(Archived) Cardiovascular Technologist

Loyal Source Government Services is currently hiring 2 Cardiovascular Technologists to work at the VA Medical Center located in Los Angeles, CA. To apply contact TJ Thurman at [Register to View] This opportunity offers excellent stability, great compensation and a great work environment serving a patient population of Veterans and beneficiaries / Service members and their families. Qualifications: Must have at least 1 year of experience performing catheterization laboratory procedures. (Experience must be post-graduation/training) Must have performed catheterization laboratory services for at least 6 months within the past 12 months Must be licensed in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia Must be computer literate. Job Requirements Diagnostic and interventional catheterization procedures include: coronary angiograms, coronary angioplasty, coronary arteriography, left and right ventricular angiography, ventricular biopsy, thrombolytic procedures, electro physiologic catheter ablation, aortic balloon pump counter-pulsation, post coronary bypass graft studies and Pacemaker/AICD implantation. The technician functions as the first assistant to the Cardiologist during the cardiovascular procedure, performs a wide range of diagnostic tests and support duties such as; the collection of blood samples for analysis for research, coagulation studies and blood gas determination. Operates radiologic fluoroscopy equipment to allow the medical team to appropriately visualize images during the procedure. The technician assists or performs testing such as; electrocardiograms (ECG), Intravascular Ultrasound System (IVUS), echocardiograms, Intracoronary Pressure Wire, Drug exercise challenges, and the administration of Dynamic Electrocardiograph (Holter) analysis. Monitors cardiac rhythms and is able to recognize abnormal and life threatening rhythms. Performs other monitoring procedures such as; oximetry, blood pressure, arterial monitoring, intracardiac monitoring and is able to recognize abnormal readings. Performs patient care procedures such as; applying dressings, and collection of specimens or blood samples for analysis. The technician is scrubbed and gowned and responsible for preparing the catheters, guide wires, transducers, angioplasty balloons, stents, and manifold assembly. The technician operates the angiographic pressure injector to control the rate of pressure development and limits the onset of ejection in order to minimize ventricular irritability during the procedure. The technician may also function in the non-sterile, role (circulator) by preparing the vascular access site on the patient, positioning the patient, operating the electric exam table and radiologic equipment, opening sterile supplies and monitoring patient physiologic response to the procedure. During cardiac arrest the technician operates the defibrillator and initiates Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in order to restore the patient to a normal cardiac rhythm. The technician performs diagnostic tests, both invasive and non-invasive of the pulmonary system (lung) and the cardiovascular system (heart and circulation). Monitors and collects data from instruments used in procedures such as; cardiac catheterization, angiography, valvuloplasty, angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, cardiac pacing, or cardiac pacemaker or lead wire insertion. The technician supports the following medical procedures: right and left heart catheterization; left ventriculography; coronary angiography; aortography; peripheral angiography; coronary and peripheral intervention; temporary pace maker insertion; insertion of intra-aortic balloon. The technician operates the following equipment: multi-channel physiologic recorder; Personal Computer (PC) with windows spreadsheet. The technician sets up the procedure suite ensuring sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the procedure being performed. The technician sets up the Xper Cardio Flex and the Siemens x-ray computers, performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure. The technician sets up the GE x-ray diagnostic system (cine/flouro) so that appropriate views of cardiac anatomy can be obtained and recorded for analysis. The technician prepares the various computer software and peripheral devices to quantitate coronary lesions and to generate ventricular analysis reports, cardiac output (thermo dilution, Fick determinations). The technician maintains electronic logs of patient data and utilizes a PAC S system to retrieve images. The technician performs daily calibration of equipment, prepares physiologic monitoring equipment such as; ECG, Oximetry, Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), balloon catheters, code cart, intravascular ultrasound, Fick cardiac output device, Therapeutic Pressure wire, defibrillator and various other complex equipment. The technician performs quality checks for various labs analysis equipment such as; blood gas, coagulation studies that are used throughout the procedure. The technician ensures that emergency medication is available in the suite, performs quality checks to verify outdates and competency of like containers to ensure sterility and correct medication dosage, performs quality assessment of the 35mm cine film processor, on a daily basis, validating sensitometer exposures and ensuring correct parameters are used. The technician provides accurate reports, keeps accurate records and reviews test results with the interpreting physician. The technician uses Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) for scheduling information, patient exam notes and results, etc. PC Network for access/input to Department files and information; computerized e-mail systems and internal Internet page. The technician must be able to recognize normal anatomy and functional anatomy in diseased conditions, must have knowledge and clear understanding of the coronary arteries and cardiac chamber anomalies as well as pressure requirements of the heart to anticipate and set up for the specific catheterization procedure needed in order to make a diagnostic evaluation. The technician requires extensive knowledge and understanding of electrocardiography (EKG), how to perform the procedure accurately, understand of abnormal cardiac rhythm during catheterization so that proper therapy be initiated.