- Produces recordings of electromotive variations in a patient's heart muscle using an electrocardiogram (EKG) to provide data for the diagnosis of heart ailments.
- Clearly explains testing procedures to patients and answers their questions.
- Accurately fastens electrode leads to the patient's chest, arms, and legs.
- Moves electrodes along specified areas of the chest to produce electrocardiograms to record electromotive variation occurring in different areas of heart muscle.
- Monitors electrocardiogram for abnormal patterns.
- Checks with patient and patient record for any allergies to adhesive material in the electrodes.
- Checks skin following electrocardiograph for any areas of excessive redness and inform nurse practitioner or physician.
- May attach electrodes of a Holter monitor to patients to record data over an extended period of time.
- Prepares patient and assists with performance of exercise tolerance tests.
- Prepares area of lower or upper extremity for ergometry test or standard treadmill test.
- Removes electrodes; reviews electrocardiogram for technical acceptability and rate; delivers confirmed electrocardiograms to the clinic chart for review and signature of physician or nurse practitioner.
- Performs signal averaged EKG's and attaches holter monitor electrodes.
- Assists nurse (and/or nurse practitioner) with patient/clinic preparation including demographic information, weight and other chart preparation, most recent lab work/test results, possible measurement of pulse and/or blood pressure once competency demonstrated.
- Answers telephones and greets visitors according to departmental procedures; screens calls and takes messages or refers caller to appropriate staff member.
- Greets visitors in a courteous manner, establishes needs and refers to appropriate staff.
- Assists with scheduling patient appointments, diagnostic tests, admissions, surgeries, and/or proper referrals.
- Receives and reviews incoming correspondence; independently responds to routine matters according to instructions and standard procedures.
- Prepares charts prior to office visit per clinic policy; prepares documents and materials for clinic and/or patient admissions, as requested.
- Obtains precertification of echocardiogram as needed, checks validity of patient demographic information.
- Assists with set up of and maintenance of office files including patient records, reports and correspondence and miscellaneous information.
- Files electrocardiograms of current patients.
- Keys patient information, including symptoms, date, time, and initials of the person-performing test, into electrocardiograph management system and marks tracings to indicate positions of chest electrodes.
- Edits and forwards final test results to the patient's attending physician for analysis and interpretation.
- Processes in-patient and out-patient electrocardiogram charges and charge sheets including transmission to EKG laboratory, physician evaluation, and hard copy delivery for billing per clinic policy.
- Copies and files echocardiogram charge sheets in appropriate binder.
- Operates standard office equipment including telephones, copiers, fax machines, and computers.
- Inventories, orders, and maintains office supplies and forms; completes purchase requisitions and receives supplies.
- Operates electrocardiograph equipment to record the electromotive variations in heart muscle actions.
- Sets up and runs holter monitor, blood pressure monitor, signal average and event monitors, scan blood pressure monitor and signal averages.
- Cleans, adjusts and performs routine maintenance on equipment including paper and ink supplies to ensure proper functioning.
- Makes sure inspection sticker is up to date.
- Maintains inventory on sample medications; disposes of outdated medication per clinic policy.
- Observes safety precautions for patient and staff around exercise testing equipment.
- Performs related responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Six months related experience and/or training.
- Typing skills.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association is required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.