Electrocardiogram Technician (EKG) - Sinai

Advocate Health; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Milwaukee seeks an ECG technician to perform diagnostic tests including ECGs, stress tests, and ambulatory monitoring, ensuring accurate data entry and patient safety in line with HIPAA.

No experience is required for this role. A high school diploma is required, and applicants must complete a basic ECG interpretation course within one year of hire and obtain BLS within six months.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved basic ECG interpretation course within one year of hire.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with physicians, patients and staff.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Performs diagnostic tests including ECGs, Holter monitor application, stress testing and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
• Prepares patient data and ensures accurate documentation and electronic medical record storage.
• Screens calls, educates patients on monitoring and notifies physicians of critical values.
• Recognizes rhythm changes and communicates findings to medical staff.
• Assists with charting, billing, and information flow while ensuring HIPAA compliance.
• Calibrates and troubleshoots ECG/stress equipment and coordinates with IT/clinical engineering.
• Provides basic education on cardiac testing and follows up with staff as needed.
• Performs patient positioning and transporting duties in a safe manner.
• Adheres to age-specific care guidelines and department policies.

Skills

ECG interpretation

Prioritization

Communication

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs the following diagnostic tests: electrocardiograms, including posterior and right sided ECG's, Holter monitor application, event monitoring and other cardiac monitoring systems (e.g. ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) based on services provided and/or physician request.
• Performs appropriate skin preparation and lead placement for all tests including stress testing, ensures documentation is accurate and contains all necessary data elements when entering the patient information in the computer systems and equipment, obtains routine measurements, prepares information for physician interpretation, and ensures electronic medical record storage when appropriate.
• Screens patient calls, interviews patients and follows critical test values, documents information and notifies appropriate sources, records and instructs patients on cardiac event monitoring and sets up calls for follow-up with the physician.
• Recognizes routine wave forms, artifact and serious changes in patient rhythms. Communicates with medical staff when uncertain of rhythm or when critical test values arise.
• Assists with processing medical information, editing, billing, filing, and copying and acts as a resource to provide pertinent clinical information to other staff and physicians utilizing the electronic medical record ensuring patient safety and HIPAA guidelines are adhered to.
• Cleans, stocks and ensures the integrity of the systems and recognizes mechanical or technical abnormalities. Performs calibration and troubleshooting procedures on ECG and/or stress equipment and communicates problems to information services or clinical engineering.
• Provides basic education on cardiac testing and ensures appropriate follow up with medical staff as needed.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• High School Graduate.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Completion of an approved basic ECG interpretation course required within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly change priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Good communication skills to work effectively with physicians, patients and other staff members.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to:
• -lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• -lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• -carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• -push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• -perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Must have ability to use hands for fine manipulation, specifically in application of electrodes.
• Must have functional hearing and speech ability for effective communication as well as good vision and touch for performing tasks.
• Exposed to patients as well as potential for exposure to electrical hazards so must have ability to wear protective clothing as needed.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Any exceptions to the above mental and physical requirements must be documented through employee health.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.