Patient Specialist - Columbia, SC (1099 Contractor, Per Diem/On Call)

Kestra Medical Technologies combines modern wearable technologies with proven device therapies to deliver high-quality, patient-centered cardiac care. Founded in 2014 by industry leaders, Kestra innovates versatile solutions that prioritize patient comfort, dignity, and clinical performance.

About the role

The ASSURE Patient Specialist (APS) conducts patient fitting activities in support of the sales organization and Regional Clinical Advisors (RCA). As the local patient care representative, the APS ensures effective and efficient patient fittings for wearable defibrillators. This is a paid-per-fitting contractor position based in Columbia, SC.

Responsibilities

• Act as a contractor ASSURE Patient Specialist to fit and train local patients with a wearable defibrillator via assignments dispatched from corporate headquarters.
• Provide instruction and instill confidence in Assure patients using demonstrated patient care skills.
• Contact prescribers, caregivers, and patients to schedule fitting services.
• Accept assignments that may include daytime, evening, and weekend hours.
• Travel to hospitals, patient homes, and other healthcare facilities to provide fitting services.
• Measure patients to determine the correct garment size.
• Review and transmit essential paperwork with the patient to receive the Assure garment and services.
• Manage inventory of Assure system kits, garments, and electronic equipment used in fittings.
• Adhere to the company’s Pledge of Confidentiality, ensuring patient information is only shared internally on a need-to-know basis and never discussed outside the office.

Requirements

• 1 year of paid patient care experience (not as a family caregiver).
• Clinical or engineering background, including but not limited to: nurses, cardiac device sales representatives, clinical engineers, catheterization lab technicians, physician assistants, or ECG technicians.
• Disclosure of personal NPI number (if applicable).
• Completion of a background check; Florida and Ohio require a level 2 screening paid for by Kestra.
• Willingness to pay an annual DME fee, deducted from completed work orders.
• Ability to pay for vendor credentialing upfront during a 90-day probationary period.
• Experience in patient and/or clinician education.
• Valid driver’s license in state of residence with a good driving record.
• Ability to consistently work in the field within the assigned region.
• Disclosure of any potential relationships and referral sources.
• Ability to achieve credentialing for hospital system entry, including:
  • Documentation of vaccination and immunization status.
  • Passing background checks and drug screening.
  • Reviewing and agreeing to hospital policies and procedures.
  • Completion of online courses (e.g., HIPAA, Bloodborne Pathogens, Electrical/Fire Safety).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Teams.
• Direct cardiac patient care experience (e.g., RN, RT, CVIS, Paramedic, CRM).

Skills

• Passion for the heart-failure space and a strong desire to make a difference.
• Strong interpersonal skills for communicating and assisting clinicians with patient care.
• Highly organized, service-oriented, and detail-focused.
• Interest in lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
• Emotional intelligence, including the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in pressure situations.
• Commitment to collaboration, integrity, innovation, and customer focus.

Work Environment

• Variable conditions during travel.
• Minimal noise typical of office or hospital environments.
• Possible exposure to infectious diseases in hospital and clinic settings.
• Extended hours as needed.
• Drug-free workplace.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel by car frequently within the assigned geography.
• Frequent repetitive motions (e.g., wrists, hands, fingers) from keyboard and mouse usage.
• Frequent stationary positions, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Frequent computer, phone, and business machine use.
• Occasional bending and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds unassisted, including loading/unloading from vehicles.