JOB SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Cardiology Technologist performs electrocardiograms (ECGs) and related cardiology diagnostic testing procedures such as cardiopulmonary exercise tests, Holter hookup (Ambulatory monitoring) and scanning, and cardiac screening in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures. Assists the Cardiologist with pacemaker programming and monitoring, transesophageal pacing and atrial leads. Provides training for other clinical staff to use cardiology equipment for ECG tracings including acting as a resource for pediatric ECG.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from a recognized program in Cardiology Technology
• Three (3) years recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience with ECG electronic record system. Experience with Hospital Information System (HIS) or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) preferred
• Current registration with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists.
• Eligible for membership with the Cardiology Technologist Association of British Columbia (CTABC)
• Current qualifications in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and the ability to operate all equipment related to the position, including windows-based software packages such as word processing.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to working with new technology. Knowledge of inherited arrhythmias in the setting of congenital heart disease, experience in an inherited arrhythmia clinic preferred.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with all levels of staff and patients
• Demonstrated ability to deal with others effectively and function as an active member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload and set priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and provide instructions.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children and families.

1. Explains and performs ECGs on patients in BC Children’s Hospital and in BC Women’s Hospital.
2. Explains and performs cardiopulmonary exercise tests and/or treadmill stress tests as delegated by responsible physician or their delegate by attaching electrodes to the patient and recording studies. Operates equipment, monitors rhythm changesand records relevant information for interpretation by the cardiologist.
3. Performs signal average ECGs, Holter hook-up and scanning and analysis for 24 / 48 hours recordings.
4. Explains procedures to prepare patients for pacemaker and other cardiac rhythm devices interrogation and related tests; answers related questions.
5. Instructs patients and parents in the use of cardiac screeners and records trans-telephonic transmissions. Informs cardiologist of any abnormalities.
6. Scans and analyzes ECG, stress, and/or Holter reports; informs cardiologist of any abnormalities.
7. Assists Cardiologist during pacemaker clinic sessions by setting up the equipment, preparing the patients by applying pacemaker leads, performing ECGs and recording threshold tests; compiles information for reports.
8. Instructs non-cardio techs to use cardiology equipment to obtain ECG tracings outside of cardiology lab hoursl by developing curriculum, signing off on evaluations, organizing teaching schedules, providing education sessions, and developing resources specific to pediatric ECG.
9. Uploads ECG’s performed by non cardio-tech staff overnight, corrects demographic errors, and provides feedback. Maintains active charts; retrieves, sorts and files old charts in storage.
10. Maintains equipment by cleaning and replenishing supplies. Ensures equipment is in good working order. Working with Biomedical Engineering, troubleshoots equipment problems; refers malfunctions to appropriate area. Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
11. Replenishes supplies for the Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology Lab.Attends Quality Assurance and Quality Control Rounds as required. Provides information on tests and procedures to physicians as required.
12. Maintains active charts; retrieves, sorts and files old charts in storage. Maintains and reconciles ECG electronic reporting system for errors and makes corrections as needed.
13. Receives patients and visitors, answers phones, takes and relays messages.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.