Cardiology Technologist I

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, administers, observes, processes, routes, documents and files EKGs and signal average EKGs; notifies cardiologist and/or registered nurse immediately on life threatening concerns; responds to codes; strives to achieve excellence in patient care and satisfaction; assists with training on EKG machine operations and procedures; participates in quality assurance; performs routine clerical duties; In addition, administers, observes, processes, routes, documents and files Holter Monitor and Events Monitor Tests; assists cardiologist or registered nurse in conducting cardiac stress tests and pacemaker checks; assists lead technician with orientation and training.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Prepares patient for EKG by explaining procedure; attempts to allay patient fears and elicit patient cooperation.
• Prepares EKG equipment and examination area; operates EKG machine properly; conducts EKG tests; obtains EKG results before releasing patient; reports abnormal data, as indicated on EKG printout, immediately to physician to review.
• Maintains cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and functions effectively as performer, recorder or circulator during code situations; responds with EKG equipment to codes during regular working hours; performs EKG test and observes patient following code.
• Processes and completes all tests results for review by cardiologist; compiles and enters test results into final format; follows established procedures in delivery of test results to referring physician and medical record.
• Trains staff and peripheral clinic supervisors on EKG machine operations, processing, and transmission; assigns operator codes as needed.
• Remains abreast of new information in realm of EKG procedures and products through in-services, educational offerings, written literature, and other media. In addition, remains abreast of new information pertaining to cardiac monitors and other cardiology related matters.
• Using written materials or under direct supervision of physician, instructs patients on Holter Monitoring, Trans-Telephonic Event/Loop Monitoring, signal average EKG testing, and pacemaker checks; maintains records on patients receiving such services.
• Conducts Holter Monitoring including attaching and disconnecting leads, taking test tracing to assure proper functioning of monitor, and reviewing and rewinding patient tapes; leaves tape and diary in proper order for Holter Monitor tech.
• Reviews and scans Holter Monitor data; using existing protocols, recognizes and reports abnormalities; prepares preliminary report for review by cardiologist; notifies cardiologist immediately on life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Assists registered nurse and/or physician in preparing patient for stress test; conducts treadmill test; observes EKG rhythm throughout test and recovery; reports significant changes immediately to physician or registered nurse.
• Assists registered nurse and/or physician with symptomatic patients who experience adverse effects of test; HELPS monitor patient during treatment.
• Obtains signal averaging EKGs on patients in accordance with established protocols.
• Provided meets certification and training requirements in pacemaker/ICD, performs pacemaker checks according to manufacturer and department procedures; makes adjustments to device according to direction of practitioner, nurse or device manufacturer representative; uses pacer monitor to obtain pulse width, rate and duration; alerts cardiologist of any notable changes.
• Maintains accurate and complete documentation and records; generates reports as needed; enters information in database system; ensures data integrity.
• Participates in quality assurance activities.
• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of specialization.
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to age groups served.
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide culturally sensitive care and/or service.
• Performs other duties and accepts responsibility as assigned.
• Non-Essential Functions:
• Takes and reports patients vital signs when requested.
• Answers telephone; ascertains callers needs and assists them accordingly; obtains and records pertinent information; schedules patients for testing; releases confidential information only as directed by physician.
• Operates office equipment (i.e., computer, calculator, copier, telephone).
• Maintains equipment and supplies in clean, orderly, usable condition; reports malfunctions/needs to supervisor for appropriate action.
• Completes and processes accurate paperwork in timely manner; logs all tests performed; compiles data for other departments, i.e., appointment coordination, medical economics.
• Assures that all test results/reports and other necessary information are placed into patients medical records; files departmental copies.