Staff Nurse, Adult Electrophysiology Lab – UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Nurse, Adult Electrophysiology Lab

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-08T16:30:14

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide comprehensive direct nursing care to patients undergoing Electrophysiology (EP) procedures within a specialized academic medical setting.

• Ensure seamless pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative patient management, including assessment, monitoring, intervention, and education.

• Facilitate open and effective communication channels among patients, their families/caregivers, and the entire multidisciplinary healthcare team.

• Actively participate in a variety of EP procedures such as RF ablations, cryoablations, system extractions, and cardiac device implants, requiring technical proficiency and clinical judgment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is within a highly specialized Electrophysiology Lab at a leading academic medical center, indicating a need for advanced clinical skills, a strong understanding of cardiac procedures, and the ability to manage complex patient cases. The emphasis on pre/intra/post-care suggests a holistic approach to patient management within the procedural workflow.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized pre-procedure nursing care, including comprehensive patient assessments, vital sign monitoring, and detailed patient/family education regarding the EP procedure and recovery process.

• Provide direct intra-procedure nursing support, which may include monitoring hemodynamic and electrical data, administering medications, managing procedural sedation, and assisting the physician with equipment and patient care.

• Execute post-procedure nursing interventions, such as monitoring for complications, managing pain, ensuring wound care, and providing discharge instructions to patients and caregivers.

• Operate and troubleshoot specialized EP equipment, including hemodynamic and electrical amplifiers, pacing stimulation devices, ablation generators, and 3D mapping systems.

• Act as a clinical preceptor for new and/or agency nursing staff, contributing to team development and knowledge transfer within the EP lab environment.

• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patient assessments, interventions, responses, and outcomes in accordance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate effectively with physicians, advanced practice providers, technologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and efficient patient care delivery.

• Manage patient scheduling and workflow to optimize lab efficiency, patient comfort, and provider utilization, while also assisting with patient short-stay visits as needed.

• Ensure adequate stock levels of all necessary supplies and equipment within the procedural rooms, managing inventory and initiating repair requests for malfunctioning equipment.

• Participate in life-saving measures, including defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as required during emergent situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct patient care, technical procedural support, and team leadership (preceptorship). The requirement to train and potentially cross-cover in the adult cardiac catheterization lab and Cardiovascular Pre and Post Recovery Unit (CPRU) indicates a need for adaptability and a broad skill set within the cardiology department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 1 year of direct nursing care experience in one or more of the following settings: Cath/Electrophysiology Lab, Emergency Department (ED), Telemetry Unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or other procedural experience that must include moderate sedation with patient hemodynamic monitoring.

• 1 year of direct nursing care in an Electrophysiology Lab within the last 6 months is a desired qualification.

• Demonstrated history of positive and professional interactions with patients, families, professional health care staff, and interdisciplinary team members.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

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

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

Required Skills:

• Advanced nursing assessment and critical thinking skills for critically ill cardiac patients.

• Proficiency in hemodynamic and electrical monitoring during cardiac procedures.

• Competency in administering and managing procedural sedation.

• Ability to operate and troubleshoot EP recording, pacing, ablation, and mapping equipment.

• Strong understanding of cardiac rhythms and the ability to recognize and respond to abnormalities.

• Excellent patient education and communication skills for diverse patient populations and their families.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated competency in device implantation, interrogation, programming, and troubleshooting.

• Previous experience with EPIC electronic health record system.

• CEPS (Certified Electrophysiology Specialist) or RCES (Registered Cardiovascular Reporting Specialist) certification.

• Experience as a clinical preceptor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BLS and ACLS certifications, along with specific procedural experience, points to a role requiring immediate clinical readiness and a robust understanding of emergency cardiac care protocols. The desired qualifications, such as EP lab experience and specific certifications, suggest a pathway for career advancement within the specialization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies or project examples demonstrating effective management of patients through complex cardiac procedures, highlighting pre/intra/post-operative care strategies.

• Documentation samples showcasing accurate and concise charting of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes, particularly within a procedural setting.

• Evidence of successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, perhaps through examples of care coordination or problem-solving initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of understanding and application of standardized procedural protocols and workflows within an EP Lab.

• Examples of how critical thinking and clinical judgment were applied to adapt care based on patient-specific needs or procedural developments.

• Documentation of any contributions to process improvement initiatives within a clinical or procedural setting, focusing on efficiency, safety, or patient experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement" in the traditional sense for non-operations roles, the detailed duties and experience requirements imply that candidates should be prepared to discuss specific clinical scenarios, procedural experiences, and their approach to patient care and team collaboration. The interview process will likely involve behavioral questions that assess these competencies, similar to how a portfolio would showcase operational achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The University of Iowa offers competitive compensation for nursing roles. Based on industry benchmarks for Staff Nurses with 2-5 years of experience in specialized cardiac units in Iowa City, Iowa, the estimated annual salary range is between $65,000 - $85,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Iowa City and the specialized nature of the Electrophysiology Lab.

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 for this incentive.)

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for retirement savings with employer contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, training, and certifications.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Monday – Friday, with 4 x 10-hour Day shifts.

• Rotating late-stay assignment is required, indicating flexibility in daily end times.

• No on-call responsibilities.

• Total weekly hours typically equate to a standard 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for registered nurses in similar roles and locations, adjusted for the specialized nature of EP nursing and the experience level indicated. The sign-on incentive is a significant benefit explicitly mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (>10,000 employees)

Founded: 1847. The University of Iowa Health Care is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center, with a mission to "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" This signifies a commitment to advanced patient care, research, and education.

Team Structure:

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

• The EP Lab team likely comprises nurses, physicians (cardiologists, electrophysiologists), cardiovascular technologists, and administrative support staff.

• Reporting structure typically involves the Staff Nurse reporting to an EP Lab Manager or Nursing Supervisor, who in turn reports to higher levels of hospital administration.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on evidence-based practice and advanced clinical protocols for patient care.

• Data-driven decision-making for patient management and operational efficiency within the lab.

• Continuous improvement initiatives focused on patient safety, procedural outcomes, and patient experience.

• A strong culture of collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork is expected.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26002527&lang=en

📝 Enhancement Note: The "best heart hospital in Iowa" recognition by U.S. News & World Report underscores a commitment to high-quality, specialized cardiac care and advanced technology. This environment demands a high level of clinical expertise and a dedication to professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an experienced Staff Nurse position, focusing on specialized clinical operations within the Electrophysiology Lab. It requires a solid foundation in nursing practice with specific expertise in cardiac procedures and patient management during interventions.

Reporting Structure: The Staff Nurse will report to a Nurse Manager or Supervisor within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, with direct collaboration with Electrophysiology physicians and other members of the procedural team.

Operations Impact: As a Staff Nurse in the EP Lab, the role directly impacts patient outcomes by ensuring safe and effective care during complex cardiac procedures. The efficiency and skill of the nursing staff contribute significantly to the overall throughput, patient satisfaction, and reputation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Electrophysiology procedures, advanced mapping technologies, and device management.

• Leadership: Opportunity to become a charge nurse, preceptor, or participate in unit-based committees.

• Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications such as CEPS (Certified Electrophysiology Specialist) or RCES (Registered Cardiovascular Reporting Specialist), with potential employer support.

• Education: Utilize tuition assistance or employer support to advance nursing education (e.g., completing a BSN or MSN).

• Cross-Training: Potential to gain experience in other related cardiac procedural areas (e.g., cardiac catheterization lab, recovery units).

📝 Enhancement Note: The academic medical center environment at the University of Iowa provides a strong platform for continuous learning and career advancement, particularly for nurses interested in specializing in cardiovascular care. The role offers a clear path for skill development and leadership within a high-acuity clinical setting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hospital/Clinical Environment – specifically, an Electrophysiology Laboratory within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa. The University of Iowa Health Care campus is a significant medical facility.

Workspace Context:

• The EP Lab is a high-tech, fast-paced procedural environment.

• Requires close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in a confined space during procedures.

• Access to advanced medical equipment and technology for cardiac diagnostics and interventions.

• Focus on sterile technique and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily Monday to Friday, with four 10-hour day shifts.

• A rotating late-stay assignment is a mandatory component, meaning shifts may extend beyond standard hours on certain days to accommodate procedure schedules.

• No on-call duties are specified, which offers predictability for personal scheduling outside of late-stay rotations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and requires adaptability. The 10-hour shifts and rotating late-stay assignments are typical for procedural areas to maximize equipment and physician utilization, but candidates should be prepared for variable end-of-day schedules.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of resume and cover letter is required. Ensure these documents highlight relevant EP lab, procedural, cardiac, or critical care experience.

• Screening Call: A preliminary phone or video call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss qualifications, experience, and interest in the role.

• On-Site Interview: This will likely involve an interview with the EP Lab Nurse Manager and potentially other key team members (e.g., charge nurse, lead physician). Expect behavioral questions assessing critical thinking, teamwork, patient management in complex scenarios, and experience with specific procedures or equipment.

• Skills Assessment/Scenario Discussion: Candidates may be asked to discuss specific patient scenarios, troubleshoot equipment issues, or explain their approach to managing patients during EP procedures. While not a formal "portfolio review," be prepared to articulate your clinical decision-making process and experiences.

• Potential Second Interview: May involve meeting additional team members or senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples of their clinical experience that align with the job description.

• Case Studies: Be ready to present 1-2 concise case studies of challenging patients you managed in a procedural or critical care setting. Focus on your role, the interventions you performed, the outcomes, and any lessons learned.

• Procedural Competencies: Articulate your experience with specific EP procedures (ablations, device implants, etc.), your role (monitoring, scrubbing, circulating), and your comfort level with the associated technology.

• Teamwork & Communication: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with physicians and other team members to ensure patient safety and procedural success.

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you handled unexpected events or complications during procedures or patient care.

Challenge Preparation:

• Clinical Scenarios: Practice responding to hypothetical patient situations that might arise in an EP lab (e.g., patient experiencing bradycardia during a procedure, managing procedural sedation complications, responding to an emergency).

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of EP procedures, common arrhythmias, device function, and ablation technologies.

• University of Iowa Specifics: Research the UI Heart and Vascular Center's specialties, patient population, and any recent achievements or focus areas. Understand their mission and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a traditional resume and cover letter, but success in interviews will hinge on the candidate's ability to verbally "present" their experience and clinical acumen, akin to a portfolio review. Focus on quantifiable achievements and specific examples where possible.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• EP Recording Systems: Knowledge of systems used for acquiring and analyzing electrograms (e.g., GE/Marquette, Philips, Boston Scientific, Abbott/St. Jude Medical systems).

• 3D Mapping Systems: Familiarity with advanced navigation and mapping technologies (e.g., CARTO, EnSite NavX, Hansen Sensei).

• Pacemaker/ICD Interrogators & Programmers: Proficiency in using devices to assess, program, and troubleshoot cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) from various manufacturers (e.g., Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott).

• Ablation Generators: Experience with radiofrequency (RF) and cryoablation generators.

• Hemodynamic Monitoring Systems: Ability to use and interpret data from invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment.

• Procedural Sedation Agents & Monitoring: Familiarity with common sedatives and the monitoring equipment used during conscious sedation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• EPIC EMR System: Experience with the University of Iowa's Electronic Medical Record system for patient charting, order entry, and accessing patient history.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Familiarity with any internal systems for tracking procedure volumes, patient outcomes, or quality metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how patient data is managed and workflows are automated within a hospital setting is beneficial.

• Device Tracking Systems: Potential use of specific software for tracking device implants and follow-ups.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of EP-specific technologies is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific brands and models of mapping systems, programmers, and ablation generators, as well as their ability to learn new technologies quickly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: Prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the procedural experience.

• Excellence in Care: Commitment to providing the highest standard of nursing care, aligned with the "best heart hospital" reputation.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where all team members contribute to successful patient outcomes.

• Continuous Learning and Improvement: Dedication to staying current with advancements in electrophysiology and contributing to process enhancements.

• Professionalism and Accountability: Maintaining high standards of professional conduct, responsibility, and accountability in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring constant communication and coordination with physicians, technologists, and other nurses.

• Emphasis on clear, concise communication during high-pressure situations.

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to support colleagues.

• Respect for the expertise of all team members, regardless of role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa emphasizes its mission to "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" This suggests a culture that values innovation, patient advocacy, and a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pacing in a High-Tech Environment: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in EP technology, mapping systems, and ablation techniques requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Managing Complex Patient Cases: Handling patients with multiple comorbidities, advanced arrhythmias, and challenging procedural histories demands strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills.

• Balancing Procedural Demands with Patient Needs: Effectively managing the technical demands of procedures while ensuring patient comfort, safety, and emotional support.

• Rotating Late-Stay Assignments: Adapting to variable end-of-day schedules can be demanding and requires proactive personal and family planning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced EP Training: Opportunities to become proficient in highly specialized procedures, such as complex ablations, lead extractions, and advanced device therapies.

• Professional Certification Support: Encouragement and potential support for obtaining CEPS or RCES certifications.

• Continuing Education: Access to internal and external training programs, conferences, and workshops focused on cardiovascular and electrophysiology nursing.

• Preceptorship and Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor new nurses and grow leadership skills, or to be mentored by experienced EP specialists.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of specialized procedural areas in leading medical centers. The growth opportunities are substantial for nurses committed to advancing their careers in cardiac electrophysiology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a critically ill patient during a cardiac procedure. What was your role, what interventions did you perform, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your clinical assessment, actions, and communication.)

• "How do you stay current with new technologies and advancements in Electrophysiology?" (Highlight continuous learning, professional development, and sources of information.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult team member or physician. How did you handle it, and what was the resolution?" (Emphasize communication, conflict resolution, and patient advocacy.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center specifically?" (Research their reputation, specialties, and the "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives." mission.)

• "How do you align with our values of patient-centered care and continuous improvement?" (Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare Concise Case Studies: Have 1-2 detailed examples of complex patients you managed, focusing on your specific contributions, critical thinking, and outcomes.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific EP equipment (mapping systems, programmers, etc.) and your ability to learn new technologies.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to describe your experience (e.g., "managed X number of procedures per shift," "trained Y new nurses").

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Articulate how you approach and resolve challenges encountered during procedures or patient care.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strong clinical skills, technical aptitude, excellent communication, and a collaborative spirit. Your ability to articulate your experience using specific examples will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Nurse position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight direct nursing care experience in procedural areas (EP Lab, Cath Lab, ED, ICU, Telemetry), highlighting specific skills in hemodynamic monitoring, procedural sedation, patient assessment, and cardiac interventions. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your specific interest in the UI Heart and Vascular Center and the EP Lab. Detail your relevant experience, certifications (BLS, ACLS), and enthusiasm for advanced cardiac care.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the job description and prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Practice discussing your clinical decision-making process for EP procedures.

• 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 "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®"

⚠️ 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.