cath lab manager

Job Overview:

The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) Manager is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and daily operations of the Cath Lab department. This leadership role involves oversight of clinical and non-clinical staff, ensuring best practices in interventional cardiology care, optimizing patient outcomes, and maintaining a safe, efficient environment for both patients and staff.

Key Responsibilities: Operational Management:

• Oversee daily operations of the Cath Lab, ensuring smooth workflows and effective resource utilization.
• Coordinate and manage the scheduling of cardiac and vascular procedures, minimizing delays and optimizing Cath Lab utilization.
• Ensure the department is adequately staffed with skilled nurses, technologists, and interventional cardiologists.
• Manage patient flow from pre-procedure preparation to post-procedure recovery.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and support continued accreditation of the Cath Lab.

Leadership and Staff Management:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor Cath Lab RNs, cardiovascular technologists, and support staff.
• Provide ongoing training, orientation, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct staff performance evaluations and address performance-related concerns.
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment to enhance morale and staff engagement.

Patient Care Management:

• Collaborate with cardiologists, radiologists, and other healthcare providers to ensure high standards of care.
• Promote strict adherence to procedural safety protocols, infection control, and quality standards.
• Monitor patient outcomes and implement continuous improvement measures in patient care and recovery.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Monitor and assess the quality of services delivered, focusing on patient safety, procedural outcomes, and efficiency.
• Ensure departmental compliance with healthcare regulations, including documentation, infection prevention, and equipment safety.
• Conduct regular audits of procedures, safety practices, and equipment maintenance.

Budgeting and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the Cath Lab budget, ensuring responsible financial stewardship.
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and maintenance of cardiac devices, contrast media, catheters, and other essential supplies.
• Ensure the Cath Lab is equipped with up-to-date technologies and monitoring systems to support interventional procedures.

Collaboration with Other Departments:

• Coordinate with departments such as Emergency, ICU, Radiology, and Cardiac Rehab to streamline patient care.
• Participate in hospital-wide initiatives, policy development, and performance improvement committees.

Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management:

• Ensure readiness for emergent procedures, including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) activations and other urgent interventions.
• Lead the team during critical or high-risk procedures and ensure proper escalation protocols are in place.

Education:

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–7 years of clinical experience in a Cath Lab or interventional cardiology setting, with 2–3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current California Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven leadership and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of Cath Lab procedures, interventional cardiology protocols, and imaging technology.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage high-acuity situations.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and hospital information systems.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a hospital Cath Lab setting, with exposure to radiation and high-stress, time-sensitive procedures.
• May require standing for extended periods, use of protective gear, and occasional on-call responsibilities including weekends or holidays.