Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Cath Lab Nurse is an essential member of the multidisciplinary cardiac care team, responsible for delivering high-quality nursing care to patients undergoing invasive and non-invasive cardiovascular procedures. This role encompasses pre-procedural preparation, intra-procedural assistance, and post-procedural recovery care, ensuring patient safety and promoting optimal clinical outcomes.

1. Patient Preparation:

• Conduct pre-procedure assessments, including allergy checks, medical history reviews, and baseline observations.

• Verify patient consent and readiness for scheduled procedures.

• Provide emotional support and patient education on procedures and aftercare.

2. Intra-Procedure Support:

• Scrub and circulate during angiograms, angioplasties, pacemaker/ICD insertions, and other interventional cardiac procedures.

• Assist the cardiologist with sterile technique and catheter handling.

• Monitor and record patient vitals continuously throughout procedures.

• Administer IV medications, including sedation and anticoagulants, as per protocol.

• Anticipate the needs of the operator and maintain sterility and procedure flow.

3. Post-Procedure Care:

• Manage vascular access sites including radial and femoral, ensuring safe removal of sheaths and proper haemostasis.

• Monitor patients during recovery for signs of complications (e.g., bleeding, arrhythmias, vasovagal responses).

• Document post-procedure assessments and nursing interventions accurately.

• Provide discharge instructions and follow-up education.

4. Emergency Response:

• Respond promptly and appropriately to cardiac emergencies, including STEMI activations (PPCI) and cardiac arrest.

• Perform Basic and Advanced Life Support (BLS/ALS) interventions when required.

• Participate in resuscitation and emergency procedures within the lab.

5. Equipment and Environment Management:

• Check and prepare equipment and instrumentation prior to procedures.

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the Cath Lab environment.

• Ensure all equipment faults or issues are reported and escalated.

6. Communication and Teamwork:

• Collaborate effectively with cardiologists, radiographers, technicians, and other nurses.

• Participate in daily team briefings and debriefings (e.g., huddles).

• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and patient-focused team culture.

7. Governance and Compliance:

• Adhere to infection control, health and safety, safeguarding, and data protection policies.

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in patient records.

• Participate in audits, incident reporting, and quality improvement initiatives.

8. Professional Development:

• Engage in continuous learning and skills development relevant to Cath Lab nursing.

• Attend mandatory training sessions and professional development courses.

• Maintain up-to-date registration with the NMC and fulfill revalidation requirements.

• Qualifications: Registered Nurse (NMC registered). ILS certification preferred.

• Experience: Minimum 1 year Cath Lab experience desirable.

• Skills: Excellent ECG interpretation, IV drug administration, strong communication, ability to work under pressure.

• Attributes: Team player, attention to detail, proactive, compassionate, and adaptable.

• Exposure to acute cardiac emergencies.

• Physically demanding with periods of standing, moving, and wearing PPE.

• Participation in on-call rota, evening, or weekend shifts as required.