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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations - Nursing

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for delivering specialized nursing care within the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab, a key procedural area within a leading Heart and Vascular Center.

• Focuses on direct patient care across the entire procedural lifecycle, from pre-admission to post-procedure recovery, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.

• Involves direct patient interaction, technical procedural support, and critical thinking in a high-acuity environment.

• Requires a strong foundation in cardiac nursing principles, procedural support, and patient education within a specialized cardiology setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Staff Nurse," the context of an "Electrophysiology Lab" within a "Heart and Vascular Center" indicates a highly specialized clinical operations role. The responsibilities lean heavily into procedural support and patient management within a specific medical discipline, requiring a blend of clinical expertise and operational efficiency. This role is not a typical administrative operations role but a clinical one that functions within the operational framework of a healthcare facility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct, comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing Electrophysiology (EP) procedures, including RF ablations, cryoablations, system extractions, and cardiac device implants (pacemakers, ICDs).

• Manage pre-operative assessments, intra-operative monitoring, and post-operative recovery, ensuring patient stability and comfort.

• Administer medications, including intravenous and oral routes, and manage patients receiving procedural sedation.

• Monitor vital signs, hemodynamic data, and electrical activity during cardiac studies, responding promptly to critical changes.

• Prepare patients and equipment for EP procedures, including sterile field setup, instrument arrangement, and equipment calibration.

• Troubleshoot and initiate repairs for procedural equipment, ensuring operational readiness.

• Actively coordinate with physicians, technologists, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient and lab scheduling for procedural success and efficiency.

• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies in procedural rooms and stock as needed to ensure seamless operations.

• Demonstrate competency in advanced procedures and technologies such as 3D mapping, EP recording, pacing stimulation, ablation generators, and recognition of complex cardiac rhythms.

• Apply nursing theory to assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate patient responses to procedures and health conditions.

• Collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, providing clear communication and education to patients, caregivers, and families regarding discharge instructions and follow-up care.

• Serve as a clinical preceptor for new and agency nursing staff, contributing to team development and knowledge transfer.

• Adhere to all University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Nursing, and UI Heart and Vascular Center policies, procedures, and protocols to maintain a safe environment.

• Perform other duties as assigned, potentially including cross-coverage for the adult cardiac catheterization lab or floating to the Cardiovascular Pre and Post Recovery Unit (CPRU).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly define a hands-on clinical role within a specialized procedural department. The emphasis on patient assessment, monitoring, intervention, and technical procedural support highlights the operational aspect of ensuring smooth and safe patient throughput for complex cardiac interventions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), 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.

• If a BSN has not yet been obtained, active enrollment in a BSN program is desired. Experience:

• Required: Direct nursing care experience in one or more of the following: Cath/Electrophysiology Lab, Emergency Department (ED), Telemetry Unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or procedural experience that includes moderate sedation with patient hemodynamic monitoring.

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

• Required: Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize critical thinking skills, make decisive judgments, and work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.

• Required: Willingness to participate in a rotating late-stay assignment. Required Certifications/Licenses:

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

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

• Current license to practice nursing in Iowa is required by start date. Desired Qualifications:

• 1 year of direct nursing care experience in an Electrophysiology Lab within the last 6 months.

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

• Previous experience with EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize both foundational nursing education and specialized clinical experience within cardiac procedures and critical care settings. The inclusion of specific certifications (BLS, ACLS) and desired advanced certifications (CEPS, RCES) highlights the technical expertise required for this role. The emphasis on critical thinking and ability to work autonomously in a high-pressure environment aligns with the operational demands of a procedural lab.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful management of patients undergoing complex EP procedures (e.g., ablations, device implants), highlighting nursing interventions and patient outcomes.

• Documentation of experience with procedural sedation management, including patient monitoring and emergency response protocols.

• Examples of patient and family education materials or strategies developed for pre- and post-procedure care in cardiology.

• Evidence of participation in or leadership of process improvement initiatives within a cardiac or procedural unit, focusing on efficiency, safety, or patient satisfaction. Process Documentation:

• Workflow analyses or flowcharts illustrating the patient journey through the EP lab, from scheduling to discharge.

• Documentation of experience with specific EP lab technologies and equipment, including setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

• Examples of protocols or checklists developed for ensuring procedural readiness and patient safety.

• Documentation of contributions to team-based care coordination, illustrating communication and collaboration strategies within a multi-disciplinary team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a clinical role, the expectation for a portfolio would focus on demonstrating clinical proficiency, procedural understanding, and the ability to contribute to operational efficiency and patient safety within the EP lab. This includes showcasing how the candidate manages complex clinical processes and patient flow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a Staff Nurse position within a major academic medical center, the salary would typically align with established nursing pay scales for the region and experience level. Based on national averages for RNs in specialized cardiac labs and considering the Iowa City, IA location and the experience level (2-5 years), a competitive annual salary range could be estimated between $65,000 - $85,000. This range is subject to specific experience, certifications, and internal University of Iowa Health Care pay bands. 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.

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

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Access to University of Iowa facilities and resources. Working Hours:

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

• Rotating late-stay assignment is required, indicating potential for shifts extending beyond standard hours on a rotational basis.

• No on-call duties are required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general knowledge of RN compensation in specialized hospital units and the specified location. The sign-on incentive is a significant benefit highlighted in the job description. The schedule implies a structured, but potentially variable, daily workflow.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Services)

Company Size: Over 12,000 employees (University of Iowa Health Care)

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its Health Care system evolving significantly over time to become a comprehensive academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, a specialized unit.

• The EP Lab team likely consists of Electrophysiologists (physicians), EP Technologists, RNs, and potentially other support staff.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Nurse Manager and potentially a Clinical Nurse Lead for the EP Lab.

• Collaboration is essential with other departments such as Cardiology, Anesthesiology (for sedation), Pre-anesthesia Clinics, and Inpatient Units. Methodology:

• The UI Heart and Vascular Center emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, as evidenced by its U.S. News & World Report recognition.

• Operations within the lab focus on precision, efficiency, and patient safety, utilizing advanced technology and data to drive outcomes.

• Continuous improvement is a likely component, given the academic nature of the institution and its commitment to being "the best heart hospital in Iowa."

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26003506&lang=en (This is the job application link, not a direct company overview link, but indicative of the recruitment platform)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights the prestige and comprehensive nature of the University of Iowa Health Care system. The specialized EP Lab operates within this larger structure, benefiting from its resources and reputation while maintaining its own operational focus on cardiac procedures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Staff Nurse position, typically considered an experienced clinical professional role within the healthcare operations hierarchy. It is not a management or administrative operations role but a specialized contributor.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to the Nurse Manager of the Electrophysiology Lab or a designated Clinical Lead.

• Works collaboratively with Electrophysiologists, EP Technologists, and other members of the procedural team.

• May have opportunities to mentor or precept junior nurses. Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts patient outcomes and the efficiency of cardiovascular procedures.

• Effective nursing care and procedural support are crucial for patient safety, recovery times, and the overall throughput capacity of the EP Lab.

• Contribution to a high-performing team enhances the reputation and capabilities of the UI Heart and Vascular Center. Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Electrophysiology nursing, potentially leading to roles as a Charge Nurse or Clinical Specialist.

• Advanced Certifications: Pursue and maintain advanced certifications like CEPS or RCES, enhancing professional value and career options.

• Preceptorship/Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring new nurses and contributing to staff education.

• Further Education: Utilize tuition assistance to complete a BSN or MSN, opening doors to advanced practice roles or management positions.

• Cross-Training: Gain experience in related areas like the cardiac catheterization lab or post-recovery units, broadening skill sets and operational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily through clinical advancement and specialization within the nursing profession, rather than traditional GTM or RevOps career paths. The "operations" aspect is within the context of clinical workflow and patient management efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hospital-based clinical environment, specifically within the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab, part of the UI Heart and Vascular Center. It is a high-acuity, specialized procedural area.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, United States.

Workspace Context:

• The EP Lab is a dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring constant vigilance and rapid response.

• It involves close proximity to patients undergoing invasive procedures and collaboration with a technical team.

• Access to advanced medical equipment, monitoring systems, and diagnostic tools is standard.

• The environment demands strict adherence to sterile techniques and infection control protocols.

• Teamwork and effective communication are paramount due to the critical nature of the procedures. Work Schedule:

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

• The rotating late-stay assignment means shifts can extend unpredictably on certain days, requiring flexibility.

• This schedule is designed to ensure coverage for procedures that may run longer than anticipated but does not involve traditional "on-call" responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is highly specialized, clinical, and demanding, requiring adaptability and a strong focus on patient care and procedural integrity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to ensure all minimum qualifications (education, licensure, certifications, experience) are met.

• Phone/Video Interview: May involve HR and/or the hiring manager to discuss experience, motivation, and initial fit.

• On-Site Interview: Likely includes a panel interview with the hiring manager, potential colleagues (nurses, technologists), and possibly a physician. This will assess clinical knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Scenario-Based Questions: Candidates may be asked to walk through scenarios related to patient care in the EP lab, handling emergencies, or managing procedural sedation.

• Preceptor Role Discussion: If applicable, questions about mentoring and teaching experience may be included.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Clinical Expertise: Showcase specific procedural knowledge, patient management skills, and technical competencies relevant to EP.

• Highlight Patient Care Impact: Use case studies to demonstrate how your nursing interventions led to positive patient outcomes, improved safety, or enhanced patient experience.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present examples of how you used critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges in patient care or lab operations.

• Evidence of Collaboration: Include examples of successful teamwork and interdisciplinary communication.

• Procedural Documentation: If possible, include anonymized documentation of your role in specific procedures, highlighting your contributions and understanding of the workflow.

Challenge Preparation:

• Clinical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage common or critical situations in the EP lab, such as recognizing and responding to arrhythmias, managing procedural sedation complications, or handling equipment malfunctions.

• Patient Education: Practice explaining complex procedures and post-operative care instructions clearly and concisely to patients and their families.

• Teamwork and Communication: Prepare examples of how you effectively collaborate with physicians and other team members, and how you handle disagreements or communication breakdowns.

• Understanding of EP Procedures: Refresh your knowledge of common EP studies, ablations, and device implants, including their indications, risks, and nursing implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily scrutinize clinical qualifications and the ability to perform specialized nursing duties in a procedural setting. A portfolio should emphasize clinical achievements and operational contributions within the EP lab context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrophysiology (EP) Recording Systems: Utilizing advanced systems for acquiring and analyzing intracardiac electrograms (e.g., GE MacLab, Bardia, EnSite NavX, CARTO).

• Cardiac Ablation Generators: Operating and monitoring systems used for radiofrequency (RF) or cryoablation therapy.

• Pacemaker/ICD Implanters and Interrogators: Knowledge of devices and programming systems for cardiac rhythm management devices.

• Hemodynamic Monitoring Systems: Familiarity with systems for real-time monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs.

• 3D Mapping Systems: Experience with navigation and visualization software for complex electroanatomical mapping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): Primarily EPIC, for patient documentation, order entry, medication administration, and accessing patient history.

• Procedural Documentation Software: Systems for recording procedure details, findings, and interventions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, efficient patient scheduling and tracking systems are critical for lab operations.

• Communication platforms for team coordination (e.g., secure messaging apps, internal hospital systems).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized EP lab equipment and the EPIC EHR system is essential for this role, directly impacting operational efficiency and patient care quality.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: Prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes in all procedural activities.

• Excellence and Innovation: Commitment to high standards of care, utilizing advanced technologies and evidence-based practices, as reflected in the hospital's national recognition.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where all team members work cohesively to achieve common goals.

• Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.

• Efficiency and Quality: Striving for optimal workflow and procedural success while maintaining the highest quality of care.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring seamless interaction with physicians, EP technologists, and other nursing staff.

• Emphasis on clear, concise, and timely communication, especially during critical procedural phases.

• Proactive engagement in team huddles, debriefs, and continuous feedback loops to improve processes and patient care.

• Respect for diverse roles and expertise within the multi-disciplinary team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is professional, patient-focused, and driven by clinical excellence, typical of a leading academic medical center's specialized departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Paced Environment: The constant demand for procedures and the need for rapid decision-making can be stressful.

• Complex Procedures: Dealing with intricate and sometimes high-risk cardiac interventions requires sustained focus and expertise.

• Adapting to New Technology: The field of electrophysiology is rapidly evolving, requiring continuous learning of new devices and mapping systems.

• Rotating Late-Stay Assignments: Managing personal schedules and work-life balance with variable end-of-day responsibilities.

• Patient Acuity: Caring for critically ill patients with complex cardiac conditions demands a high level of clinical acumen and emotional resilience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of EP procedures and technologies.

• Specialized Certifications: Support for obtaining and maintaining industry-recognized certifications like CEPS or RCES.

• Continuing Education: Access to internal and external training, workshops, and conferences related to electrophysiology and cardiology.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced nurses and physicians.

• Career Advancement: Pathways to roles with increased responsibility, such as charge nurse, preceptor, or specialized clinical educator.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for clinical growth and specialization within a cutting-edge medical field, balanced by the inherent challenges of high-acuity procedural nursing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a patient undergoing procedural sedation who experienced a complication. What steps did you take?" (Assesses critical thinking, emergency response, and procedural sedation management.)

• "How do you prepare yourself and your equipment for a complex EP procedure like a challenging ablation?" (Evaluates preparedness, attention to detail, and understanding of procedural workflow.)

• "Walk us through your process for educating a patient and their family about a new pacemaker implant and post-operative care." (Tests patient education skills and ability to convey complex information clearly.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working in the Electrophysiology Lab at the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center specifically?" (Assesses motivation and research into the institution's reputation and values.)

• "How do you handle disagreements or differing opinions with physicians or other team members during a procedure?" (Explores collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution skills.)

• "How do you stay current with advancements in Electrophysiology and cardiac nursing?" (Gauges commitment to professional development and understanding of industry trends.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on EP-Specific Case Studies: Select 1-2 detailed examples of patients you've cared for in an EP setting, outlining the procedure, your role, key interventions, monitoring, and patient outcomes.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific EP equipment (mapping systems, generators, etc.) and your comfort level.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain how you addressed a clinical challenge or improved a process within the lab.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use numbers or specific results to illustrate the positive impact of your contributions (e.g., reduced procedure time, improved patient satisfaction scores, successful precepting of new staff).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating clinical expertise, procedural knowledge, critical thinking, and a strong understanding of the collaborative and fast-paced nature of an EP lab.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this specialized nursing position:

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

• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in cardiac care, electrophysiology, procedural sedation, hemodynamic monitoring, and any relevant certifications (BLS, ACLS, CEPS, RCES). Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Articulate your passion for Electrophysiology nursing, your understanding of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's reputation, and how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather evidence of your clinical expertise, including anonymized case studies, examples of patient education materials, and any documentation of process improvements or leadership roles. Be ready to present key examples during interviews.

• Research the UI Heart and Vascular Center: Familiarize yourself with their accolades (e.g., U.S. News & World Report rankings), mission, and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a detailed overview based on the provided input and industry standards. Specific details regarding job responsibilities, benefits, and interview processes should always be confirmed directly with the University of Iowa Human Resources or the hiring manager, Kelli Ballard.