Cardiac Technician I

Department: Cardiology Services

Schedule: PRN, Days (as needed)

General Summary

Performs various stress tests and other non-invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures utilizing clinical knowledge and professional judgement within the parameters of professional and departmental standards and protocols. Prepares, assesses, and provides care for the patient throughout the procedure. Tests performed may include exercise stress test, pharmacological stress tests, stress echocardiograms and nuclear stress tests. Other testing done may include 12-lead EKG's, EEG's, EECP, and scanning Holter Monitors. Tests are performed in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Possesses the knowledge and skills level to administer treadmill and pharmacological protocols for stress tests which includes: monitor, record, and interpret EKG tracings for diagnostic purposes, determine appropriate testing protocol, recognize presence of permanent pace maker, calculate and record diagnostic parameters, monitor and evaluate patient tolerance to test including chest pain, and prepare study for physician interpretation.
• Responsible for patient safety including recognizing cardiac arrhythmias and respond according to emergency protocols utilizing BLS skills and obtaining emergency medical equipment.
• Provides care to patient: obtain history, assesses patient condition, collects and interprets clinical information for appropriateness for ordered test, explains procedure, obtains consent, provides personal care/hygiene
• Performs electrocardiograms. Possesses knowledge of rhythm recognition to notify physician of abnormal EKG and patient's total condition throughout the test. May also be responsible for processing EKG’s from various units/off-site locations including reconciling errors and assigning EKG’s for interpretation.
• Maintains clinical information, and enters and retrieves patient data from software applications and EMR specific to testing being done.
• Maintains operational knowledge of Noninvasive Cardiology equipment with ability to troubleshoot this equipment.
• Performs clerical duties (as applicable to specific department): schedule procedures utilizing knowledge of test codes, inventory management, transport tracking. Answers phone.
• Trains/precepts new employees
• Additional training/competency to be completed to independently perform other diagnostic procedures possibly done in department including EEG’s, EECP, and Holter Monitor application and scanning.

Common Expectations

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment.
• Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards, cleans equipment.
• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department. Maintains established policies and procedures, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.
• Maintains records of examination data and other pertinent information on patients.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, attends in-services, and staff meetings as required

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• Certificate Program Education in Cardiovascular Technology or Exercise Science. Preferred

Work Experience

• Less than 1 year Relevant experience. Required

Licenses

• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Courses and Training

• Completion of cardiac related training/certification. Upon Hire Required