René Pahl

•. Cardiac Stress Testing

• Triage patient tests to determine appropriateness of order.

• Make phone calls to patients with pre-test information and instructions.

• Consent patients for their tests, with thorough explanation of the test and its risks.

• Perform baseline 12-lead EKG and VS and continue to monitor throughout the test. Insert PIV when needed.

• Perform one of a multitude of tests including Treadmill Stress Tests, Stress Echocardiograms, Nuclear Medicine Stress Tests, PET Stress Tests and CPEX tests.

• Communicate with Cardiologists regarding any pre-test issues or any acute issues during testing.

• Discharge patient once all parameters are met.

• Head-to-toe assessment and care of patients with a multitude of complex physical and psychosocial needs.

• Administration of oral and IV medications, including critical continuous infusions such as vasopressors, inotropes, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants and sedation.

• Participate in bedside procedures including intubation, GI scopes, bronchoscopies, central line insertion and device removal. Close monitoring of patient condition and sedation management.

• Management of devices including IABP, Impella, ventilators, CRRT, Swan-Ganz catheters, EKOS, wound vacs,

• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients and family members.

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with Physicians, APPs, therapists and other ancillary staff.

• General skillset includes wound care, assisting with ADLs, infection prevention with use of BPBs, PIV and invasive line management, transport to and from tests off unit,

• Create staff assignments based on unit census, acuity levels and staff skill mix.
• Lead daily shift huddles.
• Assist with unit and hospital flow via admissions, transfers and discharges.
• Communicate effectively with the staffing office, unit staff, Physicians and ancillary staff.
• Train new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Assist with conflict resolution, and emergency situations.

•. Head-to-toe (focused) assessment and care of low-acuity patients.

•. Manage time effectively and efficiently for 3-5 patients at a time, with tasks including medication administration, lab draws, ADLs, wound care, assisting PT/OT with patient therapy and mobility, patient education, admissions and discharges.

• Precept new RNs as needed.

• Develop strength in time management, task prioritization and recognition of deteriorating patient conditions.