Cardio Diag Technician II

At Houston Methodist, the Cardiology Diagnostic Technician II position is an experienced technician who performs a variety of routine to complex electrocardiograms (12 lead EKGs), Holter monitor applications and exercise/treadmill, including pharmacological and echo stress tests for both inpatient and outpatient exams. This position processes and transmits EKG, Holter monitor and stress test data to designated software applications. The Cardiology Diagnostic Technician II position ensures exams are available for physician interpretation for completion of exam, including paperwork and reconciliation of exams. This position collaborates with all members of the patient care team.

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.

• Facilitates open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication which includes active listening and teaching to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear, providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.

• Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives. Role models peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.

• Performs exercise/treadmill Stress Tests including documentation of patient vital signs, symptoms and tolerance of exam.

• Executes exercise/treadmill Stress Tests protocol proficiently as directed by the Cardiologist.

• Provides care for the physical needs of patients when conducting the EKG, Holter exams and Stress Tests. Educates patients on the required care of the monitoring unit and electrode care, who require inpatient or outpatient Holter monitoring. Helps drive improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability for service standards.

• Provides direct assistance to physicians and other health care team members during diagnostic exams.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered, when applicable.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement for department projects and shared governance activities.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a technician and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year experience as a technician performing a variety of electrocardiograms (12 lead EKGs), Holter monitor applications or Stress Tests. Will consider internal candidates with six months experience as a Cardiology Diagnostic Technician I

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) AND
• Certified EKG Technician (CET) from NHA or NPS; or Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) from CCI; for Certified EKG technician (ECG) from ACA; or Nationally Registered Certified EGK Technician (N (NRCEKG) from NAHP.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, 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

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes