Job Detail

This role requires relocation and is exclusively in-office. Assistance for relocation can be provided to the candidate that meets all necessary qualifications.

Join a quality-focused, team-oriented, growing organization. Set in beautiful Anchorage, Alaska this is an in-office job working with a dynamic team in an environment that ensures the highest safety measures.

A robust benefits plan includes competitive pay, excellent benefits package including medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary insurance, and vision coverage. PTO in addition to 8 paid holidays per year. And many other perks as part of an employee and patient satisfaction-centered environment.

JOB TITLE: Cardiac Device Technician

DEPARTMENT: EP

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Under the limited supervision of the Cardiac Device Clinic lead, the cardiac technologist is responsible to assist with the development and function of the Cardiac Device Clinic. This position delivers cardiac device technical support for the Cardiology Department staff in the Cardiology Clinic and leads coordination with other hospitals and clinics to ensure accurate and timely services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to EP Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing, walking, and sitting for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range with reasonable accommodations. Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours. Requires exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

The following duties are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities and ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Proficient in anatomy and physiology, advanced electrocardiography, cardiac pharmacology, fundamentals of physics, and medical electronics and instrumentation. Demonstrates an ongoing understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in ECG, Holter monitoring, exercise stress testing, telemetry, and pacemaker analysis as they evolve.

Displays expertise in normal and abnormal electrophysiology, heart block, and the electrical conduction system demonstrate a sound understanding of terminology, critical thinking, and decision-making skills related to the use of cardiac devices in the treatment of Bradycardia, Tachycardia, in order to provide diagnostics to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure by providers in the clinics. Capability to recognize normal device function and maintain the facility to utilize special features to optimize therapy. Ability to identify complications of pacing therapy and be skilled in evaluating patient’s symptoms specific to recognition and correction of problems encountered with device therapy.

Sustains an understanding of the pacing system, the pulse generator, and implantation procedure for permanent pacing, the significance of hemodynamics during single, dual, and biventricular pacing and programming. Knowledge of concepts related to the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is also required. The Lead Cardiac Technologist will also perform in-clinic remote monitoring patient education.
Conducts analysis in the acute (laboratory), pre-discharge (in-house), and ambulatory clinic venues. Such analysis includes, but is not restricted to, the function of all manufacturer’s cardiac pacemakers and ICD devices by using specific manufacturer’s proprietary programmers to telemeter the following information; analysis of device-based ECG and EGM recordings for physician interpretation, the status of device battery life and projected longevity (ERI), the status of device programmed settings and status of implanted cardiac pacemaker and ICD leads.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attaches programmer electrodes to a patient to monitor heart rate/rhythm, and places programmer wand over the device to transfer implanted device information to programmer.

• Performs in-office pacemaker/AICD checks every 3-6 months per cardiology provider’s orders (depending on battery life, maybe more frequent) using Medtronic, St. Jude, Boston Scientific, Biotronik, or Sorin programmers; tests device operating parameter settings, battery life, lead impedance, sensitivity, threshold/voltage/pulse wave, how often the device is being utilized, and native rhythm abnormalities.

• At the direction of a cardiologist or NP makes changes or adjusts pacemaker/AICD settings or parameters as needed to enhance the device's performance.

• Monitors pacemaker/AICD recordings for abnormal patterns, BOL, ERI, and EOL.

• Keys information into computer or programmer to maintain patient and office records; prints copy of report and files into patient charts.

• Replenishes supply of paper and ink in programmers and reports malfunctions.

• Edits and forwards final test results to the attending physician for analysis and interpretation.

• Forwards abnormal findings directly to the Physician or nurse per policy and procedure.

• Adheres to OSHA policy by ensuring that PPD is recorded yearly.

• Assist in other areas as needed or scheduled.

• Schedules Cardiac Device Clinic (remote and in-clinic check) per provider's order.

• Provides quarterly productivity reports to Director of Cardiac Device Clinic.

• Keeps up to date with software/hardware related to the Cardiac Device clinic.

• Educates Staff on cardiac device concepts.

• Sensitivity and threshold measurements.

• Other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of medical terminology and procedures common to the cardiology department.
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and disease processes.
• Knowledge of how cardiac medications relate to cardiac device therapy.
• Knowledge of diagnostic EKG equipment, examination protocols, and patient preparation for evaluation.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures for the care of patients.
• Knowledge of customer service concepts and practices.
• Knowledge of communication skills, both oral and written to interact with patients and families.
• Knowledge of single and dual chamber pacemakers, ICDs, and CRTs including timing cycles, upper rate behavior, sensor, and special functions.
• Skill in performing EKG and ETT testing procedures.
• Skills in conducting CPR and remaining updated in this certification.
• Skills to complete a complete pacemaker and/or ICD follow-up.
• Skills in critically analyzing data obtained which would include critically evaluating ECGs, analyzing atrial and ventricular EGMs, analyzing stored ICD data for appropriateness of therapy, and troubleshooting problems.
• Skill in observing patients and taking appropriate action as needed.
• Skill in analyzing safety issues and preparing recommendations based on findings.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

Education:
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Science or Biomedical Engineering from an accredited school and/or completion of a cardiac device education program and/or two years patient care experience, including exposure to implantable cardiac devices to include two years recent complex arrhythmia recognition. Progressively responsible professional work-related experience, education, or training may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for college education.

Minimum: Degree from an accredited school in medical assisting or in a medical-related field.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience as a cardiology technician or similar work demonstrating proficient cardiac rhythm interpretation and remote defibrillator and pacemaker monitoring. An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or training may be substituted for experience.
• Proficient in the use of programmer: St. Jude, Boston-Scientific, and Medtronic.
• Proficient in the use of remote monitoring websites/platforms for remote device follow-up.

Certificate/License:
Preferred: Certification in Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation, Medical Assisting, and/or nursing license preferred. Certification in phlebotomy preferred. Current ACLS certification preferred

Minimum: Current BLS certification required.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Commitment to the Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute LLC standard for interaction with patients, visitors, physician offices, hospitals or agencies, and coworkers is required. Employees of Alaska Heart Institute LLC will maintain a consistent standard of interaction with others as follows:

• Demonstrates a professional, helpful and friendly attitude, which is directed toward and focused on providing quality patient care and satisfaction in a cooperative manner.
• Maintains a professional and pleasant demeanor and appearance, which is reflective of a positive representation of the Alaska Heart Institute, LLC.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Cardiac Device Technician: 1 year (Required)

Location:

• United States (Required)

Work Location:

• Multiple locations

Work Remotely:

• No

Work Location: Multiple Locations