Cardiac Rhythm Technologist

Job Description

Summary

Within the context of a patient, client and family centred model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.

Under the direction of the Operations Leader (or designate) and Medical Director of the Heart Rhythm Device Clinic, the Cardiac Rhythm Device Technologist practices in accordance with the established standards of professional practice to facilitate optimal clinical effectiveness of implanted arrhythmia management devices through the application of technical knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage device function. Performs device analysis and programming for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) patients in the inpatient services as required during device implantation, including assisting the physician during implant procedures and programming individual devices at correct values during implant and in the outpatient setting (local and outreach clinic) in consultation with Staff Electrophysiologist (or representative). Performs techniques relating to Electro Cardiogram (ECG) testing, stress testing, Holter and device monitoring and other types of diagnostic cardiac equipment. Provides interpretations, analyses and test / summary reports as required.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education

Graduation from a recognized program in Cardiology Technology and successful completion of the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologist (CSCT) certification exam.

Graduation from a recognized pacemaker program (such as the BCIT advanced certificate in Cardiac Sciences – Cardiac Rhythm Device Technology or equivalent).

Successful completion of the Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCD) exam (through the International Board of Heart Rhythm Exam (IBHRE) and / or two years’ recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT).

Holds a valid BC driver’s license, as local area travel may require the use of a personal vehicle where mileage reimbursement is applicable.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of current relevant techniques, methods and procedures.

Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) and to problem-solve and make decisions effectively.

Ability to integrate best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.

Demonstrated ability to communicate and deal effectively with patients / residents, families, staff and other health care providers both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, prioritize workload, and complete assigned work.

Demonstrated initiative and self-starter.

Ability to demonstrate and explain procedures to other employees and students.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team and to offer and seek advice as necessary.

Ability to operate equipment, including computerized systems.

Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in health care.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitates optimal clinical effectiveness of arrhythmia management of CIED through the application of technical knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage device function.
• Performs a variety of tests such as determining capture and sensing thresholds of implanted leads, device and lead integrity and safety, and making mathematical calculations to determine optimum safety values of arrhythmia devices, in order to assess device function.
• Provides urgent and / or unplanned arrhythmia management related to device services (including interrogation analysis and programming changes) to various areas of the hospital including acute care, critical care, operating rooms (O.R) and Radiology department.
• As required, performs arrhythmia device analyses and programming in the O.R. or Cardiac Procedure Room, including assisting the physician during implant procedures, and setting individual device to correct values during or post implant.
• Assists with other arrhythmia device and implant duties in the clinic, OR and Cardiac Procedure Room related to patient care under the direction of the RN and in collaboration with the team.
• As part of the follow-up care and patient management, performs device analysis for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) patients, including interrogation and programming.
• Participates in the care, management and follow-up of remote monitoring transmissions as well as arrhythmia device advisories and recalls in collaboration with the team and as per organizational policy.
• Reviews and maintains records relevant to patient history, vital signs and device details.
• Responds to queries from various internal and external sources regarding device functions and their manifestation in patients and various recordings.
• Participates in the development and review of standards, procedures and educational material relevant to the Heart Rhythm program.
• Collaborates with the team on educational initiatives for patients and staff.
• Participates in the review, evaluation and selection of devices, leads and accessories and provides implant recommendations.
• Obtains appropriate approvals for new equipment orders, and works with Purchasing to process timely order and receipt of equipment using a variety of tools such as checklists, cardio lab and EPRO ordering system. Ensures older equipment is used before new equipment is used and / or ordered. Keeps equipment storage organized with clear labels to identify expiry dates.
• Acts as a resource to physicians and other health providers relevant to device functions by providing information, demonstrating appropriate use of equipment, and troubleshooting device functions. Advises the relevant supervisor in a timely manner of misuse of equipment.
• Ensures equipment for scheduled procedure is available and that all equipment within the area of assigned responsibility is operating within the limits of quality control. Notifies operators of equipment problems or malfunctions and works with colleagues to find solutions.
• Collaborates with Biomedical Engineering and / or manufacturer as required.
• Maintains equipment by cleaning, lubricating and replacing items such as paper rolls, electrodes, and leads.
• Works closely with the Porter / Ward Aide to ensure adequate levels of stock in the labs and storage areas and that appropriate approvals have been obtained prior to increasing PAR levels.
• Performs the duties of a Cardiology Technologist as required, including a variety of tests such as stress testing, Holter and event monitors including analysis and electrocardiograms.
• Explains cardiac device screen system to patients, monitors cardiac devices and notifies cardiologist of abnormalities; contacts patients by telephone for repeat recordings as required. Notifies appropriate health care provider of any abnormalities according to established policies and procedures.
• Transfers and assigns ECGs in ECG Cardiology Management systems (i.e. Tracemaster) for interpretation by medical staff. Follows organizational policy related to documentation and recording of all device analysis and programming changes in the clinic and acute care settings.
• Monitors ongoing departmental activity levels and assists fellow staff to meet requests for service and in meeting the team patient care benchmarks by identifying possible service gaps.
• Documents information including patient assessment, device interrogation, analysis and programming changes as per organizational policy.
• Participates in research projects and quality improvement initiatives as required.
• Participates in the instruction / orientation of staff and / or students by assisting with departmental orientations, in-service presentations, demonstrating procedures and answering questions, as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Vaccination Flag

As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care / Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.