EKG Tech I

St. Luke’s Health-Memorial paves the way for quality innovative health care in East Texas and provides more than a quarter of a million patient services each year. With hospitals in Lufkin Livingston and San Augustine St. Luke’s Health-Memorial provides millions of dollars in charity care and community support each year.

EKG Tech II responsibilities under the guidance of the Market Director of Respiratory & Cardiopulmonary Services, established departmental policies and procedures, and specific instructions, the EKG Tech II performs diagnostic EKG testing to assist medical staff in the diagnosis & treatment of patients. Collaborates with physician following interpretation and charges and edits as indicated. Maintains patient safety through attention to detail, equipment safety checks, adherence to department policies, and effective communication with physicians, staff and patients. Provides patient orientation, procedure explanation, and pre and post diagnostic care to completion of test. Assists patients with basic patient care needs.

1. Provides diagnostic testing for patients in all population/age-specific categories in critical and non-critical patient care areas. 
2. Performs routine EKG's and rhythm strips in all patient care areas.
3. Responds to and performs STAT EKG's and attends CODE BLUE/Rapid Response situations.
4. Observes and reports potentially lethal arrhythmias to the charge nurse or physician.
5. Performs special electrocardiography procedures, such as signal average EKG, and esophageal lead tracings.
6. Completes preparation of 12 lead EKG tracings for processing and physician interpretation.
7. Edits EKG's interpreted by medical staff and prepares for distribution to the patient's medical record.
8. Consistently enters correct exam information in computer system.
9. Consistently charges accurately for tests completed.
10. Maintains equipment by daily checking, stocking and cleaning.
11. Investigates minor equipment malfunction and implements corrective action, reports equipment  malfunctions to Biomedical Engineering.
12. Practices as a member of the healthcare team in a manner for which the main consideration is the patients, physicians, peers, visitors and other professionals. 
13. Works to reflect the highest achievable quality as defined by departmental and professional standards.
14. Responsible for performing job duties in accordance with Mission, Vision and Values of CHI St Luke’s Health Memorial.
15. Participates in hospital/departmental quality projects that enhance their skills and patient care outcomes.
16. Participates in hospital/departmental educational programs as required.
17. Accountable for maintaining applicable required certification.  
18. Represents CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial in physician, community relations and vendors in a professional/accountable manner.
19. Demonstrates willingness to follow the chain of command, regularly channels suggestions, criticisms and questions to the appropriate person. 
20. Supports department-based goals and contributes to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff. 
21. Regularly practices aseptic techniques and utilizes Universal Precautions.
22. Rotates weekend/call responsibilities in a professional and accountable fashion if applicable. 
23. Provides the requesting physician with preliminary findings based on diagnostic criteria established for each procedure.
24. Performs duties in accordance with that of hospital policies and procedures, and regulatory agency guidelines. 
25. Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED) &
• Completion of an approved, EKG Training Program & Successful completion of examination (which met eligibility requirements for certification through nationally recognized accredited agency.) 
• Minimum of three (3) year’s direct experience in echocardiography discipline required in lieu of certification.

Licensure / Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (through an approved American Heart Aassociation program)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification (through an approved American Heart Aassociation program)

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1.   Perform the duties stated under position responsibilities.  
2.   Acquire adequate and accurate information for physician interpretation. 
3.   Relate effectively with co-workers, physicians and general staff as part of a team in a professional manner at all times.
4. Interpersonal skills for communication with patients, visitors, physicians and other team members.
5.   Respond calmly and effectively in stressful environments. 

Disclosure Statement:

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in position.