The Cardiology RN �Senior provides expert, specialized care for patients undergoing cardiac stress testing in both outpatient and inpatient settings. The duties include Exercise ECG Testing, TEE, Stress Echocardiography, and Stress Radionuclide Cardiac Imaging. Supports diagnostic procedures by applying clinical expertise in cardiovascular care, patient assessment, and response management. Monitors cardiac stress tests, identifies and responds to changes in patient condition. Ensures adherence to safety protocols and evidence-based care standards. Key responsibilities also include preparing patient charts, coordinating admissions and discharges, conducting pre-procedure education, and ensuring seamless transitions throughout the continuum of care. Functions as a leader and serves as a system-wide consultant to staff, and participates in endeavors to increase nursing knowledge.
- Provide expert nursing care for cardiac patients, including pre- and post-stress testing, continuous monitoring, and cardiovascular interventions.
- Perform comprehensive assessments and prioritize care based on acuity, patient condition, and procedural requirements.
- Interpret EKGs and cardiac rhythms, identifying arrhythmias and initiating appropriate responses in urgent or emergent situations.
- Administer cardiovascular medications safely and monitor patient responses in accordance with current evidence-based guidelines.
- Collaborate effectively with physicians, technicians, and interdisciplinary team members to deliver coordinated, high-quality care.
- Serve as a clinical resource and mentor to peers, offering guidance on cardiac nursing practices and clinical decision-making.
- Educate patients and families about cardiac conditions, procedures, medications, and self-care practices to promote understanding and adherence.
- Exercise sound clinical judgment and independent decision-making while maintaining accountability and fostering a respectful team environment.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) and utilize clinical systems efficiently.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, unit-based projects, or committees that support cardiac care excellence.
- Demonstrate adaptability in a dynamic environment, responding to changing priorities, schedules, or patient needs.
- Uphold professional standards of compassionate, culturally competent, patient- and family-centered care.
- Stay current with developments in cardiology and nursing practice through ongoing education and professional development.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental operations.
- Expert knowledge of cardiac nursing practices, including stress testing protocols, telemetry monitoring, and cardiovascular patient care.
- Strong clinical understanding of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and common cardiac conditions.
- Proficient in EKG interpretation, rhythm analysis, and early identification of arrhythmias or cardiac distress.
- Demonstrates advanced clinical judgment and critical thinking in high-acuity, fast-paced environments.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
- Skilled in patient assessment, care planning, and prioritization of complex clinical tasks.
- Delivers compassionate, patient- and family-centered care while upholding professionalism and empathy.
- Actively engaged in continued education and evidence-based cardiology nursing practices.
- Self-directed and accountable, with the ability to function independently while fostering team trust and respect.
- Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing priorities or emergent clinical needs.
- Exercises sound judgment in clinical decision-making and interactions with physicians, staff, and patients.
- Proficient in electronic medical records (EMR) systems and Microsoft Office applications.
EDUCATION:
Associate's degree in nursing required. Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
Five (5) years of experience as a Cardiology Registered Nurse required; experience in cardiology stress test is preferred.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Current TX RN licensure required.
Active CPR/BLS required.
(ACLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support required.