• Patients whose condition requires hemodynamic and/or angiographic evaluation of the cardiac system.
• Patients whose underlying coronary disease requires therapeutic percutaneous coronary &/or peripheral intervention i.e.: balloon angioplasty, stent, rotational or directional atherectomy, and thrombectomy devices.
• Patients whose underlying valve disease requires therapeutic intervention i.e.: aortic, mitral or pulmonic valvuloplasty.
• Patients who develop hemodynamic instability or arrhythmias requiring treatment.
• Patients with congenital abnormalities requiring evaluation to determine appropriate modalities of treatment, cardiac defect closures.
• Post cardiac transplant patients requiring endomyocardial sampling to monitor for rejection.
• Patients enrolled in research protocols.

PATIENT CARE DELIVERY MODEL
The patient care delivery model is a patient-focused model, supported by primary nursing. Patient-focused care is high quality, comprehensive, accessible, supportive and personalized care.

TEAM MEMBERS
The RN staff work collaboratively with Cardiologists, Radiological technologists and Cardiovascular technologists. The support staff consists of operation associates, unit service associates and pharmacy technicians.

SCHEDULING PRACTICES
Staff schedules are driven by patient need. The scheduling process is staff driven and flexible to accommodate personal and educational needs. Once the schedule is posted, the staff manages changes. Scheduled hours of operation are Monday though Friday 7:30 AM - 6 PM with 24 hour emergency on call coverage.

STAFF ORIENTATION
All staff attends a one-week nursing orientation program. Unit orientation is preceptor based, individualized and determined by the Nursing Director, clinical nurse specialist and the new employee. The length of orientation is also individually determined.

EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Staff education and development is supported by The Norman Knight Nursing Center for Clinical & Professional Development. Full and partial day programs are offered. Staff may also access outside educational opportunities. The teaching environment provides staff with a daily opportunity to discuss patient care related educational issues with members of the graduate medical education program and with other members of the care-delivery team.

Clinical Nurse Specialists provide educational support to staff on the nursing units. Staff has time allocated and the necessary support to offer educational programs to other staff members. Nursing Grand Rounds programs are offered on a regular basis.

Staff RNs have the opportunity to participate as a nurse preceptor or a team leader. RNs may advance in their clinical practice and demonstrate proficiency through the Clinical Recognition Program.