Arrhythmia Diagnostic Specialist -Cardiology EKG and Stress Testing - Full Time - Jeff Hwy

About the Role

This job assumes responsibility for and provides diagnostic care according to departmental guidelines and standing orders under the direction of the physician. This includes enabling the operations of the section, providing technical expertise with procedures, and patient advocacy. The Arrhythmia Diagnostic Specialist provides quality reports for physician interpretation, dictation, and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Performs wound checks using aseptic techniques with suture removal when needed 7 to 10 days after implant of pacemaker or Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (AICD).
• Provides follow-up education to the patient by explaining basic pacemaker methods and issuing them a transmitter.
• Performs telephone pacemaker analysis 1 week and 4 weeks after every implant and every 4 months following or based on physician request; telephones the patient requesting the patient transmit electrocardiogram (EKG) (magnet and non-magnet) over the phone.
• Records, interprets, and edits EKG strips in the pacemaker database system and then reports for physician interpretation.
• Provides preliminary report of cardio-beeper within 10 to 14 days for physician interpretation at the end of the 30-day service or immediately upon request.
• Provides a preliminary holter report according to departmental protocol of arrhythmias obtained for physician review and interpretation within 24 hours of receiving recording or immediately for a stat request.
• Recognizes signs/symptoms of infection, hematoma, and other post-op complications.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions, and communication style.
• Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance.
• Complies with the Ochsner Health System Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including reporting any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct.
• Other related duties as required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of related experience in an outpatient clinical setting.
• Experience with 12 lead EKG and rhythm strips.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality as defined by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Experience working efficiently and calmly under pressure and functioning without direct supervision when necessary.

Qualifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (required).
• Completion and certification of EKG course, Cardiac Technician certification, and/or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification (preferred).

Skills

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Self-directed.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, reach, and grab with arms and hands, and have manual dexterity.
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g., 24/7, weekend, holiday, on-call availability).
• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue.
• Works in a patient care area, directly with patients, and/or with specimens that could contain diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.