100%25 Staff Nurse - Adult Cardiac Cath Lab – UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 100% Staff Nurse - Adult Cardiac Cath Lab – UI Heart and Vascular Center

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Operations

Date Posted: June 15, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the operational efficiency and patient care delivery within the UI Heart and Vascular Center's Adult Cardiac Cath Lab.

• The Staff Nurse will be responsible for direct patient care, ensuring seamless transitions between pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure phases.

• This position requires a strong understanding of cardiac procedures, patient monitoring, and the ability to operate specialized medical equipment.

• The role emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient outcomes and maintain the highest standards of care in a high-acuity environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is clinical, its operational impact is significant. The nurse's ability to manage patient flow, equipment, and communication directly affects the lab's throughput and efficiency, aligning it with operational excellence principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct, comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic adult cardiac catheterization procedures, including angioplasty, coronary stents, balloon valvuloplasty, Swan Ganz/right heart catheterization, structural heart procedures, and pericardiocentesis.

• Assess, monitor, and intervene with patient care needs during the pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure phases, ensuring patient safety and comfort.

• Administer intravenous and oral medications accurately and efficiently according to physician orders and patient needs.

• Manage patients undergoing procedural sedation, closely monitoring vital signs and responding to any adverse reactions.

• Operate and troubleshoot physiologic recorders, printers, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and Impella devices, ensuring equipment functionality for optimal procedure performance.

• Actively monitor patients during adult cardiac catheterization procedures, performing life-saving measures such as defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary.

• Maintain adequate inventory of all procedural room supplies, ensuring readiness for scheduled and emergent procedures.

• Document and report all interventions, patient responses, and procedural details in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, including physicians, technologists, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure coordinated and continuous patient care.

• Act as a preceptor for new staff, providing guidance and support in the procedural nursing environment as directed by leadership.

• Participate in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments, ensuring rapid response to emergent patient needs within the required timeframe.

• Train and provide cross-coverage for other procedural areas such as Electrophysiology (EP), Cardiovascular Pre/Post-Recovery Unit (CPRU), and Procedural Minor Suites as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for operating advanced cardiac support devices like the Impella and intra-aortic balloon pumps highlights a critical operational function requiring specialized technical skill and rapid response capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• An Associate’s Degree in Nursing, a Diploma in Nursing, a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN), a Professional Master's of Nursing and Healthcare Practice (MNHP), MSN/Clinical Nurse Leader, or a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN, MA) is required.

• For candidates without a BSN, active enrollment in a BSN program is a desired qualification. Experience:

• Required: Demonstrated experience in direct nursing care within a Cath/Electrophysiology Lab, Emergency Department (ED), Telemetry Unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or other procedural setting that includes experience with moderate sedation and patient hemodynamic monitoring.

• Required: Proven history of positive and professional interactions with patients, families, healthcare staff, and interdisciplinary teams through written, verbal, and in-person communication.

• Required: Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking skills, exercise decisive judgment, and function independently or with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Required: Willingness and ability to fulfill on-call assignments, including rapid response to UI Health Care within 20-30 minutes.

• Desired: 1-3 years of direct nursing care experience in Critical Care (ER, ICU), Cardiovascular Care, or Operating Room settings within the last 6 months.

• Desired: Previous experience utilizing EPIC Electronic Health Records. Required Skills:

• Cardiac Catheterization Procedures: Proficient in providing pre/intra/post-operative nursing care for a range of adult cardiac procedures.

• Hemodynamic Monitoring: Expertise in monitoring and interpreting hemodynamic data for critically ill cardiac patients.

• Procedural Sedation: Competent in administering and managing patients under procedural sedation.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitoring: Skilled in operating ECG equipment and recognizing cardiac rhythms.

• Cardiac Support Device Operation: Experience operating intra-aortic balloon pumps and Impella devices, including troubleshooting.

• Emergency Response: Competent in performing defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• Patient Assessment & Critical Thinking: Ability to perform comprehensive patient assessments, utilize critical thinking, and make sound clinical judgments.

• Medication Administration: Accurate and safe administration of intravenous and oral medications.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with physicians, technicians, and other healthcare professionals.

• Patient Education: Skilled in educating patients and families about procedures and post-care.

• Supply Management: Ability to maintain adequate inventory levels for procedural rooms.

• Documentation: Accurate and timely charting of patient care and interventions.

Preferred Skills:

• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Certification: Demonstrates advanced critical care knowledge and expertise.

• EP/CPRU/Procedural Minor Suites Cross-Coverage: Experience or willingness to train in these related procedural areas.

• EPIC EHR Proficiency: Familiarity with the EPIC system for patient record management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific procedural competencies (angioplasty, stents, etc.) and equipment operation (Impella, IABP) indicates a highly specialized role requiring deep technical and clinical skill, directly impacting the efficiency and success of complex cardiac interventions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Study Documentation: Prepare detailed case studies showcasing direct patient care during cardiac catheterization procedures, highlighting assessment findings, interventions, and patient outcomes. Focus on complex cases that demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving.

• Procedure-Specific Competencies: Document proficiency in specific procedures listed in the responsibilities, such as angioplasty, stent placement, valvuloplasty, etc., potentially through patient scenarios or descriptions of involvement.

• Equipment Operation: Include examples or descriptions of experience operating and troubleshooting specialized equipment like physiologic recorders, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and Impella devices.

• Emergency Response Examples: Document instances where life-saving measures (defibrillation, CPR) were successfully implemented, emphasizing rapid response and effective teamwork.

Process Documentation:

• Patient Flow Management: Demonstrate understanding and experience in managing patient flow through the pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure phases within a cath lab setting. This could include workflow diagrams or descriptions of efficient patient handoffs.

• Sedation Management Protocols: Present knowledge of procedural sedation protocols, including assessment, monitoring, intervention, and documentation requirements.

• Supply Chain/Inventory Management: Detail experience in ensuring adequate supply levels in procedural rooms, potentially through examples of inventory tracking or restocking strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a clinical role like this, the "portfolio" is less about traditional GTM collateral and more about demonstrating clinical competence, procedural experience, and the ability to manage high-stakes situations. Candidates should prepare to discuss specific patient cases and their role in them.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Registered Nurses in specialized cardiac roles in Iowa City, Iowa, and considering the mid-level experience requirement (2-5 years), a competitive salary range is estimated between $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the University of Iowa's internal pay scales.

Benefits:

• Sign-on Incentive: Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on incentive of up to $15,000 (Note: Current UI employees are not eligible).

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a robust retirement savings plan (e.g., 403(b) or similar).

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO accrual for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

• Tuition Assistance/Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, including tuition reimbursement and support for professional certifications (e.g., CCRN, ACLS).

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance coverage.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Wellness Programs: Access to various health and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard Schedule: Four 10-hour day shifts per week, typically Monday through Friday, with a rotating day off.

• On-Call Requirement: Mandatory participation in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments. This requires the ability to arrive at UI Health Care within 20-30 minutes of being called in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on national averages for RNs in specialized cardiac units, adjusted for the Iowa City cost of living and the University of Iowa's status as a major academic medical center. Direct salary negotiation should involve reviewing the official pay scale provided by HR.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: The University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers, indicating a large, complex organization with extensive resources and a broad reach. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, and its Health Care system has evolved over time to become a leading academic medical center, implying a long-standing commitment to patient care, research, and education.

Team Structure:

• The Staff Nurse will be part of the UI Heart and Vascular Center, specifically within the Adult Cardiac Cath Lab team.

• This team likely includes interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, procedural nurses, cardiovascular technologists/radiologic technologists, and potentially anesthesiologists or CRNAs for sedation.

• The reporting structure would typically involve a Procedural Nursing Manager and/or a Procedural Clinical Practice Leader, who oversee daily operations and clinical practice.

• Collaboration is crucial, extending to pre-procedure admitting units, post-procedure recovery areas (CPRU), and potentially other procedural areas like Electrophysiology (EP) for cross-coverage. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Patient Care: Decisions and interventions are guided by patient data, including hemodynamic monitoring, ECG readings, and diagnostic imaging, aligning with a data-centric operational approach.

• Standardized Procedural Workflows: The cath lab operates with established protocols and workflows for each procedure type to ensure consistency, safety, and efficiency.

• Continuous Improvement: As an academic medical center, there is an inherent focus on research, innovation, and continuous improvement in clinical practices and patient outcomes.

• Team-Based Approach: Emphasis is placed on collaborative problem-solving and shared responsibility for patient care within the multi-disciplinary team.

Company Website: https://www.uihealthcare.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" slogan reflects a mission-driven culture focused on innovation and patient impact, which is a key aspect for operations professionals to understand when aligning their work with organizational goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Clinical Specialist. This role represents a seasoned nurse with specialized skills in a high-acuity procedural environment. It involves not just direct patient care but also technical equipment operation, emergency response, and contributing to the operational flow of the cath lab.

Reporting Structure:

• The Staff Nurse reports to a Procedural Nursing Manager and/or a Procedural Clinical Practice Leader within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

• They work collaboratively with a diverse team of physicians, technologists, and other healthcare professionals, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Operations Impact:

• The nurse's efficiency, accuracy, and preparedness directly impact the throughput of the cardiac catheterization lab, enabling more patients to receive timely interventions.

• Effective patient monitoring and rapid response to complications minimize adverse events, reducing patient length of stay and associated healthcare costs.

• Proper equipment operation and troubleshooting prevent procedure delays, contributing to the lab's overall productivity and revenue generation.

• Mentoring new staff ensures the continued operational capacity and skill level of the team. Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific cardiac procedures or technologies (e.g., structural heart interventions, advanced hemodynamic monitoring).

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles such as Clinical Practice Leader, Charge Nurse, or Nursing Manager within the cath lab or broader cardiovascular services.

• Preceptorship & Education: Develop skills in training and educating new staff, students, or even participating in research initiatives.

• Advanced Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications like CCRN or specialized cath lab certifications to enhance expertise and career prospects.

• Cross-Training: Gain experience in related procedural areas (EP, CPRU) to broaden skill set and increase versatility within the organization.

• Transfer Opportunities: Potential to move to other specialized units within the large University of Iowa Health Care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for clinical career advancement within a specialized and critical area of healthcare operations, focusing on skill mastery and leadership within procedural services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hospital/Medical Center. The work environment is within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, a specialized unit within the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. This implies a fast-paced, high-acuity clinical setting.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa. This is a dedicated on-site role within the main hospital campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The cath lab is a highly collaborative space where nurses work in close proximity with physicians, technologists, and other support staff during procedures. Constant communication and teamwork are essential.

• Technology-Rich: Access to advanced medical equipment, including physiologic recorders, imaging systems, hemodynamic monitoring devices, and cardiac assist devices (Impella, IABP).

• High-Stress, High-Reward: The environment is inherently demanding due to the critical nature of the procedures and patient conditions, but also offers significant professional satisfaction from contributing to life-saving care.

• Patient-Focused: The primary focus is on direct patient care, requiring nurses to be attentive, adaptable, and skilled in managing diverse patient needs and potential emergencies.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule consists of four 10-hour day shifts per week, providing a compressed workweek.

• A mandatory on-call component requires availability for night, weekend, and holiday shifts, with a strict response time requirement. This necessitates careful personal scheduling and preparedness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 10-hour shift structure, while offering longer blocks of time off, requires sustained energy and focus throughout the shift, especially given the on-call responsibilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on education, licensure, certifications, and relevant procedural experience. Uploaded resume and cover letter are critical here.

• Phone/Virtual Interview: A preliminary discussion with a hiring manager or HR representative to assess qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific cardiac procedures and equipment.

• On-Site Interview/Panel Interview: This stage typically involves meeting with the Procedural Nursing Manager, Clinical Practice Leader, and potentially some team members (physicians, senior nurses). Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based questions related to patient care, emergency response, and teamwork.

• Skills Assessment/Demonstration (Potential): While not explicitly stated, for a role this specialized, there might be a discussion or scenario presented to assess your understanding of hemodynamic monitoring, ECG interpretation, or emergency protocols.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, clinical competency, and commitment to the role's requirements, including on-call duties.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Clinical Narratives: Since this is a clinical role, your "portfolio" will be your resume, cover letter, and potentially your verbal responses during interviews. Emphasize specific patient cases where you demonstrated exceptional skill, critical thinking, or leadership.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, quantify your contributions. For example, "Managed care for X number of patients per shift," or "Responded to Y critical events successfully."

• Highlight Procedural Expertise: Clearly list the specific cardiac catheterization procedures you have experience with and your role in each.

• Demonstrate Equipment Proficiency: Detail your experience with equipment like IABPs, Impella, and hemodynamic monitoring systems.

• Showcase Emergency Preparedness: Be ready to discuss your experience with ACLS, defibrillation, and CPR, providing examples of how you've applied these skills.

• Tailor Your Cover Letter: Specifically address why you are interested in the UI Heart and Vascular Center and how your skills align with the demands of the Adult Cardiac Cath Lab. Mention your understanding of the center's reputation and your desire to contribute to its mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "What would you do if a patient's blood pressure dropped significantly during an angioplasty?" or "How would you manage a patient experiencing chest pain post-procedure?"

• Teamwork Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you handle conflict, communicate with difficult team members, or collaborate effectively under pressure.

• On-Call Preparedness: Understand the implications of the on-call requirement and be ready to discuss how you manage personal commitments to ensure prompt availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes documentation (resume, cover letter) and verbal communication during interviews. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience and skills vividly, focusing on their ability to handle complex clinical and operational demands.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Physiologic Recorder & Printer: Essential for monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG) and hemodynamic data during procedures. Proficiency in operation and basic troubleshooting is required.

• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP): Expertise in operating and managing IABPs for hemodynamic support.

• Impella Device: Competency in operating and monitoring Impella heart pumps for mechanical circulatory support.

• Defibrillator/Pacing Devices: Skilled in the use of defibrillators for emergency cardiac rhythm management.

• IV Pumps & Infusion Devices: Standard equipment for medication and fluid administration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• EPIC Electronic Health Records (EHR): While a desired qualification, familiarity with EPIC is highly beneficial for patient charting, order entry, and accessing patient history.

• Procedural Documentation Systems: Specific software or modules within EPIC used for documenting cath lab procedures, including interventions, devices used, and outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional sense for this clinical role, but efficient use of EHR functionalities for task management and communication automation within patient care workflows is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is highly specialized and critical to the cath lab's function. Proficiency with these devices is not just a skill but a core operational requirement that directly impacts patient safety and procedural success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: The paramount value is the well-being and safety of the patient, driving all clinical and operational decisions.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to achieving the highest standards in patient care, procedural outcomes, and professional practice, as evidenced by U.S. News & World Report recognition.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on strong interdisciplinary relationships, open communication, and shared responsibility for patient care.

• Innovation & Continuous Learning: As an academic medical center, there's a drive to adopt new technologies, refine processes, and advance medical knowledge.

• Accountability & Professionalism: Each team member is expected to take ownership of their responsibilities, maintain professional conduct, and contribute positively to the work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Synergistic: Nurses work hand-in-hand with physicians and technologists, often anticipating needs and providing real-time support during procedures.

• Communication-Focused: Clear, concise, and timely communication is vital, especially in high-pressure situations. Huddles, debriefs, and direct verbal exchanges are common.

• Respectful & Supportive: While demanding, the environment fosters mutual respect among team members, encouraging support during challenging cases and celebrating successes.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration adheres to established protocols and workflows, ensuring that each team member understands their role and the overall process for patient management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these values is key for candidates to demonstrate alignment during interviews, showing they can thrive in a high-performance, patient-focused, and collaborative academic medical setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Stress Environment: Dealing with life-or-death situations, complex procedures, and demanding patient conditions requires resilience and strong emotional regulation.

• Rapid Technological Advancement: The field of cardiovascular intervention is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning to stay proficient with new devices and techniques.

• On-Call Demands: Balancing personal life with unpredictable on-call responsibilities can be challenging, requiring careful planning and personal resilience.

• Maintaining Competency Across Multiple Areas: The requirement for cross-coverage in EP and other units means nurses must maintain and expand a broad range of specialized skills.

• Managing Patient Acuity: Patients in the cath lab are often critically ill, requiring constant vigilance and the ability to manage multiple complex issues simultaneously.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Clinical Skills Training: Opportunities to become certified in advanced cardiac life support, critical care, and specialized cath lab procedures.

• Equipment Expertise: Deepen knowledge and skills in operating and troubleshooting advanced cardiac support devices.

• Preceptorship and Mentorship: Develop leadership and teaching skills by mentoring new nurses and contributing to the team's knowledge base.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Procedures: Work with leading interventional cardiologists performing the latest structural heart interventions and complex coronary procedures.

• Professional Conferences: Potential to attend national conferences related to cardiovascular nursing and interventional cardiology.

• Career Ladder Progression: Clear pathways to advance into charge nurse, clinical practice leader, or management roles within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to specialized, high-acuity clinical roles. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and a structured path for career progression within a leading healthcare institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a patient experiencing [specific complication, e.g., retroperitoneal bleed, acute coronary syndrome] during or after a procedure. Focus on your assessment, immediate interventions, and communication strategy with the physician.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Describe a time you had a disagreement with a colleague or physician. How did you resolve it? How do you ensure effective communication during a high-stress procedure?

• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: How do you prioritize care when multiple patients require your attention? How do you ensure patient safety when operating complex equipment? Describe a time you identified a potential safety issue and what you did about it.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: Why are you interested in working for the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center specifically? How does your approach to nursing align with their mission of "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®"?

• Team Dynamics: What are your expectations of a cath lab team? How do you contribute to a positive and productive team environment?

• Quality & Safety: How do you stay current with best practices in cardiovascular nursing? How do you contribute to a culture of safety within your unit?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Case Presentations: Prepare to discuss 2-3 complex patient cases you've managed. Structure your discussion using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on your role, the interventions performed, critical thinking applied, and the patient's outcome.

• Highlight Procedural Experience: Clearly articulate your experience with specific procedures and equipment. Be ready to explain your comfort level and any specific training you've had.

• Demonstrate On-Call Readiness: Convey your understanding of the commitment involved in on-call duties and your ability to respond promptly and effectively.

• Emphasize Adaptability: Showcase your ability to adapt to changing patient conditions and procedural needs in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily assess clinical competency, critical thinking, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using specific examples and demonstrate a clear understanding of the demands and rewards of working in a specialized cardiac cath lab.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Nurse position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight all direct nursing care experience in relevant settings (Cath Lab, ICU, ED, Telemetry, procedural units). Quantify achievements where possible and ensure all required certifications (BLS, ACLS) and licensure are clearly stated.

• Cover Letter Customization: Craft a compelling cover letter that expresses your specific interest in the Adult Cardiac Cath Lab at the UI Heart and Vascular Center. Address your understanding of the unit's reputation, the role's responsibilities (including on-call), and how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate.

• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal submission, mentally prepare to discuss specific patient cases and your procedural/equipment experience in detail during interviews. Have examples ready to illustrate your critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission, values, and the reputation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center. Understand their commitment to excellence and patient care.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.