Sister/ Charge Nurse – Interventional Cardiology

Job overview

The post holder will be a knowledgeable, skilled and inspirational role model who supports colleagues to achieve their full potential while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care. They will assist the Band 7 Senior Sister in leading the Interventional and Diagnostic Cardiology team, maintaining a visible clinical presence within the department and providing oversight of all aspects of patient care.

The role involves working as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, promoting effective communication across the department, hospital and wider healthcare system. The post holder will contribute to the development and delivery of a modern, patient-focused service aligned with Trust objectives, national standards and performance targets.

Main duties of the job

Patient Assessment and Preparation

• Assess patients before procedures.
• Review medical history, blood results, ECGs and medications.
• Ensure informed consent has been obtained

Assisting During Procedures

• Assist with coronary angiograms, PCI/Angioplasty and pacing procedures.
• Maintain a sterile field and adhere to ANTT principles.
• Administer medications safely in accordance with local policies.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and complications.

Post-Procedure Care

• Monitor access sites for complications.
• Observe vital signs and cardiac rhythm.
• Manage patient comfort.
• Provide discharge education regarding medications, activity restrictions and follow-up care.
• Facilitate safe and timely patient discharge.

Patient Advocacy and Communication

• Act as an advocate for patients and families.
• Provide reassurance
• Liaise with consultants, physiologists, radiographers and ward teams

Clinical Governance and Safety

• Adhere to NMC standards, Trust policies and departmental procedures.
• Participate in audits, incident investigations and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure safe custody and administration of medications
• Maintain competency as a Non-Medical Prescriber.

Leadership and Service Management

• Coordinate services.
• Provide leadership and supervision to nursing staff.
• Support recruitment, appraisal and staff development.
• Monitor compliance, training and workforce planning.
• Contribute to service improvement and operational targets.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities Pre-Procedural Care

• Assess patients prior to diagnostic and interventional procedures.
• Review medical history, investigations, medications and allergies.
• Ensure informed consent has been obtained and documented.
• Prepare patients physically and psychologically for procedures.
• Develop and implement individualised care plans.
• Identify and escalate risks or concerns prior to procedures.

Intra-Procedural Care

• Assist with Coronary Angiograms, Angioplasty (PCI), pacemaker implantation and other cardiac procedures.
• Continuously monitor patients' haemodynamic status, ECG rhythm and overall condition.
• Maintain aseptic technique and adhere to infection prevention policies.
• Administer medications safely in accordance with Trust policy and NMC standards.
• Recognise and respond promptly to clinical deterioration and complications.
• Ensure patient dignity, privacy and comfort throughout procedures.

Post-Procedural Care

• Monitor patients during recovery following procedures.
• Assess vascular access sites for bleeding, haematoma or other complications.
• Monitor vital signs, cardiac rhythm and patient comfort.
• Provide discharge education regarding medication, wound care, activity restrictions and follow-up arrangements.
• Facilitate safe discharge and continuity of care.

Professional Responsibilities

• Practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
• Deliver evidence-based nursing care.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous patient records.
• Act as a patient advocate, promoting patient involvement in decisions regarding care and treatment.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
• Participate in clinical audit, quality improvement and service development activities.
• Maintain mandatory training and professional competencies.
• Independent Non-Medical Prescriber assessing, planning and prescribing medications within the scope of professional competence and Trust policies

Communication and Team Working

• Work as an effective member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Liaise with consultants, physiologists, radiographers, ward staff and other healthcare professionals.
• Provide support, reassurance and information to patients and relatives.
• Ensure effective handover and communication across services.
• Contribute to a culture that recognises patients and families as partners in care

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

• Assist in the leadership and management of the Interventional and Diagnostic Cardiology service.
• Coordinate daily activity within the cardiac catheter laboratories, pacing suite and recovery areas.
• Support service delivery targets and efficient utilisation of clinical resources.
• Supervise and support junior staff and students.
• Undertake staff appraisals and contribute to workforce development.
• Participate in recruitment, selection and retention of staff.
• Assist in managing sickness absence, capability and performance issues in line with Trust policies.
• Promote a positive, flexible and responsive team culture.

Clinical Governance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, professional standards and national guidance.
• Report, investigate and learn from incidents and near misses.
• Contribute to risk assessments and risk reduction initiatives.
• Ensure safe custody and administration of medicines.
• Participate in complaints investigations and service improvement plans.
• Promote a culture of patient safety and continuous improvement.

Teaching and Development

• Act as a mentor and role model for registered and unregistered staff.
• Support the learning and development of students and new staff members.
• Participate in education, training and competency assessment programmes.
• Encourage evidence-based practice and professional development within the team.

Summary Statement

The Angiography Nurse is responsible for delivering comprehensive nursing care throughout the patient journey, supporting diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures, promoting patient safety, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and contributing to the efficient operation and development of the Interventional Cardiology service.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.