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.