Electrocardiogram (ECG) Hospital Lab Tech III

Works under the direct supervision of the Manager of Cardiology Diagnostics to assist in the accomplishment of the laboratory objectives including: cardiac stress testing, device application, ECG acquisition, scheduling, and other clerical duties. Provides guidance, expertise and support to other hospital lab technician staff in providing and coordinating stress testing services with the Nuclear Medicine and Echo Departments at all sites.  Functions as a resource to the Nurse Practitioner/Nursing staff and Medical Director of the ECG Lab. Performs complex cardiac stress testing under the direction of a clinical provider (i.e. RN, NP, or MD).

• Appointed, oriented, supervised and evaluated by the Manager, Cardiology Diagnostics, the Nurse Practitioner III Supervisor, Cardiac Stress Lab Nurse Practitioner Staff, and the Medical Director of the ECG/Cardiac Stress Lab Service.

• Collaborates with the Stress Laboratory nursing staff, Echo Lab staff and Nuclear Medicine staff in planning and providing stress-testing procedures. Manager of Cardiology Diagnostics, and the Medical Director of the ECG Service in establishing goals and strategies for new or expanded services and developing performance improvement measures for the current and contemplated services.

• Consults with fellow peers and the Nursing staff members to ensure service requirements are met on a daily basis.

• Collaborates with the staff of the Nuclear Medicine Department, Adult Echo Lab, Cardiology Faculty Practice Clinic and other ambulatory service sites to coordinate outpatient services.

• Collaborates with the Clinical Engineering staff on clinical information system maintenance and service.

• Collaborates with Material Management staff regarding supply orders.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the performance of cardiac stress tests including advanced monitoring, such as arrhythmia detection, with Advanced Practice Provider (App)/Physician/RN in attendance according to department procedures. 

• Prepares patients for testing and ensures that service expectations meet or exceed customer expectations including correctly placing electrodes on patient for monitoring during stress test studies and ensuring diagnostic electrocardiogram tracing quality. 

• Obtains patient vital signs utilizing automated equipment. During testing, recognizes complex or potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Communicates often and clearly with the supervising RN/NP during the exam. 

• Orders the medical and non-medical supplies used in the cardiac stress lab as needed. 

• Communicates with Clinical Technologies regarding the performance of the treadmill and other utilized equipment. Initiates service tickets as necessary. 

• Performs 12 lead,15 lead, and/or signal average electrocardiograms from hospital in-patient units and out-patient sites by use of electrocardiogram machines. Applies and instructs patients on Holter monitors, cardiac event devices, and ambulatory blood pressure monitors according to department standards. 

• Edits electrocardiograms and submits ECG for final reading via the ECG archive system. 

• Maintains current knowledge of Medical Center Code Blue procedures.

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot complex medical equipment including; treadmills, vital sign monitors, and cardiac monitoring devices. Performs daily cleaning of stress lab equipment and room.

• May perform analyzation of Holter recordings and event monitor transmissions:

  • Applies theoretical knowledge to identify and quantify recorded arrhythmias.

  • Checks accuracy of analysis.

  • Recognizes complex dysrhythmias and brings them to the attention of the RN or MD. 

  • Responds to emergency calls.

• Partners with the Nuclear Medicine Department daily to coordinate scheduling of Nuclear stress test studies and coordinates with patient care unit staff to schedule regular treadmills and treadmill echos for inpatients.

• Demonstrates leadership skills and the ability to interact appropriately with patients and other staff.

• Explain stress acquisition system and/or processed data to faculty, house staff, fellows and visitors.

• Instructs patients on the use of Holter monitors/other cardiac event devices and assists in preliminary interpretation.

• Provide training and preceptorship for other technicians and students. Signs off on peer competency assessments.

• Performs daily check of emergency equipment/supplies (i.e. crash cart) under the direction of the APP staff and management.

• Works with Management and department leadership in establishing quality controls, collection of quality assurance data, and disseminating appropriate information to medical staff when necessary.

• Works with other departments to ensure quality testing services are maintained.

• Responsible for ECG archive system duties including:

• Processing and editing of stress tests and ECGs

• Printing unconfirmed reports

• Editing and electronic transmission

• Adheres to policies and procedures for the technical and clinical operation of the department.

• Participates in the collection and reporting of Quality Improvement data. Assists in research projects as appropriate. Gathers data for the annual incentive Award program (IAP) goal(s) as needed. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in cardiac stress testing or any related cardiovascular technician experience.

• Completion of a Cardiovascular Technician Training program or equivalent.

• Training in ECG interpretation and analysis. 

• High School graduation. 

• Current CPR and BLS certification within 4 months of hire. 

• Previous work experience using personal computer applications. 

• Ability to operate computer-based stress testing equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education equivalent to an AA degree. 
• Certification as a Cardio Vascular Technician (CVT)