Diagnostic/Stress Nurse, RN

Date posted: November, 2026
Reports to: Diagnostic RN Lead
Location: Mercy Hospital – Mercy & Unity campus
Status: 1.0 FTE
Salary Range: $44.64-$61.98

Position Summary

The Diagnostic Registered Nurse provides comprehensive cardiac nursing care to patients undergoing noninvasive cardiovascular diagnostic testing in the Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, MRI, and CT departments. This role supports both outpatient and inpatient populations by performing patient assessments, providing education, monitoring exercise and pharmacologic stress testing, administering moderate sedation when applicable, and ensuring safe, high-quality patient care throughout the diagnostic process.

The Diagnostic RN practices within the scope of a Registered Nurse license, demonstrated competencies, and MHVI and facility policies, procedures, and protocols.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Education

  • Perform comprehensive pre- and post-procedure patient assessments through chart review, medical history review, patient interview, medication reconciliation, and focused physical assessment.
  • Identify and document conditions, medications, or clinical findings that may impact or contraindicate testing procedures.
  • Communicate concerns and abnormal findings to the supervising provider prior to testing.
  • Educate patients and families regarding procedure preparation, expectations, recovery, and follow-up instructions.
  • Establish therapeutic relationships with patients and family members while promoting a positive patient experience.

Stress Testing & Cardiac Imaging Support

  • Perform nursing assessments and monitoring during exercise and pharmacologic stress testing associated with noninvasive cardiac imaging.
  • Select and implement appropriate testing protocols within approved guidelines and provider orders.
  • Monitor patient responses including heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, oxygen saturation, and symptoms throughout testing and recovery.
  • Recognize abnormal responses and collaborate with physicians and advanced practice providers to ensure patient safety.
  • Determine appropriate testing endpoints and recovery requirements according to established protocols and provider direction.

EKG Interpretation & Clinical Monitoring

  • Demonstrate competency in 12-lead EKG interpretation and cardiac rhythm recognition.
  • Review baseline EKGs for abnormalities that may affect patient safety or testing outcomes.
  • Continuously monitor and accurately document patient status before, during, and after procedures.
  • Promptly recognize and report significant clinical changes requiring intervention.

Intravenous Therapy

  • Initiate, maintain, and discontinue peripheral intravenous access according to established standards of practice.
  • Assess IV sites for patency and complications throughout the patient’s encounter.

Moderate Sedation

  • Administer and monitor moderate sedation according to facility policy and demonstrate competency requirements.
  • Complete and document pre-sedation assessments, including medical history, medication and allergy review, previous sedation experiences, focused physical assessment, and NPO status verification.
  • Monitor and document physiologic status during procedures and throughout recovery.
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to sedation-related complications.
  • Provide post-procedure education, discharge instructions, and nursing handoff communication.

Medication Management

  • Administer and monitor cardiovascular, stress testing, sedation, and emergency medications according to established protocols.
  • Assess for contraindications, therapeutic response, and adverse reactions.
  • Provide medication-related education to patients and families as appropriate.

Emergency Response

  • Maintain current BLS and ACLS certifications.
  • Recognize medical emergencies and initiate appropriate emergency response measures.
  • Provide BLS and ACLS interventions within certification, competency, and organizational guidelines.
  • Assist providers and emergency response teams during urgent and emergent situations.

Communication & Team Collaboration

  • Demonstrate excellent clinical judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
  • Effectively triage patient concerns and communicate findings with providers and care teams.
  • Collaborate with physicians, technologists, clinic staff, and other departments to ensure efficient patient care and workflow.
  • Maintain accurate, concise, and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.

Department Operations

  • Participate in daily operational activities including chart preparation, patient reminder calls, room and equipment readiness, inventory management, and monthly quality and safety checklists.
  • Utilize time effectively and contribute positively to departmental productivity goals.
  • Maintain flexibility to work at multiple clinic and hospital locations as needed.
  • Participate in departmental meetings, continuing education, and quality improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
  • Current Minnesota Registered Nurse (RN) license.
  • One to three years of cardiovascular nursing experience.
  • Basic competency in EKG rhythm interpretation.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are important.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical environment.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in noninvasive cardiac imaging.
  • Experience performing or monitoring cardiac stress testing.
  • Moderate sedation experience.
  • Previous hospital or procedural nursing experience.
  • Cardiovascular outpatient clinic experience

 

Physical Demands

  • Medium Work
  • Lifting weight up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 32 lbs. Occasionally

Pay Range

$44.64 – $61.98

The pay described reflects the base hiring pay range. Your starting rate would depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, your experience and level of education.

 

Note: Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.  Management retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Patient Focus Composure
Integrity and Trust Humor
Interpersonal Savvy Standing Alone
Problem Solving Time Management
Action Oriented/Priority Setting Communication (written and verbal)
Change Resilient/Personal Learning Intellectual Horsepower

MHVI offers a full benefit package, including:

– Competitive pay

– Uniform (scrub) allowance

– Employer HSA contribution

– 401k profit sharing and ongoing contribution – no employee contribution needed

– PTO plus paid holidays

– Medical insurance, including access to free online/at-home care

 

If you are interested in this position, please email HumanResources@mhvi.com

As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.