Position Summary
The Cardiac Stress Testing Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing safe, high-quality nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac stress testing procedures, including nuclear stress tests and cardiac PET stress studies. This position plays an essential role in the cardiovascular imaging department by assessing patients, administering medications as ordered, establishing IV access, monitoring patients throughout stress testing procedures, and responding appropriately to changes in patient condition. The RN works collaboratively with nuclear medicine technologists, physicians, and other clinical staff to ensure efficient workflow, patient safety, and compliance with established clinical protocols.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Preparation
- Prep patients charts and review patient medical history, current medications, allergies, and relevant clinical information prior to testing.
- Assess baseline vital signs and evaluate patient readiness for stress testing.
- Obtain baseline ECG and assist with review of pertinent clinical information.
- Explain testing procedures to patients and provide appropriate pre- and post-procedure instructions.
- Identify potential contraindications or concerns and communicate findings to the appropriate provider.
Stress Testing Responsibilities
- Provide direct nursing supervision during exercise and pharmacologic cardiac stress testing.
- Establish and maintain peripheral IV access for administration of radiopharmaceuticals and other prescribed medications.
- Administer medications under appropriate physician orders and established protocols.
- Monitor ECG rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and patient symptoms throughout the stress testing procedure.
- Recognize and respond promptly to abnormal cardiac rhythms, changes in patient condition, and potential adverse reactions.
- Maintain appropriate emergency preparedness and initiate emergency response procedures when indicated.
- Coordinate with nuclear medicine technologists to ensure appropriate timing and progression of stress testing protocols.
- Provide appropriate patient monitoring and documentation throughout the testing process.
Clinical Documentation and Compliance
- Accurately document patient assessments, vital signs, medications administered, patient responses, and any complications.
- Maintain accurate and complete nursing records in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Follow established department protocols, infection control standards, and patient safety guidelines.
- Maintain current BLS and ACLS certifications.
- Ensure emergency equipment and supplies are readily available and maintained according to department standards.
Teamwork and Department Operations
- Collaborate with nuclear medicine technologists, physicians, medical assistants, and other clinical staff to support daily department operations.
- Assist with maintaining efficient patient flow and minimizing delays in scheduled testing.
- Communicate patient concerns, testing complications, and workflow issues to department leadership.
- Participate in department meetings, quality assurance activities, and ongoing staff education.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to excellent patient care.
Minimum Qualifications/Education/Certifications
- Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Georgia.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- Previous experience in cardiology, cardiac stress testing, critical care, emergency medicine, or related clinical setting preferred.
- Strong understanding of cardiac rhythms, ECG monitoring, and cardiovascular assessment.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize and respond to clinical emergencies.
- Strong IV insertion skills and medication administration experience.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to assist patients with mobility and positioning as needed.
- Ability to respond quickly to patient emergencies.
- Ability to perform required clinical duties in a fast-paced outpatient environment.
Full-Time Benefits & Perks
- Set scheduled 4-day work week
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (effective 1st of the month following 60 days)
- Company-paid Long-Term Disability (60%) and $25,000 Basic Life Insurance
- 6 Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4 of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas
- PTO accrued at 3.08 hours per paycheck (80 hrs/yr)
- 401k matching program after 1 year worked
- VIP Status at both Southeastern Cardiology and Southeastern Gastroenterology
- Discounts through Uniforms of America, and the Working Advantage program.