Status:  PRN - As Needed

Shift:     varies

Exempt: No 

Summary:
To perform a variety of technical non-invasive cardiology tests and prepare preliminary test interpretations as ordered by physicians under standard operating procedures. Performs EKG’s/signal averaging, Stress Testing, Holter Monitor Hook-up, and Event Recorder Hook-up. Reports to Cardiology Coordinator and works in direct supervision of Cardiology RNs and Sonographers. 

Other information:

Experience/Skills:
Candidate should have basic understanding of ECGs, pacemakers and arrhythmias, holter scanning and stress testing with 1-year experience in all above skills preferred.

Education:
Completion of ECG course, preferred.
Completion of ECG advance course, desired.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:
BLS required.

Physical Demands:
Strength: Medium
Push: Frequently
Pull: Frequently
Carry: Occasionally
Lift: Occasionally
Sit: Occasionally
Stand: Constantly
Walk: Constantly

Responsibilities:

Follows North Oaks Health System’s compliance programs and all federal and state regulatory guidelines.

1. Perform a variety of technical, non-invasive cardiology tests (including EKG's, holter monitor hook-ups, event recorder hook-up, stress preps, and stress testing) as ordered by physician and calculate preliminary test interpretations for physicians following standard operating procedures.
2. Prepare patient for prescribed test by obtaining and recording medical history and explaining the test procedures to ease any apprehension.
3. Alert physician regarding any irregular or critical heart activity or other abnormalities for all testing.
4. Maintains and cleans equipment daily, reports equipment issues via AYS and notifies malfunctions to Coordinator
5. Attend continuing education programs and learn present and new procedures provided by the department.
6. Maintain Basic Cardiac Life Support Credentials/skills as necessary to assist with codes in the hospital.
7. Perform routine clerical and other related duties, as required.
8. Maintains a professional and cooperative attitude.
9. Assists clerical staff as needed assuring that reports are completed in a timely manner.
10. Maintains logbooks, charge records, and supplies as necessary for the daily operations of the department
11. Monitors EKG turnaround time daily and communicates interpretation delinquencies to the appropriate physician and notifies Coordinator.
12. Perform MUSE Reconciliation daily, resolving any issues daily.
13. Performs unit secretary functions as relief or as directed by Coordinator.
14. Prepares patient for diagnostic tests, reviews chart prior to procedure, and explains procedure to each patient, obtains signed consent where applicable.
15. Demonstrates adequate understanding of data obtained in order to identify improper lead placement, artifact, interference or life-threatening dysrythmias.
16. Begins work promptly and efficiently organizes workload.
17. Demonstrates knowledge of Pharmacological Stress Testing and Nuclear studies.
18. Places interim reports on patient’s medical record in a timely manner.
19. Prioritizes work assignments effectively and demonstrates a systematic approach to the organizational climate.
20. Demonstrates strong technical knowledge as necessary to meet the objectives of the department.
21. Assists in the maintenance of a neat and safe department and hospital including cleaning and disinfecting all equipment.
22. Demonstrates understanding of isolation procedures/precautions.
23. Participates in Performance Improvement.25. Attends mandatory hospital and departmental meetings.
24. Accepts special projects and/or responsibilities defined by CPL Director.
25. Attends community job related educational programs. Maintains current clinical knowledge.
26. Demonstrates Age Appropriate Care (See Addendum)
27. Assist other Cardiology Staff where necessary.
28. Performs any other necessary tasks as directed by the Coordinator, AVP Heart Health Services or Medical Director.
29 Functions with cost containment in mind and compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
30. Adheres to hospital safety and Infection Control Polices and Procedures.
31. Safeguards and preserves confidentiality of patient information.

SKILLS:Demonstrates proficiency in the following non-invasive cardiology skills and procedures:
A. EKG:
1. Verifies physician order
2. Explains test and its purpose to patient
3. Performs proper electrode placement
4. Performs proper entry of patient information
5. Obtains EKG
6. Completes documentation where applicable
7. Appropriately places EKG on medical record

B. MUSE (Marquette Universal Storage of EKG)
1. Demonstrates proper protocol, places discs into EKGcart if applicable, accesses MUSE computer and downloads discs if applicable, matchesrequisition with EKG if applicable, transmits EKGs to MUSE from cart, editsEKG, retrieves EKGs, and sends edited EKG to physician inbasketsC. Holter Monitor Hook-up:1. Verifies physician order
2. Explains test and its purpose to patient
3. Performs proper electrode placement
4. Performs proper entry of patient information
5. Explains 24 hour diary
6. Completes documentation and acquires appropriate signatures
7. Demonstrates appropriate download of information into MARS computer

D. Event Recorder Hook-up:
1. Verifies physician order
2. Explains test and its purpose to patient
3. Performs proper electrode placement
4. Verifies test strip by calling Telerhythmics
5. Completes enrollment process and fax to Telerhythmics
6. Completes documentation and acquires appropriate signatures
7. Performs deactivation process

E. Stress test: Treadmill
1. Verifies physician order
2. Explains test and its purpose to patient
3. Verifies predicted heart rate
4. Assesses patients exercise ability
5. Obtains resting heart rate and blood pressure
6. Verifies proper placement of electrodes and blood pressure cuff
7. Monitors EKG during test and identifies dysrhythmias and adverse reactions
8. Monitors IV
9. Assesses patient to chair for cool down, monitors vital signs and assesses pain
10. Completes documentation and acquires appropriate signatures
11. Provides patient fluids

F. Stationary Bike:
1. Verifies predicted heart rate
2. Assesses patient exercise ability
3. Obtains resting heart rate and blood pressure
4. Verifies proper placement of electrodes and blood pressure cuff
5. Monitors EKG during test, identifies dysrhythmias and adverse reactions
6. Monitors IV
7. Demonstrates proper seat measurement, proper alignment, proper resistance, education, and proper protocol per policy.
8. Assesses patient to chair for cool down, monitors vital signs and assesses pain
9. Completes documentation and acquires appropriate signatures
10. Provides patient fluids

G. Upper Arm Ergometer (UBE)
1. Verifies predicted heart rate
2. Assesses patient exercise ability
3. Obtains resting heart rate and blood pressure
4. Verifies proper placement of electrodes and blood pressure cuff
5. Monitors EKG during test, identify dysrythmias and adverse reactions
6. Monitors IV
7. Demonstrates proper upper body alignment, verifies proper intensity level, education, and proper protocol per policy.
8. Assesses patient during cool down, monitors vital signs and assesses pain
9. Completes documentation and acquires appropriate signatures
10. Provides patient fluids

EQUIPMENT USAGE:

1. Instruct patient in use of equipment and precautions for each specific condition with regard to Patient's psychosocial background.
2. Evaluate patient for contraindications/indications for use and monitor patient while in use for Adverse reactions.
3. Operates within manufacturer and department safety guidelines
4. Monitors equipment for function and reports nonfunctional equipment to appropriate source.
5. Provides care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
6. Assesses patient status following equipment usage or accurately reads and records results.
7. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of operation of all equipment utilized.

EDUCATION AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT:
1. Trains new and current employees and students by discussion and demonstration.
2. Maintains confidentiality of patient, employee, and hospital information.
3. Completes all mandatory classes in the calendar year and actively participates in continuing education classes.
4. Assists in development and maintenance of policies and procedures applicable to Cardiology Department.
5. Cross trains to other departments within the Heart Health Services Division as assigned by Coordinator