Cardiology Diagnostic Technician I

FLSA status: Non-exempt

About the role

An entry-level Cardiology Diagnostic Technician that performs electrocardiograms (12 lead EKGs) and Holter monitor applications for both inpatient and outpatient exams. This position processes and transmits EKG and Holter monitor data to designated software applications, ensuring exams are available for physician interpretation, including paperwork and reconciliation of exams. The role collaborates with all members of the patient care team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent education (e.g., GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education)
• Six months of basic EKG and/or Holter monitor experience highly preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• EKG HM - Houston Methodist Electrocardiogram Course (HM) - Houston Methodist (within 6 months)
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association
• One of the following within 18 months:
  • CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCI)
  • CET - Certified EKG Technician (NHA)
  • CET - Certified EKG Technician (NPS)
  • ECG - Certified ECG Technician (ACA)
  • NRCEKG - Nationally Registered Certified EKG Technician (NAHP)

Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills and competency assessments
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital / Radiology / Cardiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision, including organizing workflow and actively participating in problem-solving

Responsibilities

People

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner
• Serves as a patient advocate in preventing/resolving ethical issues
• Facilitates interventions to relieve the patient’s/family spiritual distress
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability

Service

• Performs diagnostic electrocardiograms (12 lead EKGs) and Holter monitor exams that require precise placement of electrodes to the assigned area for accurate EKG data
• Proactively identifies issues and how to address them for optimum results
• Provides care for the physical needs of patients when conducting the EKG and/or Holter exams
• Educates patients on the required care of the monitoring unit and electrode care, who require inpatient or outpatient Holter monitoring
• Provides direct assistance to physicians and other health care team members during diagnostic exams
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability to contribute towards improving department score for patient satisfaction

Quality/Safety

• Identifies changes or abnormalities in EKG morphology when performing exams or processing data; takes corrective action or communicates immediately, when appropriate, to proper personnel for the best results
• Reviews the quality of EKG tracings for the patient care team and interpreting physician
• Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use; reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed

Finance

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures; enters charges at the time service is delivered, when applicable
• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed

Growth/Innovation

• Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities, activities focused on innovation, efficiency, or improvement in patient care and activities
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a technician
• Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management; completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis

Supplemental Requirements

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No
• On-call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events): Yes
• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No