10 Questions with Tim Hanchuruck
From security to saving lives: The special procedures tech shares his career path to the cardiac cath lab at Cape Cod Hospital.
Tim Hanchuruck’s journey to becoming a special procedures tech in Cape Cod Hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab was anything but typical. He started out more than a decade ago as a security guard working the overnight shift. But through years of hands-on experience, continuous learning and a deep curiosity about patient care, he worked his way into one of the hospital’s most critical departments.
Tim’s career path has taken him through multiple roles, from EMT to ER tech to radiology, giving him a well-rounded foundation in healthcare. Today, he works primarily in electrophysiology, assisting with complex procedures that help regulate heart rhythms and improve patients’ quality of life. His role requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to adapt in high-pressure situations.
Outside of work, Tim is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. We recently sat down with him to learn more about his unique career path, the latest advancements in cardiac care and what keeps him passionate about his work.
1. Your career path has been anything but traditional. What motivated you to transition from security to a clinical role?
When I was working security at Cape Cod Hospital, we responded to a lot of medical emergencies. Many involved patients who were experiencing a crisis—sometimes violent, sometimes confused. I wanted to understand more about the medical side of things, so I became an EMT. After that, I worked on the inter-facility transport ambulance for a few years, but I didn’t love being in the back of the truck. That’s when I transitioned into working directly in the hospital, first as a nursing assistant in the float pool, then as an ER tech. I kept following what interested me, which eventually led me to radiology and, ultimately, to the Cath Lab.
2. What was the moment that made you realize you wanted to work in cardiac care?
When I was a CNA in the float pool, I was assigned to sit one-on-one with a psychiatric patient who needed a procedure in the cardiac cath lab. While I was there, the doctor came in and asked me, “What are you going to do while we do the procedure? Watch TV? Get lunch?” I asked if I could come in and observe and he said, “Sure, come on in.” The team talked me through everything they were doing, and I was fascinated. That was the moment I knew I wanted to work in this environment.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
First thing in the morning, we check the rooms, make sure everything is stocked, and set up for the first case. Most of my work is in electrophysiology, so we prepare for ablations or device implants. During procedures, I assist the physicians by managing the X-ray camera, scrubbing in, and handling wires and catheters. The cases vary—some are quick, while others, like complex ablations, can take six hours.
4. What’s the most exciting advancement in cardiac procedures?
We recently got a new ablation system called Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) from Boston Scientific. It’s a huge leap forward because it doesn’t use thermal energy like traditional methods, meaning fewer complications and faster procedures. It’s only been available in the U.S. for about six months, and we were early adopters. The success we’ve seen with it has been really encouraging.
5. What was your first or most interesting job? What was your big takeaway?
My first job in high school was landscaping—tree work, cutting lawns. I remember my boss saying that you make great money when you’re young, but the longevity isn’t there. In your 20s it’s great, but the physical demands eventually wear you down. I appreciated that he coached me to do something else. I originally thought I would go into law enforcement since I majored in criminal justice at Franklin Pierce University, but that path never really panned out.
6. How did working in other positions at CCHC help you in your current role?
When I transitioned to the clinical side as a nursing assistant and later as an ER tech, I had the opportunity to work across multiple floors with different types of patients—post-open heart, spinal precautions, post-surgical. That experience gave me a broad foundation. Now, when a patient comes in with something unusual—like a drain or post-op complication—I already know what to do because I’ve seen it before in another department.
7. Outside of work, you’re an avid outdoorsman. How do you balance your job with your hobbies?
I love spending time outdoors—mostly archery hunting and saltwater fishing. My daughters also enjoy spending time with me outdoors. They’re learning how to fish, and they love it. Taking time off in the fall for hunting season is my way of recharging. It’s nice to have that balance between the fast-paced hospital environment and the quiet of the woods.
8. When was the last time you danced?
I love some good wedding dancing.
9. Do you like iced or hot coffee?
Anything with caffeine—I don’t have a preference. I’ll drink both.
10. After working in so many different departments, do you feel like you’ve found your long-term career in the Cath Lab?
Yes. I’ve moved around a lot, but I feel like I’ve found my niche here. I’m settling in and making this my career. I enjoy the combination of hands-on patient care, technical skills and working closely with physicians. It’s challenging, but the impact we have on patients—sometimes saving lives in real-time—is rewarding.
