Cardiac Technician

Cardiac TechnicianThe Cardiac Technician will function in the role of ECG, Stress, Device, or Event/Holter Technician. The Cardiac Technician is responsible for coordinating the patient flow to obtain requested tracings and vital signs for imaging and non-imaging studies in a fast paced environment. This is achieved through order verification, Quality Assurance of the monitoring and ECG/Stress Testing equipment, proper patient identification and obtaining appropriate tracings following approved policies and protocols. This is to include proper patient preparation and education which may begin prior to the patient arrival. The technician may be involved in part of a procedural team. The technician will treat patients of all age groups which includes infancy, pediatrics, adults and geriatrics. The technician must be knowledgeable of age specific protocols. The technician must be flexible to cover a variety of shifts with weekend, holiday and non-restricted call duties required as needed.Responsibilities include:Demonstrates initiative by seeking assignments when the assigned area is not busy. Performs other work of the department as needed.Demonstrates continuous cooperativeness with the supervisor's instructions and co-workers. Voluntarily assists co-workers. Promotes positive morale by remaining focused on work and building team relationships. Cooperates with all personnel in the proper conduct of the department to maximize the function of the department.Wears radiation monitoring devices in accordance with State regulations and ALARA program.Strives to improve interdepartmental and intradepartmental communications to promote total quality care of the patient. Evaluates current processes and recommends changes to supervisor and/or Director that will improve operations.Maintains a calm, knowledgeable demeanor; keeps composure under stressful situations.Conforms to accepted professional standards of attitude and behavior. Communicates a professional image through non-verbal behavior, cleanliness, and proper department attire. Collaborates effectively with all physicians, hospital personnel, department staff and customers.Remains flexible and willingly accepts changes in assignments, scheduled working hours, etc.Assists in the orientation and training of students and new employees.Makes timely and appropriate decisions and acts through empowerment to handle situations to resolution and/or refers to appropriate person when necessary. Channels suggestions, criticisms, and questions to appropriate person in a constructive manner.Serves as a role model and resource for staff. Provides assistance to other team members.Minimizes patient delays and is flexible when calling for inpatients to ensure the exam room is ready upon the patient's arrival. Makes a deliberate effort to meet the clinical requests of all providers.Communicates effectively, giving attention to the physical comfort, privacy and sensitivity to patient's needs utilizing service recovery as appropriate. Uses proper grammar and terminology. Establishes a rapport with the patients using language appropriate to the age of the listener.Provides a clean and orderly work area. Arranges for equipment maintenance when needed. Ensures availability of emergency supplies in each exam room. Restocks supplies as needed.Reports and files all patient incidents and HIPAA compliance reports immediately within the online system.Coordinates patient care activities with other sections of the department and other patient care areas. Provides patient preps when needed. Assists with patient transport when necessary. Notifies the appropriate personnel to release/return the patient upon completion of their procedure.Takes ownership for determining customer needs and offering ways to help. Interacts effectively with patients and families to promote customer satisfaction. Practices service recovery. Anticipates and alleviates situations which could result in patient/customer complaints. Provides a copy of the CRG letter as required. Encourages patient feedback.Educates the patient about the procedure, providing explanations to patient's questions as needed.ECG SpecificResponds to requests for ECG procedures promptly and according to established response time standards.Ensures availability of ECG machine for designated unitsPerforms 12 Lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) per protocolStress Tech SpecificResponds to requests for stress testing procedures promptly and according to established response time standards.Responds to requests for ECPs and/ or ABI therapy procedures promptly and according to established response time frames.Event/Holter Tech SpecificResponds to requests for Event/Holter monitor applications promptly and according to established response time standardsPrepares monitors and patients for optimum recording of interpretable tracingsAssists Physician in interpretation of the event/holter tracingsDevice Tech SpecificSchedules the transtelephonic pacemaker checks according to protocolAcquires EGMs via transtelephonic pacemaker checks for physician extender and physician reviewSet up new pacemaker implant patients with transmitters and follow up appointments as neededPerforms confirmation calls and data entry for pacemaker and ICD clinicsAssist physicians and/or physician extenders with the pacemaker and ICD clinics by preparing the patient and connecting to the correct pacemaker programmerVerifies patient identification by two methods and documents patient verified on tech completion in electronic medical record or on proper form.Ensures that a Licensed Practitioner has ordered the exam via electronic, written order or verbal confirmation. Ensures that the clinical indication is pertinent to the exam requested and seeks clarification of unclear orders from physician or supervisor. Matches written order with exam requisition, modifying information to ensure accuracy.Verifies and documents the LMP information and seeks cardiologist's assistance when response is not within department guidelines.Determines that informed consent has been obtained when indicated.Maintains up to date knowledge of the operation of all equipment. Maintains equipment in a clean and orderly environment. Ensures completion and evaluation of all equipment QC tests required.Participates in section specific and hospital wide patient PI/QI initiatives.Reports equipment malfunctions, abnormal / unsafe conditions to supervisor promptly.Applies techniques of good body mechanics while performing job tasks.Informs the supervisor concerning equipment malfunctions and other problems.Obtains urgent readings as necessary ensuring results are communicated to the ordering clinician.Operates within the framework of existing departmental policies and procedures.Demonstrates knowledge of disaster plan. Participates in mock disaster drills. Knows and follows code procedures. Completes annual life safety training via iCare.Provides comprehensive documentation and maintains accurate charts and records.Follows organization's infection control policies and guidelines for Standard Precautions.ECG SpecificSelects and operates appropriate equipment for the procedure requested. Produces quality tracings with few repeats which meet or exceed department standards on patients of all age groups, is knowledgeable for care and age- related equipment.Stress Tech SpecificDemonstrate the technical skills and knowledge necessary to perform high quality 12 Lead ECGs, treadmill exercise and pharmacological stress tests.Performs proper skin preparation and application of stress electrodes as is evidenced by tracings which are free of artifact. Insures proper chest lead and limb lead electrode placement for all tracings.Monitors ECG and blood pressure before, during and after stress testing. Exhibits knowledge of basic ECG recognition and arrhythmia detection and informs physician of any ECG or blood pressure changes.Assures that established protocols for equipment are set and pre-exercise/stress recordings are completed according to physician preferenceProvides comprehensive documentation and maintains accurate charts and records.Event/Holter Tech SpecificCompiles a written report for the supervising Physician signatureDevice Tech SpecificDemonstrates the technical skills to acquire EGMs via transtelephonic pacemaker checksDemonstrates the technical skills to acquire other device reports via electronic system.Acquires patient's vitals and an initial programmer print out for clinicsUnderstands department financial goals and helps keep department expenses to a minimum. Actively seeks, suggests and supports ways to provide cost effective patient care.Uses equipment conscientiously to reduce waste and damage. Checks expiration dates of all supplies regularly and prior to use.Promptly performs the exam complete function in the computer to enable timely billing.Demonstrates knowledge of daily charges and is able to reconcile