Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

VIRGINIA VEGA

Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech
Sayreville,NJ

Summary

Accomplished Lead Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech with over 35 years of experience, specializing in angiography and patient management. At Raritan Bay Medical Center, spearheaded quality control initiatives and staff training, significantly enhancing procedural efficiency. Known for expert cardiac knowledge and fostering collaborative team environments, contributions have markedly improved patient outcomes and operational excellence.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech

Raritan Bay Medical Center
01.2006 - Current
  • Educated patients on procedure details, provided instructions, and answered questions to minimize anxiety and improve cooperation.
  • Administers contrast media into the coronary arteries as directed by a Cardiologist during a cardiac catheterization procedure. Recognizes the effect of pathology and vital signs to determine the amount of pressure of each hand injection.
  • Applies knowledge of the normal physiologic and electrocardiographic sequences of cardiac contraction and recognizes both minor and dangerous arrhythmia. Provides appropriate patient care as required. Functions as a first assistant to the physician by scrubbing independently and aiding in the manipulation and placement of guide wires and catheters. Administers contrast media in accordance with physician instruction. Schedules and maintains orderly patient flow
  • Maintains adequate basic interventional and cardiac supplies, as well as all appropriate patient records and department check sheets. Orders supplies from outside vendors in hospital purchasing system. Assists supervisor with all aspects of inventory control. Correctly enters patient and supply information into the RIS and/or hospital computer system.
  • Performs hemodynamic physiologic patient monitoring, recording calculations of cardiovascular procedures, angiographic, therapeutic, and interventional imaging procedures. Has knowledge of all equipment, inventory, and location of supplies. Operates emergency equipment safely. Responds to on-call emergencies in accordance with department policy.
  • Responsible for pre-procedural duties such as sterile tray preparation, procedural patient education, and confirmation of required lab work and patient medical history, including indications for the study and all previous related exams; as well as post-procedural duties including observation and management of catheter and/or device insertion site and patient discharge instructions. Provides patient transportation and communicates patient care status to the receiving care unit. Safely operates all imaging equipment (for example, digital equipment, pressure injectors, processors, rapid film changer, and cine) to produce high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with departmental policy.
  • Satisfactory completion of an AMA-approved school of Radiologic Technology .
  • 2 years' experience in diagnostic radiology.
  • 35 + Years in assisting Cardiologist in invasive and none invasive procedures.
  • 18 Years of experience in Electrophysiology. Assisted in AF ,and AVNT ablations and mapping procedures. Lead Electrophysiology Technologist.
  • Experience in interventional invasive cardiac catheterization , pacemaker implantation and loop recorder insertions .
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) certification.
  • Radiology Technologist license in the State of New Jersey.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification .

Lead Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech

Mountainside Hospital
10.2009 - 07.2019
  • Assisted in training new radiology technicians and nurses, sharing knowledge of best practices and departmental procedures.
  • Maintained a clean and organized work environment by following proper sterilization procedures for instruments used in invasive cardiac testing.
  • Improved team collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
  • Inspected, maintained, and adjusted cardiology equipment to maintain optimal functionality and diagnostic usefulness.
  • Employed specialized procedural knowledge and equipment to test and document patient cardiac activity.
  • Documented vascular data such as edema, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure to contribute to accurate diagnoses.
  • Helped physicians complete cardiac issues and peripheral vascular concerns by assisting with procedures such as pacemaker insertions and balloon angioplasties.
  • Participated in departmental quality improvement initiatives, identifying areas for process enhancement and offering solutions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans based on accurate assessment of cardiovascular test results.
  • Reduced procedure time for patients by efficiently preparing and maintaining cardiovascular equipment.
  • Assisted surgeons during interventional cardiac procedures such as angioplasties or stent placements, facilitating successful outcomes for patients.
  • Implemented new techniques learned from industry experts into daily practice, leading to improved patient diagnoses and treatment planning.
  • Coordinated with device representatives to stay informed about the latest technology advancements in the field of cardiovascular care.
  • Reduced patient anxiety by providing compassionate care and support during cardiac diagnostic procedures.
  • Contributed high standard of care through continuous professional development, including attending conferences and workshops on advancements in cardiovascular technology.
  • Operated diagnostic imaging equipment to complete contrast-enhanced heart and cardiovascular system radiographs.
  • Assisted in training new radiology technicians, sharing knowledge of best practices and departmental procedures.

Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech

Passaic General Hospital
09.1988 - 10.2009
  • Assisted physicians in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, preparing equipment and monitoring patients during procedures.
  • Maintained high standards of equipment performance, conducting routine quality control checks and troubleshooting as needed.
  • Supported successful interventions by setting up devices such as balloons, stents, and pacemakers for proper use during procedures.
  • Enhanced staff competence through regular training sessions on best practices and new advancements in Cardiac Cath Lab technology.
  • Improved patient outcomes by performing diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures.
  • Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families, providing updates on procedural progress and answering questions when needed.
  • Maintained accurate inventory levels of supplies, ensuring timely replenishment to prevent disruption in service delivery.
  • Participated actively in continuous improvement initiatives within the Cath Lab environment, focusing on process optimization for enhanced efficiency.
  • Continuously maintained certifications and licensures, including ACLS and BLS, demonstrating commitment to professional excellence.
  • Inspected, maintained, and adjusted cardiology equipment to maintain optimal functionality and diagnostic usefulness.
  • Operated diagnostic imaging equipment to complete contrast-enhanced heart and cardiovascular system radiographs.
  • Assisted radiologists and other physicians in performing radiologic exams.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences

SNHU, Manchester, NH
01.2020

Associate of Science - Radiologic Technology

Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ
09.1988

Skills

  • Angiography Proficiency
  • Sterile technique adherence
  • Stent Placement Proficiency
  • Vascular Procedures Expertise
  • Interventional Radiology Knowledge
  • HIPAA
  • Patient Management
  • Quality Control
  • Staff Training
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Emergency Response
  • Records Management

Timeline

Lead Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech - Mountainside Hospital
10.2009 - 07.2019
Lead Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech - Raritan Bay Medical Center
01.2006 - Current
Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech - Passaic General Hospital
09.1988 - 10.2009
SNHU - Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences
Bergen Community College - Associate of Science, Radiologic Technology
VIRGINIA VEGACardiovascular Interventional Radiology Tech