A per diem staff nurse in the Echocardiography Laboratory at MGH is a Registered Nurse responsible for assuring competent, compassionate nursing care of patients and families during Trans-Thoracic Echocardiograms as well as assist regular Echo Nurses as needed with patient care prior to and following Trans-Esophageal and Stress Echocardiograms. This includes collaboration with other professional, non-professional and support staff. The per diem staff nurse is responsible for the overall nursing care management of these patients including those who are transported to the holding area during the course of their testing. She/he collaborates with the Department Managers and members of the Patient Care Team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Rotation between Outpatient and Inpatient setting.
1 Provides competent, compassionate nursing care based on scientific principles and nursing process.
2 Is able to recognize, assess and respond to acute clinical issues, including:
Complaints of chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in mental status, arrhythmias, hemodynamic instability, and syncope among others. Airway assessment and initial management of a compromised patient (i.e. acute respiratory failure). Accurately identifies arrhythmias and interprets 12 lead ECG's and is aware of when additional/adjunct resources are needed. Recognizes emergency situations and demonstrates the ability to respond appropriately, including the ability to implement and direct initial cardiac resuscitative efforts. 3 Manages flow into and out of the Holding Area as well as other responsibilities of this location: Assists in evaluation and management of acute patient issues that arise in the lab. Maintains open lines of communication with other Lab staff as well as with nursing staff on the patient care units, thus providing a collaborative relationship between the patient care units and the lab. Effectively provides accurate patient status report to appropriate staff caring for patient, both in the lab and with the patient's care-unit/team members. Performs agitated saline contrast and/or LVO administration for echocardiography. 4 Assumes defined administrative responsibilities related to RN functions in Echo laboratory. Educates patients about echocardiograms and documents relevant information in patient's chart. Manages unexpected situations and multiple competing priorities in a flexible and adaptable manner and appropriately and effectively prioritizes and delegates responsibilities as needed. Critically evaluates own decision making and judgments. Learns, adapts, and improves own nursing practice based on evaluations of nursing performance and feedback. Operationalizes the critical mission of the Echo Labs related to overall hospital LOS priorities Possesses a global awareness of the daily schedule both for the individual as well as the entire staff. 5 Provides and maintains a therapeutic environment for coworkers, patients, and their families. Articulates the role of the Echo Lab staff to the patient, family, and health team members. Is open and inclusive of other's values. Values and develops collaborative relationships with patients and families Defines standards of excellence for patient's undergoing stress tests and Echo's. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served (school age and above) in echocardiography. Actively empowers and advocates for patients and families to maintain their participation in decision-making and goal setting. 6 Collaborates with other professionals and directs nonprofessional personnel in maintaining recognized standards. Teaches and coordinates with all personnel with whom she/he is collaborates. Participates in orientation of new staff members. Appropriately utilizes resources. Accesses and interprets hospital and department policies and procedures to nurses and other health care team members. Demonstrates a spirit of inquiry as it relates to echocardiography nursing. Promotes the development of collaborative relationships with colleagues and peers by communicating in a constructive manner. Values the complementary contribution to a positive and successful patient outcome from all staff groups within the Echo department. Acts as a resource to colleagues for stress testing. Assists with observational experiences of students and RN staff orienting to the hospital units. 7 Participates in daily operational activities necessary for safe patient/staff environment. Utilizes resources efficiently to facilitate optimal patient care. Provides input to the Unit Operations Manager regarding unit needs. Participates in unit and departmental committees for formulation of nursing hospital policies and procedures. Maintains holding area environment, and uses resources to achieve cleanliness, adequate supplies, properly functioning equipment, etc. Assists with narcotic count in echo department. 8 Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing education practices. Adheres to Department of Cardiology requirements for required training. Identifies own learning needs and goals and develops a plan to meet them. Develops and maintains professional practice through continuing educational programs and appropriate learning experiences. Contributes to relevant committees, professional meetings, and continuing education programs SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must be realistic, objective, measurable and related to essential functions of this job. Clinical competence in advanced cardiovascular pathophysiology and cardiovascular systems. Advanced knowledge of assessing, implementing care and evaluating chronic and acutely ill cardiac patients. Cares for a multi-diverse patient population; is accepting of beliefs and customs and incorporates into patient's care as appropriate. Possesses outstanding clinical skills, judgment, and experience in adult medicine, with a cardiovascular focus. Qualifications
Current Massachusetts licensure as a Registered Nurse required.
BLS Certification required.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing required.
Minimum 2 years RN experience with advanced knowledge of cardiac/telemetry required.
IV knowledge required.
EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
