Clinical Registered Nurse II – Cardiac Cath Lab RN

Overview

Tri-City Medical Center has served San Diego County’s coastal communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, as well as the surrounding region for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. Tri-City is administered by the Tri-City Healthcare District, a California Hospital District. As a full-service acute care public hospital with over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties, Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community.

Tri-City Medical Center prides itself on being the home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Tri-City’s Emergency Department is there for your loved ones in their time of need and is highly regarded for our heart attack and stroke treatment programs. When minutes matter Tri-City is your source for quality compassionate care close to home. Tri-City partners with over 90 local non-profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative. Together we are helping tackle some of our communities’ pressing health and social needs.

Position Summary:

The Clinical Nurse II (CN II) is responsible for providing direct patient care before, during, and after procedures. This role requires a strong clinical background in critical care. The Clinical Nurse II collaborates with physicians, technologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and efficient procedural workflows while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.

The Clinical Nurse II is responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs, administering moderate sedation, assisting with vascular and cardiac procedures, and responding to emergent situations as needed. This position requires a deep understanding of hemodynamic monitoring, sterile techniques, and contrast media administration, as well as proficiency in post-procedure recovery and patient education. Compliance with regulatory guidelines, infection control practices, and hospital policies is essential to maintaining high-quality patient care.

This role requires strong critical thinking skills, adaptability in high-stress situations, and the ability to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a fast-paced interventional setting.

Major Position Responsibilities:

The position characteristics reflect the most important duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job in a fully competent manner. They should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The characteristics of the position and standards of performance may be changed by TCMC with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Patient Care:

• Coordinate the interprofessional health care team to deliver safe, efficient, patient- centered, timely and equitable care to procedural patients.
• Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments to identify patient-specific needs.
• Monitor and evaluate patient responses intraprocedural, ensuring swift intervention as needed.
• Act as patient advocate and protect patient dignity and confidentiality.
• Administer moderate sedation for patients undergoing procedures.
• Educate patients and families on post-procedure care, including activity restrictions and medication instructions.
• Manage post-procedural complications, such as bleeding, hypotension, or adverse reactions.
• Advocate for evidence-based practices in procedural care.

Procedural Support:

• Ensure proper handling of all instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies.
• Handles and documents specimens according to facility policy and physician orders.
• Anticipate the needs of the procedural team and maintain a seamless workflow.
• Able to circulate, scrub, monitor and provide procedural sedation.
• Assist physicians with interventional radiology and cardiac catheterization procedures, ensuring adherence to sterile technique.

Safety and Compliance:

• Maintain strict adherence to aseptic techniques, infection control protocols and radiation safety.
• Comply with hospital and regulatory standards, including The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines (during implant procedurals).
• Adhere to facility policies to ensure safe procedural care, including, but not limited to, patient identification, pre-procedure verification, Universal Protocol, and prevention of unintended retained items.
• Identify and report safety concerns; demonstrate willingness to address pervasive systemic issues.
• Monitor supply levels and assist in ordering necessary procedural materials.
• Safely handle and dispose of biohazardous materials and radiation protection gear.

Documentation:

• Accurately document patient care, interventions and responses in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) according to Patient Standards of

Professional Development and Leadership:

• Provide preceptorship and mentorship to New Graduate Nurses, New Hires, and students, fostering their professional development.
• Participate in professional development activities, including continuing education, certifications, workshops and quality improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for best practices within the procedural department.
• Function in the charge nurse role as needed.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Recognize and respond to hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, or respiratory distress.
• Initiate emergency interventions, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) measures when necessary.
• Participate in rapid response and code situations.
• Act decisively in critical situations, such as cardiac arrest and/or stroke, demonstrating advanced clinical skills and composure under pressure.

Qualifications:

Qualifications RN Experience/Transitional RN Program:

• Experience RequirementExperienced IR/Cath Lab RN: Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in Interventional Radiology (IR) or Cardiac Cath Lab, required.Transitional RN Program: Five (5) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in an ED or ICU, or similar critical care department, required.
• Must be able to scrub and circulate in IR and/or Cath Lab procedure area.
• Must be able to take call and be onsite within 30 minutes and able to do heavy lifting and pushing. Must be able to wear protective lead apron and thyroid shield.
• Provide nursing support for non-invasive cardiology and radiology services.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or may consider Associate Degree, Nursing (ADN) with five (5) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in Interventional Radiology (IR) or Cardiac Cath Lab (CCL) in lieu of BSN required.
• Completion of a Critical Care or Interventional Radiology/Cath Lab Training Program, preferred.

Licenses:

• Current California RN License, required

Certifications:

• Current BLS; American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, required.
• Current ACLS; American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, required.
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification, preferred.
• RCIS (Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist) or CRN (Certified Radiology Nurse), preferred.

Each new hire candidate who is offered employment must pass a physical evaluation, urine drug screen and pre-employment background checks before starting work.

*Salary/Hourly wage range for this position is posted. Actual pay will be determined based on verified experience as well as internal equity.