Job Purpose
The Specialist Nurse - Catheterization Laboratory (Cath lab) will be responsible for providing specialized nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiovascular procedures. This role is expected to ensure safe and efficient operation of the Cath Lab, assist in complex procedures, provide patient education and maintain high standards of clinical practice.
Core Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care
- Confirm the patient’s medical history, allergies, current medications if any, before the procedure
- Prepare patients for cardiac catheterization procedures, including obtaining informed consent, administering pre-procedural medications, and monitoring vital signs.
- Assist with the insertion of catheters and guidewires and monitors hemodynamic parameters during the procedure.
- Administer medications and contrast agents as directed by the physician.
- Monitor patient's response to procedures and interventional therapies.
- Monitor patients for post-procedure complications such as arrhythmias, excessive bleeding or infections and escalate promptly.
Procedural Support
- Assist with the setup and maintenance of the Cath lab.
- Assist cardiologist and other clinicians during procedures by operating specialized Cath Lab equipment, monitor vital signs, administer medications and ensure patient safety.
- Maintain a sterile field and adhere to infection control guidelines.
Emergency Response
- Respond promptly to cardiac emergencies, such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, or cardiac arrest.
- Initiate advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures as needed.
- Administer emergency medications and interventional therapies.
Patient and Family Education
- Deliver comprehensive pre- and post- procedure education to patients and their families, ensuring they understand their condition, treatment plan, and recovery process.
Safety and Compliance
- Adhere to infection control protocols and maintain a sterile environment in the Cath lab.
- Ensure the accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, procedures, medications and outcomes in the electronic health record.
- Ensure that all Cath lab equipment is maintained in optimal working condition, including regular checks and troubleshooting.
- Act as a liaison between the Cath lab and other departments, such as radiology, cardiology, and intensive care to ensure seamless patient care and timely decision making.
Quality Improvement
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and reduce complications.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Training and Professional Development
- Participate in ongoing training related to Cath lab nursing and new advancements in treatment.
- Support the education and mentorship of junior nursing staff and students.
- Stay updated with research and evidence-based practices in Cath lab care
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSc Nursing) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Advanced training in cardiovascular nursing and Cath lab procedures is an advantage.
Professional Requirements
- Valid nursing license
- Membership in relevant medical associations
- Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Basic Life Support certified
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a critical care setting.
- Direct experience in surgical settings, particularly cardiovascular and other major surgeries
- Proficiency in recognizing and responding to post-operative complications
Knowledge Requirements
- Advanced knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, pathophysiology and interventional techniques
- Solid knowledge of specialized equipment and technology such as Cath lab imaging equipment, catheters and stents, etc
- In-depth knowledge of patient assessment and monitoring including pre-procedure assessment, intra-procedure monitoring and post-procedure care
- Knowledge of infection prevention protocols
- Knowledge of established clinical pathways, guidelines and protocols for cardiovascular procedures and patient care
Skill Requirements
- Effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform effectively in sensitive situations.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in patient assessment and critical-thinking abilities to prioritize patient safety
- Strong collaborative skills to work seamlessly within a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment
- Good leadership skills to mentor junior staff and take initiative
Personal Abilities
- Professional attitude towards work
- Shares the AMCE’s vision
- Proactive and organized
- Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
- Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers
- Supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
- Ability to manage stress and maintain composure in high-pressure situations
- High attention to detail
- Openness to new ideas and continuous improvement
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- High levels of honesty and integrity
- Empathy and compassion for patients, with a focus on delivering patient-centred care
African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.
