Cardiology Technologist

JOB SUMMARY :

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone;

as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Manager or designate, and as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team, the Cardiology Technologist performs a variety of non-invasive cardiology procedures and routine maintenance of equipment.

Using a personal computer and related software, performs database functions, including editing of electrocardiograms, storage and retrieval of cardiac records, and related clerical duties.

Reporting to the Manager or designate, and as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team, the Cardiology Technologist performs a variety of non-invasive cardiology procedures and routine maintenance of equipment.

Using a personal computer and related software, performs database functions, including editing of electrocardiograms, storage and retrieval of cardiac records, and related clerical duties.

Reporting to the Manager or designate, and as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team, the Cardiology Technologist performs a variety of non-invasive cardiology procedures and routine maintenance of equipment.

Using a personal computer and related software, performs database functions, including editing of electrocardiograms, storage and retrieval of cardiac records, and related clerical duties.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Explains procedures to prepare patients for tests and answers related questions, referring questions to other members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Performs non-invasive cardiology testing such as resting electrocardiograms (ECG's), pacemaker ECG's with and without magnet, treadmill stress tests, 24 hour holter monitor hook-ups, and patient activated cardiac loop recorders, according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs ECG's by attaching electrodes to the patient and operating cardiac equipment. Documents data such as position of patient, physical symptoms, and changes in lead positions as required.

Performs modified lead procedures following established policies and procedures.

• Under the direct supervision of a physician, administers oral or sublingual drugs, such as Adenosine and Dobutomine. Monitors patients during the administration of drugs and records time of drug administration and rhythm changes.
• Conducts exercise tolerance testing by performing duties such as attaching electrodes to patients, demonstrating usage of equipment, recording of cardiac rhythms and blood pressures.

Scans and analyses test strips. Assesses and selects portion of test strips and summarizes for interpretation by medical staff.

Monitors patient responses and reports changes in real-time ECG or blood pressure to the supervising physician.

Notifies appropriate members of the health care team such as the physician or nurse of significant ECG abnormalities in accordance with established procedures.

Assists the care team in dealing with medical emergencies.

• Performs holter arrhythmia scanning as required by selecting, printing, and analyzing various arrhythmias from the recording and preparing a report, summarizing the data, the time periods in question, and describing potential classifications of selected arrhythmia, for interpretation by the physician.
• Performs MIBI treadmills and the exercise tolerance testing portion of Stress Echocardiograms as required by recording ECG's, blood pressure, and time and dosage of administered drugs and identifying and printing abnormalities according to established procedures.
• Participates as a member of the health care team by collaborating in the provision of quality, patient / client-centered care and promoting effective communication with patients / clients, caregivers, families, visitors and staff.
• Utilizes computerized systems to maintain patient and hospital records, including obtaining and entering patient demographics, histories and charts as required, and in accordance with department policies, procedures and professional practice standards.

Completes documentation and prepares recordings for interpretation by designated medical staff and performs database functions such as identification, verification, editing, updating, and retrieval of cardiac records.

• Performs related clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, record retention, patient check-in, procedure completion, and telephone answering as required.
• Performs routine calibration and maintenance of equipment such as cleaning, inspection, calibrating, and replacing parts such as batteries, leads and paper.

Reports any malfunction to the appropriate authority. Maintains an adequate stock of necessary supplies in accordance with established procedures.

Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement by conducting audits, completing appropriate reports, monitoring clinical indicators and satisfaction surveys, providing feedback, following up on risk factors, and making recommendations for improvements.

Assists in clinical research projects, as required.

• Acts as a resource person by collegially sharing, demonstrating and providing guidance regarding cardiology technologist procedures to other staff, students and other members of the multidisciplinary health care team.
• Demonstrates personal initiative in maintaining professional currency and skills by participating in relevant educational activities, as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education, Training And Experience :

• Diploma in Cardiology Technology.
• Successful completion of the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologist (CSCT) certification exam.
• Eligible for membership with the Cardiology Technologist Association of British Columbia (CTABC).

Skills And Abilities :

• Prioritize and organize work.
• Observe and assess clients / patients.
• Operate related equipment, including computerized systems.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Deal with others effectively.
• Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
2 days ago