Cardiac Stress Tech

Job Description Summary

Performs Electrocardiograms in a variety of settings. Performs Holter monitor placements. Assists physicians with Exercise Tolerance Stress Testing and Drug Study Stress testing, with and without nuclear medicine. Operates EKG Data Management System.

Job Description

Essential Functions

1. Performs EKG services according to established procedure of South Shore Health & Educational Corporation.

a. Performs EKG’s in a variety of settings, employing accurate lead placement and assuring good quality tracings.
b. Performs specialty EKG’s, such as pediatric, pacemaker magnet check and right-sided leads.
c. Performs good quality Holter monitor placements, with thorough patient instruction.
d. Ensures that EKG’s are transmitted from cart wirelessly; during downtime, transfers data via manual transmission or memory card..
e. Places EKG’s in appropriate physician’s electronic in basket, sends pediatric EKG's to CHBOS for interpretation, sorts out Mass Com studies, insures each EKG has an order..
f. Is able to locate, print, and fax an EKG via Muse DMS systems.
g. Performs all necessary paperwork including EKG editing, distribution of reports, billing reconciliation and completion.
h. Responds to in-house codes.
i. Responds to RRT's as needed.

2. Assists physicians with Cardiac Stress Testing.

a. Instructs patient fully and answers any questions. Assists in obtaining informed consent.
b. Operates Pyxis to obtain Adenosine, Regadenoson or any other medications necessary for Cardiac Stress testing.
c. Preps skin thoroughly and places electrodes appropriately.
d. Performs patient history, resting blood pressure, resting EKG, and if in-house patient, checks for cardiac enzymes prior to paging physician.
e. Is knowledgeable about operation of Stress equipment; can change protocols mid-test, perform manual protocols, initiate emergency stop, troubleshoot minor problems, print final reports, and add on EKG's from full disclosure..
f. Performs blood pressures during test and during recovery phase, and documents appropriately.
g. Monitors EKG continuously, documents arrhythmia and reports significant changes to physician. Monitors transcutaneous oxymetry when requested.
h. Keeps clear lines of communication by wearing and responding to assignment pager, and documenting physician paging and physician call back info.
i. Initiates Code 9 in emergency; assists responders as needed.
j. Knows protocols and tech responsibilities for each of the following Cardiac Stress Tests; Regular Exercise Stress Test, Stress Echo, Dobutamine Stress Echo, Exercise Stress Test with Nuclear Medicine (Spect), Persantine Stress Test with Nuclear Medicine, Adenosine Stress Test with Nuclear Medicine.

3. Identifies patients and properly labels data.

a. Identifies patient by checking name and hospital account number on patient armband.
b. Checks transmitted EKG’s to ensure that proper documentation procedures are followed.
c. Labels Holter diaries with patient information and enters demographics into digital recorders accurately.
d. Fully enters patient information into EKG carts and Stress carts prior to testing.
e. Insures that "mismatch" EKG's on Muse get addressed in timely manner.

4. Maintains equipment.

a. Cleans, inspects and restocks EKG and Stress carts each shift.
b. Checks function of Stress Lab emergency equipment, checks O2 supply, checks code cart status and enters data in logbook on a daily basis.
c. Informs supervisor or Biomed Department immediately if problems occur.
d. Keeps digital Holter monitors clean, inspects wires.

5. Will maintain sufficient inventory to efficiently operate the EKG services.

a. Assesses supplies daily.
b. Maintains sufficient stock of all items used on EKG carts and Stress Labs.
c. Maintains minimal inventory so that areas are not overstocked.
d. Insures that items with expiration dates are replaced on time.
e. Rotates stock with expiration dates.

6. Will assist with the training of new employees, student interns, and employees of other departments.

a. Works one-on-one with new employees when requested.
b. Acts as a resource and good role model for new employees.
c. Consults with supervisor on progress of students and new employees.
d. Demonstrates use of EKG carts and stress equipment to nurses, nursing assistants and physicians.

7. Will promote the department by utilizing good customer service practices.

a. Is courteous and friendly to patients.
b. Greets patients appropriately by introducing self by name and job title, explaining procedure and ensuring that patient's questions have been answered before starting procedure.
c. Answers phone in a prompt and courteous manner and by stating name.
d. Always behaves professionally and in accordance of hospital's Culture of Service Excellence.
e. Utilizes Press Ganey cards for outpatients.

8. Performs clerical duties such as computer data entry, filing, recording, and mailing reports as needed.

a. Enters orders and bills existing orders for cardiac testing.
b. Is able to retrieve and print reports online in Meditech and Muse.
c. Makes good use of downtime to help with clerical duties.

9. Performs billing for Holter and Stress testing using Meditech system.

a. Accesses and completes orders for in-house patients.
b. Creates and completes orders for outpatients.
c. Cancels orders for tests not performed.
d. Maintains billing log and Holter work log.

10. Attains all agreed to goals and objectives within specified time frames, as part of the organization’s overall mission.

a. Is compliant with all mandatory education without needing prompting.
b. Maintains BLS training.
c. Attends employee forums.
d. Supports Culture of Service Excellent efforts.
e. Attends lab meetings.

11. Technology – Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.

a. Is proficient in all functions of Muse system.
b. Is proficient in all functions of EKG carts.
c. Is proficient in all functions of Case systems.
d. Is proficient in all functions of Seers Light Holters and can download data into Mars.
e. Attends Mock Codes.

12. Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

a. Promptly notifies supervisor of safety concerns
b. Is compliant with daily QC/equipment checks.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

High school education

Minimum Work Experience

Prefer a minimum two (2) years cardiology, medical assisting or EMT services, or degree in Exercise Physiology.

Preferred (not required) Certifications

Completion of EKG certificate program preferred

BLS - Basic Life Support

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities

Basic EKG interpretation skills.
Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, EMT or equivalent work experience with vital signs preferred.
Basic computer skills preferred