Stress RN - Cardiac PET CT

Performs stress testing per departmental and Supervising Physician’s protocol.  Supports the Nuclear Medicine program by performing nuclear, regular and pharmacological stress tests.  Assists with Dobutamine Stress Echo, Definity/Echo contrast, and Echo Bubble Studies (70%) 

• Assess baseline ECG, blood pressure, and explain stress procedure to patient 

• Screen patient for indications and contraindications to stress test ordered and notify Supervising Physician if needed 

• Monitor ECG, blood pressure, patient symptoms (if any) throughout exam per protocol by the Supervising Physician 

• Records blood pressure as required and continuously monitors the patient and ECG monitor during the procedure and recovery period 

• Notify Supervising Physician of changes or upon completion of exam to review data prior to patient discharge from clinic 

• Initiate IV and administer IV, PO and SL agents as directed by Supervising Physician 

General staff nursing (30%) 

• Escorts patients to and from exam rooms and readies them for physicians; takes vital signs, records medical history/symptoms, ensures medical chart/lab test results are available and complete 

• Performs telephone triage, patient education, handling of physician phone calls, pharmacy calls; scheduling cardiac procedures; may assist by calling to set up appointments or arrange hospital tests or admissions 

• Administers immunizations and minor treatments as prescribed; records and documents all such activities in the chart 

• Dose Coumadin per protocol 

• Assists physician with procedures, as necessary 

• Cleans and stocks all patient examination rooms; cleans and prepares instruments for procedures; keeps list of needed medical supplies 

• Completes paperwork such as ordering lab tests, x-rays, school/work notes, etc. 

• Clean and sterilize equipment; check and restock medication cabinet, as necessary 

• Respond to patient questions and concerns as liaison between physician and patient 

• Reports all test results to the patient as directed by the physician 

• Performs OSHA controls as required. Assist in performing narcotic count 

• Performs other projects and duties as related to department objectives 

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing; RN with ASN or BSN 

Experience 

• Minimum of 1 year of cardiovascular working as an RN in a cardiac stress lab, nuclear stress lab, and/or echo stress lab  

• Unrestricted Licensed RN, in the state of Illinois  

• BLS; ACLS required 

• Possess the cognitive skills required to perform stress exams, including, but not limited to knowledge of the pathophysiology of the condition for which the test is ordered, appropriate indications, contraindications, risks, exercise/pharmacological protocols, cardiovascular/exercise physiology, hemodynamic response to stress, cardiac dysrhythmias, cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular drugs, effects of age and disease on hemodynamics and ECG responses to stress, end points of exercise/pharmacological stress testing, indications to terminate the stress test, ECG and ECG changes that result from stress, drugs utilized for reversal of adverse events. 

• Proficient in starting IVs and administering IV, PO and SL medications 

• Must be able to get along with others, to be a team player, to accept constructive criticism from your supervisor and be able to follow work rules. 

• Basic computer skills: EMR required, Epic and Merge systems preferred.  

• Ability to multi-task, to think critically, and to analyze and interpret extensive data. 

• Provide compassionate care to patients and family members dealing with serious/potentially life- threatening medical issues and sometimes traumatic emotional events