90-100%25 Staff Nurse - Adult Minor Procedure Room – UI Heart and Vascular Center

University of Iowa
Full-timeIowa City, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Nurse - Adult Minor Procedure Room – UI Heart and Vascular Center

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare - Nursing Operations

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role focuses on providing direct nursing care within the UI Heart and Vascular Center's Minor Procedure Room Suites, specifically supporting patients undergoing or recovering from cardiovascular procedures like cardiac catheterization and Electrophysiology (EP) interventions.

  • Responsibilities include patient assessment, medication administration, operating specialized medical equipment (e.g., hemodynamic monitoring systems, defibrillators), and ensuring effective communication channels with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

  • The position emphasizes the application of nursing theory to patient care, including diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of patient responses to health conditions.

  • This role is critical in managing the continuum of care for adult cardiac patients, ensuring a safe and efficient pre-, intra-, and post-procedural experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Staff Nurse," the context of "Minor Procedure Room" and focus on cardiovascular interventions places this role within a specialized clinical operations framework. The emphasis on patient flow, equipment operation, and team collaboration aligns with operational efficiency and patient pathway management within a healthcare setting, making it relevant for operations-minded professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Deliver comprehensive nursing care to patients in the Minor Room Suites, encompassing immediate pre-, intra-, and post-procedural phases according to their condition and age.

  • Administer medications as prescribed by physicians, closely monitoring patient responses and vital signs.

  • Operate and troubleshoot essential medical equipment, including hemodynamic monitoring systems and defibrillators, ensuring readiness and functionality.

  • Apply nursing theory to assess patient conditions, develop diagnoses, implement treatment plans, and evaluate patient outcomes.

  • Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, their families, and caregivers, providing necessary education, discharge instructions, and follow-up guidance.

  • Collaborate seamlessly within a multidisciplinary team (physicians, technicians, other nurses) to coordinate patient care across various units and divisions.

  • Serve as a clinical preceptor, mentoring and guiding new and agency nursing staff in best practices and unit-specific procedures.

  • Maintain a safe patient environment by adhering to universal precautions and established departmental and institutional policies and procedures.

  • Document all interventions, patient responses, and care provided accurately and in a timely manner within the electronic health record.

  • Train and provide cross-coverage for the adult cardiac catheterization lab and potentially float to the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit (CPRU) as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct patient care and operational oversight within a specialized clinical unit. The emphasis on patient flow, equipment management, team coordination, and adherence to protocols underscores the operational aspects of this nursing role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

  • Minimum of 1 year of recent experience in one of the following areas: Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Telemetry Unit, Emergency Room (ER), or Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

  • Alternatively, completion of a cardiovascular services or RN ICU internship within the last 6 months is acceptable.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in providing direct nursing care within a specialized cardiovascular procedural setting.

  • Demonstrated ability in patient assessment, including pre-, intra-, and post-procedure care.

  • Competency in medication administration and monitoring patient responses.

  • Experience operating and troubleshooting medical equipment such as hemodynamic monitoring systems and defibrillators.

  • Strong critical thinking and clinical judgment skills, with the ability to make decisive judgments under pressure.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective patient, family, and team interaction.

  • Knowledge of nursing theory and its application to patient care.

  • Familiarity with universal precautions and infection control protocols.

  • Ability to document patient care accurately and efficiently.

  • Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) by start date.

  • Current certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) by start date.

Preferred Skills:

  • Previous experience with the EPIC electronic health record system.

  • Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification.

  • Experience serving as a clinical preceptor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are specific to critical care and cardiovascular specializations, indicating a need for candidates with a solid foundation in high-acuity patient management and procedural support. The emphasis on critical thinking and decisive judgment points to the operational necessity of efficient and effective decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Documented case studies showcasing patient management during complex cardiovascular procedures, highlighting critical interventions and outcomes.

  • Examples of patient education materials developed for pre- and post-cardiac catheterization or EP procedures, demonstrating clarity and effectiveness.

  • Evidence of successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, potentially through project summaries or testimonials.

Process Documentation:

  • Detailed descriptions of patient care pathways for pre- and post-cardiac catheterization and EP procedures, identifying key stages and nursing interventions.

  • Workflow examples illustrating how nursing care is prioritized and managed in a fast-paced procedural environment.

  • Reports or presentations detailing the implementation of new protocols or the optimization of existing care processes within a clinical setting.

  • Documentation of training provided to new staff, showcasing mentorship and knowledge transfer capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" isn't explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of their clinical work that demonstrate efficiency, process adherence, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, which are transferable to an operational context within healthcare.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the experience level (2-5 years) and location (Iowa City, IA), a Staff Nurse position at a major academic medical center like the University of Iowa typically falls within the range of $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for RNs with specialized critical care/cardiovascular experience in the Midwest. Exact compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific qualifications, years of experience, and the negotiated FTE.

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).

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., IPERS).

  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

  • Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

  • Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours:

  • Position is available at 90-100% FTE (36-40 hours per week).

  • Scheduling options vary by FTE and may include four 9-hour shifts, five 8-hour shifts, or four 10-hour shifts.

  • Flexibility in scheduling is provided to accommodate operational needs and employee preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for registered nurses with similar experience in the specified region and healthcare setting. The specific FTE chosen will influence the total annual compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare - Academic Medical Center / Hospital & Health Care

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees)

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its Health Care system growing significantly over the decades.

Team Structure:

  • The UI Heart and Vascular Center is a specialized unit within the larger University of Iowa Health Care system.

  • The nursing team within the Minor Procedure Room Suites likely consists of registered nurses, nurse managers, charge nurses, and potentially advanced practice providers.

  • This team operates within a broader multidisciplinary structure including cardiologists, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, and various allied health professionals.

Methodology:

  • Patient-Centered Care: Emphasis on providing high-quality, safe, and individualized care for every patient.

  • Evidence-Based Practice: Utilization of the latest research and best practices to inform clinical decision-making and patient care protocols.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Strong focus on teamwork and communication across different departments and professional disciplines to ensure comprehensive care coordination.

  • Continuous Improvement: Commitment to ongoing evaluation of processes, patient outcomes, and staff development to enhance service quality and efficiency.

  • Commitment to Education: As an academic medical center, there's a strong emphasis on training future healthcare professionals and fostering a learning environment for current staff.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care's status as a comprehensive academic medical center implies a culture that values research, education, and cutting-edge patient care. This environment often fosters a culture of continuous learning and process improvement, which is beneficial for operations-minded professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level clinical nursing position with opportunities for specialization and leadership within a specific healthcare operations domain (cardiovascular procedures). It requires significant clinical expertise and the ability to manage patient flow and care processes efficiently.

Reporting Structure:

  • Staff Nurses report to a Nurse Manager or Unit Director.

  • They work collaboratively with physicians, technicians, and other healthcare professionals, forming a core part of the procedural care team.

Operations Impact:

  • By ensuring efficient patient throughput, adherence to procedural protocols, and effective post-procedure recovery, this role directly impacts the operational capacity and success of the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

  • High-quality nursing care and effective patient management contribute to positive patient outcomes, reduced readmission rates, and enhanced patient satisfaction, all of which are key performance indicators for healthcare operations.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Clinical Specialization: Develop advanced expertise in cardiac catheterization, Electrophysiology, and related cardiovascular procedures.

  • Leadership Development: Progress to roles such as Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse Leader, or Nurse Manager, overseeing unit operations and staff.

  • Education & Mentorship: Become a preceptor for new nurses or specialize in staff training and development.

  • Further Education: Utilize tuition assistance programs to pursue advanced degrees (e.g., MSN, DNP) to qualify for advanced practice or leadership roles.

  • Cross-Functional Roles: Potentially move into roles focused on quality improvement, patient safety, or clinical process redesign within the broader Health Care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a pathway from direct clinical care to specialized operational management within a high-demand healthcare field. The emphasis on efficiency, patient flow, and team coordination provides a strong foundation for future operational leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hospital - Inpatient/Outpatient Clinical Setting

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, United States, specifically within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

Workspace Context:

  • The work environment is a dynamic, fast-paced clinical setting within a procedural suite and recovery area.

  • It involves direct patient interaction, often under time-sensitive conditions.

  • Access to advanced medical equipment and technology is standard.

  • Collaboration is constant, with close proximity to physicians, technicians, and fellow nursing staff.

Work Schedule:

  • Full-time position (36-40 hours per week).

  • Flexible scheduling options include four 9-hour shifts, five 8-hour shifts, or four 10-hour shifts, depending on FTE and operational needs.

  • This flexibility is designed to support work-life balance while ensuring continuous patient care coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is hands-on and requires adaptability. The operational aspect involves managing patient flow through different stages of care (pre-procedure, procedure, post-procedure recovery) within defined timeframes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Application review, including resume and cover letter, to assess qualifications against the requirements.

  • Phone/Video Interview: A conversation with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss experience, career goals, and initial fit.

  • On-Site Interview: This typically involves meeting with the Nurse Manager, potentially other nursing staff, and possibly physicians from the procedural team.

  • Skills/Scenario-Based Questions: Candidates may be asked to describe how they would handle specific patient care scenarios, equipment issues, or team conflicts.

  • Portfolio Discussion (Implicit): While not a formal portfolio review, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples from their experience that demonstrate their clinical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach, aligning with the responsibilities of the role.

  • Clinical Competency Assessment: May involve a skills demonstration or review of certifications.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level administrator or department head.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Relevant Experiences: Select examples from your resume and cover letter that directly address the core responsibilities: patient care in cardiac procedures, equipment operation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

  • Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use data to illustrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced patient wait times by X%," "trained X new nurses," "managed care for X patients per shift").

  • Highlight Collaboration: Be ready to share specific instances where your collaboration with physicians, technicians, or other nurses led to improved patient outcomes or operational efficiency.

  • Demonstrate Critical Thinking: Prepare a concise example of a challenging patient situation you encountered and how you used critical thinking and judgment to resolve it.

  • Process Improvement Examples: If you have experience suggesting or implementing process improvements in a clinical setting, be ready to discuss them.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Procedural Nursing Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of cardiac catheterization and Electrophysiology procedures, including common complications and nursing interventions.

  • ACLS/BLS Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss your approach to common emergency scenarios covered in ACLS and BLS.

  • Teamwork Scenarios: Think about how you handle disagreements within a team or communicate critical information during high-stress situations.

  • University of Iowa Health Care Research: Familiarize yourself with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's reputation, services, and any recent achievements or initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a nursing role, preparing to discuss your experiences in terms of operational impact (efficiency, patient flow, resource utilization) will strengthen your candidacy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Electronic Health Record (EHR): Primarily EPIC (desired qualification, but standard practice in academic medical centers). This system is crucial for patient documentation, order entry, and communication.

  • Hemodynamic Monitoring Systems: Essential for real-time tracking of patient vital signs and hemodynamic status during procedures.

  • Defibrillators: Standard emergency equipment for cardiac care.

  • Patient Monitoring Devices: ECG monitors, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors.

  • Medication Administration Systems: Pyxis or similar automated dispensing cabinets, along with electronic MARs within the EHR.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable in the traditional sense, but the EHR serves as the primary system for patient data management and workflow automation within clinical care.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with EPIC is a significant advantage. Familiarity with various medical monitoring and life-support equipment is essential for the operational effectiveness of the procedure room.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Patient Safety: Paramount value, driving all decisions and actions to ensure the well-being of patients.

  • Excellence in Care: Commitment to delivering the highest standard of nursing care and patient outcomes.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

  • Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for one's actions and contributions.

  • Continuous Learning and Innovation: Fostering an environment where staff are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute to advancements in healthcare.

  • Respect and Compassion: Treating all patients, families, and colleagues with dignity and empathy.

Collaboration Style:

  • Highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, requiring constant communication and coordination between nurses, physicians, technicians, and other support staff.

  • Open communication is encouraged, especially during procedures and critical patient events.

  • A culture of mutual respect and support is fostered to manage the demands of a high-acuity clinical environment.

  • Feedback is expected and valued as part of the continuous improvement process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely reflects the values of a large, reputable academic medical institution, emphasizing professional development, evidence-based practice, and a patient-centric approach, all of which are integral to effective healthcare operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • High-Stress Environment: Working in a procedural setting can be demanding and requires maintaining composure under pressure.

  • Rapid Patient Turnover: Managing multiple patients with varying needs in quick succession requires efficient time management and prioritization.

  • Complex Equipment: Staying proficient with specialized cardiac monitoring and intervention equipment.

  • Adapting to New Technologies/Protocols: Continuously learning and integrating new procedures, equipment, or EHR functionalities.

  • Balancing Direct Care with Operational Demands: Effectively managing patient needs while ensuring smooth workflow and adherence to schedules.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Training: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in cardiac catheterization and Electrophysiology procedures.

  • Certification Support: Assistance or encouragement to obtain advanced certifications like ACLS, CCRN, or others relevant to cardiovascular nursing.

  • Continuing Education: Access to workshops, seminars, and online courses through the University of Iowa Health Care system.

  • Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced nurses and potentially serve as a mentor to others.

  • Career Advancement: Clear pathways for progression into leadership, specialized roles, or advanced practice nursing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of specialized clinical roles, and the growth opportunities are designed to help professionals overcome these challenges while advancing their careers within the healthcare operations framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Clinical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a patient experiencing hypotension during a catheterization, or how you would prepare a patient for an EP study. Focus on your assessment, intervention, and communication steps.

  • Teamwork and Conflict Resolution: "Describe a time you disagreed with a physician or colleague regarding patient care. How did you handle it?" Emphasize professional communication and patient advocacy.

  • Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical piece of equipment malfunctions just before a procedure. What steps would you take?" Highlight your troubleshooting process and ability to find solutions.

  • Operational Efficiency: "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple patients in a fast-paced procedural environment?" Discuss your organizational strategies and decision-making process.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Why are you interested in working at the UI Heart and Vascular Center?" Research their reputation, specific programs, and values.

  • "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" Provide examples of your collaborative skills and how you support colleagues.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Highlight Cardiovascular Experience: Select specific cases or projects that showcase your expertise in cardiac procedures and patient management.

  • Emphasize Process Adherence and Improvement: Discuss how you follow protocols and, if applicable, how you contributed to improving workflows or patient safety.

  • Quantify Contributions: Use numbers to demonstrate the scope and impact of your work (e.g., number of patients cared for, training provided).

  • Showcase Communication Skills: Be ready to articulate your communication strategies with diverse stakeholders (patients, families, physicians, team members).

📝 Enhancement Note: Frame your experience not just in terms of patient care, but also in terms of operational effectiveness, efficiency, and contribution to the smooth functioning of the procedural unit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

  • Tailor Resume and Cover Letter: Ensure your resume and cover letter highlight specific experience in adult cardiac procedures, critical care, and any relevant certifications (BLS, ACLS). Explicitly mention your years of experience in Cath Lab, Telemetry, ER, or ICU.

  • Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions related to patient care in procedural settings, critical thinking, and teamwork. Practice articulating your thought process clearly.

  • Research UI Health Care: Familiarize yourself with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's mission, values, and key services to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

  • Gather References: Prepare a list of up to 5 professional references, ensuring they can speak to your clinical skills, work ethic, and collaborative abilities.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a nursing degree (Associate, Diploma, Baccalaureate, or Master's) and a current Iowa nursing license. Candidates must have at least one year of recent experience in Adult Cardiac Cath Lab, Telemetry, ER, or ICU, along with BLS and ACLS certifications.