Electrocardiogram (ECG) Hospital Lab Tech III

Works within the Molecular Imaging & Therapeutics (MI&T) department and reports through MI&T departmental leadership 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 within the Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics department.  Functions as a technical resource to the Cardiology Nurse Practitioner (NP) Staff, nursing staff, and Nuclear Cardiology Director.  Performs complex cardiac stress testing under the clinical direction of an appropriately credentialed clinical provider (i.e., RN, NP, or MD).

• Administratively supervised and evaluated through Molecular Imaging & Therapeutics departmental leadership. Cardiology NP and the Nuclear Cardiology Director provide clinical expertise, support, and input into the assessment of clinical competencies related to cardiac stress testing.

• Collaborates with Cardiology Stress NP Staff, nursing staff, Echo Lab staff, the Nuclear Cardiology Director, and MI&T staff in planning and providing stress-testing procedures, and establishing goals and strategies for new or expanded services and developing performance improvement measures for the current and contemplated services.

• Consults with peers, Cardiology Stress NP Staff, nursing staff, and MI&T leadership to ensure daily service requirements are met

• Collaborates with the staff of the Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics 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 medical and non-medical supplies used for MI&T cardiac stress testing services 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.

• 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 checks of emergency equipment and supplies (i.e., crash cart) under the direction of APP staff and MI&T management.

• Works with MI&T management and departmental leadership, with clinical input from Cardiology Stress NP Staff and the Nuclear Cardiology Director as appropriate, in establishing quality controls

• 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)