CARDIO TECHNICIAN

Job Summary

/Overall Objectives

Perform non-invasive diagnostic testing which produces electrocardiographic tracings, to provide data to the physician to aid in the proper diagnosis and treatment of heart disorders. These tests include, at a minimum, 12 Lead EKG, Holter and Event Monitoring, and are performed on inpatients and outpatients of all ages. In addition, assist physicians or other licensed HCP in performing cardiac stress tests, nuclear stress tests and stress echos. It might also include pacemaker/ICD transtelephonic checks and more advanced pacer/ICD interrogations.

Essential Job Functions

• Regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance.
• Conduct patient interview and identifies any contraindications to exercise or pharmacological stress testing. Prepare patient appropriately.
  • Identify patient using two forms of identification per policy.
  • Accurately and efficiently complete patient history.
  • Start IV if trained to do so and appropriately documents the gauge, date, time and site of insertion.
  • Explain the test and answers any questions the patient may have.
  • Conduct a brief overview of relevant patient history with the physician conducting the test.
• Accurately and efficiently prepares patient per protocol.
  • Properly prepares the skin for and attaches the electrodes and leads to the patient.
  • Collect vitals and runs 12 leads as indicated per protocol.
• Properly conduct the exercise portion of the test and terminates the test per protocol.
  • Run 12 lead EKGs when indicated per protocol.
  • Take BP readings as indicated per protocol.
  • Collect and record any other vitals as indicated per protocol.
  • Perform all the technical aspects of using the stress equipment without undue risk to patient, self or others.
• Properly and sensitively inform patient before, during and after the test of what to expect and asks how they are feeling throughout the test.
  • Ask the patient why they are having the test.
  • Explain the test and answers any questions they may have.
  • Ask the patient during the test how they are feeling.
  • Record all information on above questions as indicated per protocol.
• Document all that is indicate per protocol to document and accurately and efficiently compiles all reports for processing.
  • Assure all reports are completed and include date, time and signatures.
  • Compile all necessary reports and papers for distribution and processing.
  • Signed on inpatient medical record that test has been completed, report to follow.
• Work collaboratively with other techs and nurses to see that all other aspects of the tests are done completely and in a timely manner.
  • Consider nuclear scanning aspects of testing and allows for the time involved.
  • Consider echocardiography aspects of testing and cooperates in whatever ways are needed to facilitate.
• Perform 12 Lead ECG
  • Technically perform the test per protocol.
  • Promote the ECG ensuring the test is transferred into an appropriate state to be read by the physician, which is then transitioned into the patient's electronic medical health record.
• Accurately and efficiently complete hook ups for Event and Holter Monitor and facilitate the ability for the reading physician to review.
  • Accurately perform patient hook up and provide instructions regarding the device.
  • Facilitate reading and signature of the appropriate physician.
  • Charge correctly for the test.
• Conduct 12 Lead EKGs as needed and per protocol.
• Accurately and efficiently complete hook ups for Event and Holter monitors needed to elicit reports for physicians.
  • Assure reports generated are placed, signed and distributed.
  • Complete charges appropriately.
  • Accurately complete patient hook up and provides patient instructions.
• Conducts all technical aspects of performing an EEG
  • Properly identifies patient and test to be done.
  • Preps patient per protocol.
  • Choose and use the appropriate montages.
  • Process reports, gets needed signatures and distributes according to policy.
• Maintain a sufficient level of supplies in all testing areas.
• Maintain records of reports for verification and statistical purposes.
• Clean and maintain all equipment used to provide safe and sanitary conditions.
• Obtain necessary equipment and supplies when needed.
• Perform other clerical duties as assigned including work in departments outside their home department.
• Cognitive ability to function and concentrate on the essential and specialty functions of the job at a high level.
• Achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing an essential or specialty function of the job.
• Ability to think and concentrate for an entire shift.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Related training/experience (preferably within the past five (5) years).
• Previous Nurse Aide experience.
• Recent EKG experience. Outgoing and energetic personality.
• EMS or Paramedic experience.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Basic Arrhythmia Course or completion within 1 year of hire/transfer into department.
• Act 33 with renewal.
• Act 34 with renewal.
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required. Essential – Absolute Necessity. Marginal – Minimal Necessity. Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift. Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift. Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift. Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.	Physical Condition	Essential	Marginal	Constantly	Frequently	Occasionally	Rarely	Never
	Extreme Heat							x
	Extreme Cold							x
	Heights							x
	Confined Spaces							x
	Extreme Noise(>85dB)							x
	Mechanical Hazards							x
	Use of Vibrating Tools							x
	Operates Vehicle							x
	Operates Heavy Equipment							x
	Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices							x
	Rotates All Shifts	x					x
	8 Hours Shifts	x		x
	10-12 Hours Shifts							x
	On-Call	x				x
	Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)	x				x
	Travel Between Sites							x
	Direct Patient Care	x		x
	Respirator Protective Equipment							x
	Eye Protection	x					x
	Head Protection (hard hat)							X
	Hearing Protection							X
	Hand Protection							X
	Feet, Toe Protection							X
	Body Protection							X
	Latex Exposure							X
	Solvent Exposure							X
	Paint (direct use) Exposure							X
	Dust (sanding) Exposure							X
	Ethylene Oxide Exposure							X
	Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure							X
	Blood/Body Fluid Exposure							X
	Chemicals (direct use) Exposure							X
	Mist Exposure							X
	Wax Stripper (direct use)							x
	Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure							x
	Ionizing Radiation Exposure							x
	Laser Exposure							x

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required. Essential – Absolute Necessity. Marginal – Minimal Necessity. Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift. Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift. Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift. Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.	Physical Condition	Essential	Marginal	Constantly	Frequently	Occasionally	Rarely	Never
	Bending (Stooping)	x				x
	Sitting	x		x
	Walking	x		x
	Climbing Stairs	x					x
	Climbing Ladders							x
	Standing	x			x
	Kneeling		x				x
	Squatting (Crouching)		x				x
	Twisting/Turning	x			x
	Keyboard/Computer Operation	x		x
	Gross Grasp	x		x
	Fine Finger Manipulation	x		x
	Hand/Arm Coordination	x		x
	Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)	x				x
	Carry	x				X
	Transfer/Push/Pull Patients	x					x
	Seeing Near w/Acuity	x		x
	Feeling (Sensation)	x		x
	Color Vision	x		x
	Hearing Clearly	x		x
	Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead		x				x
	Reaching Above Shoulder Level		x				x
	Reaching Forward	x		x
	Lifting Floor to Knuckle		X				<10#
	Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle	X				50#
	Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder		X				<10#
	Lifting Shoulder to Overhead							X

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.