The Nuclear Cardiology staff nurse is a registered nurse who is responsible for providing and assuring proficient, compassionate nursing care for patients and loved ones seeking cardiac diagnostic stress testing. The staff nurse is responsible and accountable for the overall nursing care management of this designated group of patients during stress testing as well as all patients receiving care within Molecular Medicine. This includes collaboration with other professional, non-professional and support staff. In addition, they provide clinical support to allied staff/departments. They collaborate with the Unit's Managers and members of the Patient Care Team to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Requires RN to work and walk between the 2 areas, in the main hospital and Yawkey, to care for both in and out-patients. Requires ability to assist in the physical transfer of patients as well as provide total nursing care/physical assistance to patients within the department. The RN must be able to anticipate, assess and respond to the specific needs of the cardiac/medical patient population, including performing CPR, patients walking on the treadmill, ADLs, IV therapy, etc. Physical efforts required for this position include, bending, lifting 1-50 lbs. (including transport/use of cardiac monitor/defibrillator), walking to various units within the hospital, i.e. exchange of code cart, transfer of patients and pushing stretchers and wheelchairs.
Primary responsibilities:
Provides competent, compassionate nursing care based on scientific principles and the use of nursing process.
Performs a focused patient interview as an integral component of assessing patients' appropriateness for eligibility for stress testing.
Synthesizes complex physiologic parameters to determine appropriateness or ineligibility for testing of individual patients.
Actively advocates for a safe patient experience. Assesses for, identifies and responds appropriately to patient care issues.
Maintains up to date information related to Acute Coronary Syndromes, cardiac markers, and clinical evaluation of patients with known or suspected Ischemic Heart Disease, and applies these concepts in evaluating patients, including appropriateness/contraindications for stress testing. Is knowledgeable regarding common secondary diagnosis/disease states, i.e. Diabetes, COPD, Oncology, etc., and applies these to care of the acute/in-patient and out-patient populations. Is familiar with common lab values, interprets their significance and applies to individual patient scenarios/clinical decision-making. Engages in learning opportunities/education to care for patients being considered for other imaging techniques, i.e. Cardiac PET scans.
Applies American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines when assessing patients for stress testing.
Independently performs both exercise and pharmacologic stress testing including 12 lead ECG interpretation, arrhythmia recognition, as well as recognizes indications for terminating the stress study.
Develops a personal philosophy in which one feels increasingly comfortable in taking clinically sound and appropriate risks.
Critically evaluates own decision making and judgments. Learns, adapts and improves own nursing practice based on evaluations of nursing performance and feedback.
Documents relevant patient information on the data collection form and in the patient's chart. Demonstrates good computer skills and knowledge of clinical/departmental computer applications.
Recognizes, assesses and responds to acute/emergency situations, including chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in mental status, arrhythmias, hemodynamic instability and syncope among others, airway assessment and initial management of a compromised patient (i.e. acute respiratory failure) and demonstrates the ability to respond appropriately including the ability to implement and direct initial cardiac resuscitative efforts, prepare and administer IV medications, etc.
Accurately identifies arrhythmias and interprets 12 lead ECGs and is aware of when additional/adjunct resources are needed.
Responsible for patients requiring cardiac telemetry.
Manages unexpected clinical situations and multiple competing priorities in a flexible and adaptable manner. Is able to appropriately and effectively prioritize and delegate responsibilities as needed.
Operationalizing the critical mission of the Nuclear Cardiology Lab related to the overall hospital's LOS priorities.
Possesses a global awareness of the daily schedule both for the individual as well as the entire staff.
Provides and maintains a therapeutic environment for patients and their loved ones.
Articulates the role of the Nuclear Cardiology Lab staff nurse to the patient, loved ones and health team members.
Maintains open lines of communication with Lab staff as well as with the nursing staff on the patient care units, providing for collaborative relationships with staff. Effectively provides accurate patient status report to appropriate staff caring for patients, both in the lab and with the patient's care-unit/team members.
Is open and inclusive of other's values.
Values and develops collaborative relationships with patients and loved ones to optimize participation in the testing process, and thus optimize the quality of the test results.
Defines standards of excellence for patient's undergoing stress testing.
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills vital to deliver care appropriate to the age of patients served (school age and above).
Challenges and shapes systems on the unit and hospital wide to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Actively empowers and advocates for patients and loved ones to maintain their participation in decision-making and goal setting.
Responsible for providing nursing care to Stress lab patients including the Stress Holding Area, exam rooms, Non-Imaging rooms, camera rooms, prep rooms, etc.
Collaborates with other professionals and directs nonprofessional personnel in maintaining recognized standards.
Teaches, coordinates and directs all personnel for whom they are responsible.
Participates in orientation of new staff members.
Appropriately uses nursing resources.
Accesses and interprets hospital and department policies and procedures to nurses and other health care team members. Is competent and able to navigate applicable computer programs/applications.
Demonstrates a spirit of inquiry as it relates to stress testing.
Promotes the development of collaborative relationships with colleagues and peers by communicating in a constructive manner.
Values the complementary contribution to a positive and successful patient outcome from all staff groups within the Department of Nuclear Cardiology as well as other departments, i.e. Echocardiography, PET CT, etc.
Acts as a resource and provides nursing support to colleagues for patients undergoing stress testing.
Assists with observational experiences of IHP students and RN staff orienting to the hospital units.
Participates in daily operational activities necessary for efficient and safe patient/staff environment.
Applies resources efficiently to facilitate optimal patient care.
Acts as resource to staff to coordinate/accommodate patient testing, staffing needs, promote efficient operations/communications, etc.
Provides clinical support/nursing services within Nuclear Cardiology as well as allied departments as needed, including SPECT studies, echocardiography, PET CT & PET MR studies, etc.
We offer a variety of comprehensive benefits packages to eligible employees such as:
Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Generous paid time off
Subsidized MBTA pass (50% discount)
Resources for childcare and emergency backup care
Hospital paid retirement plan and tax-sheltered annuity plan
Employee "Perks" - enjoy discounts on tickets and passes for everything from ski resorts to museums to sporting events.
You contribute to our success! Every role has an impact on our patients' lives. You can make a difference. We are looking for dedicated RN like you to be a part of our team!
About Mass General Hospital
Mass General Hospital is a world-renowned hospital that provides the highest quality care to patients. We are a leader in medical research and education, and we are committed to delivering our employees with a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Qualifications
RN diploma graduate or Associates Degree with 1 year of relevant experience is the minimum requirement
BSN is preferred
Required: 1 year nursing experience
Preferred: Cardiac telemetry
EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
