to all areas in the continuum of care. Through partnering with the multidisciplinary team of professionals, the development of individualized goal-oriented care plans, the RN is central to the success of each patient in the Cardiac Rehab program.
Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions: Patient Care - Maintains a safe environment for patient care based on understanding of clinical/technological advances in nursing practice. - Direct assessments, evaluation, and monitoring for all patients undergoing any cardiac stress testing and/or cardiac rehab exercise. - Collects patient history and physical review to include current medication records. - Conducts appropriate patient interviews. - Assures informed consent and obtaining all necessary patient signatures. - IV insertions and IV medication delivery. - Emergency administration of medication upon physician orders. - Cardiopulmonary monitoring and status assessments. - Daily monitoring of crash cart and/or jump bag. - Intervenes in emergency situations in accordance with AHA ACLS protocols. - Consults with the physician as needed based on medical status of patient. - Documents patient information in electronic medical record. - Maintains strictest confidentiality concerning patients medical and personal information. - Works closely with the medical, nursing, and ancillary staff of the institution to provide quality and safe care. - Review laboratory data for abnormal or unusual results prior to administration of any medication (Cardiac Diagnostics only). - Initiates Individual Treatment Plan based on individual needs and diagnosis. (Cardiac Rehab only). - Develops and adjusts individual exercise prescription in accordance with patient daily responses to exercise according to department policy, ACSM and AACVPR guidelines. (Cardiac Rehab only). - Responsible for blood pressure measurement, observation of telemetry responses to exercise and blood glucose measurement per department policy. (Cardiac Rehab only). - Assesses patients knowledge of cardiovascular disease, nutrition, risk factors and develops educational plan to meet individual needs. Leads education in 1:1 and/or group settings. Leads group cool down and strength training exercises. (Cardiac Rehab only) Other duties as assigned. Team Responsibilities - Maintains positive interaction with co-workers. - Sets realistic goals and objectives, prioritizes tasks, and works within established deadlines in conjunction with department manager. - Participates in emergency training session and provides emergency care per department policy. - Attends a minimum of of scheduled staff meetings. If unable to attend, obtains information from meeting minutes. - Supports and assists in development of performance and process improvement initiatives designed to promote highest quality patient care. - Maintains flexibility to respond to changing needs of team. - Contributes to cohesive group relations and communicate effectively with team members about individual patient findings or concerns. - Serves as professional role model within nursing profession. - Promotes professional nursing practice through shared governance, evidence-based practice, and ethical accountability. - Serves as mentor in development of peers and staff. Technology - Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Success Factors, and Epic EMR. Self- Development - Stays currents in the field of Cardiovascular Disease/Cardiopulmonary Stress Testing and/or cardiac rehabilitation and cardiovascular disease through. - journals, in-services, webcasts, computer-based learning modules, meetings, peer-to-peer teaching, and conferences. - Identifies self-learning needs and seeks opportunities for improvement. - Participates in group activities, in-services, and personal efforts to gain proficiency in Core Competencies.
Required Minimum Education: Graduate of an accredited/approved school of nursing: Required and Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing Preferred
Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s): All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.
- Reg Nurse (Single State) or RN - Multi-state Compact
- Basic Life Support or BLS - Instructor
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support or ACLS - Instructor or ACLS - Provisional
Additional License(s) and Certification(s): hold a privilege to practice in the State of Georgia under the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Upon Hire Required and National certification in area of specialty Upon Hire Preferred
Required Minimum Experience: Minimum 5 years nursing experience is required that includes sufficient clinical and management background o insure competence in nursing practice and basic management functions Required or Minimum 2 years cardiac nursing experience Preferred
Required Minimum Skills: Ability to read, write, and speak the English language. Ability to develop goal-oriented care plans for patients. Proficient as self-direction and act independently based on patient test results. Proven ability to intervene as appropriate to resolve patient issues. Compliance with the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Professional Nurses. Knowledge of and practices within parameters outlined in Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act.
