Electrophysiology Technologist

This job description is congruent with Froedtert South’s mission, vision and values. The values of integrity, respect, quality, commitment and accountability are the framework for all hospital activities. It is expected that employees will perform their job duties in accordance with this mission, vision and values. Assists physicians during electrophysiology procedures, pacemaker/ICD insertions, radiofrequency ablation, and other miscellaneous procedures required by operating the electrophysiology recorder, hemodynamic monitoring computer and/or scrubbing for invasive cardiac and vascular procedures. Assists with other cardiovascular invasive procedures. Possesses in-depth understanding of cardiac electrophysiology and mechanisms of arrhythmia.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Associate Degree: Radiologic Technology or graduate an accredited certification program in Radiologic Technology (Registered and Licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin) 

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
• ACLS within 3 months of hire

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• No experience required. 1 – 3 years experience preferred

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Licensure to be eligible to practice as a Licensed Radiographer in the State of Wisconsin.

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (A.R.R.T.) registered, (minimum) CV or VI registry preferred

• ACLS certification preferred.

• Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire. 

• Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) or IBHRE CEPS (Certified Electrophysiology Specialist) preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrates understanding of programmed electrical stimulation.
• Identify and explain atrial and ventricular study components, programmed electrical stimulation, sinus node recovery time, measurement of intervals and catheter location.
• Demonstrate knowledge of specific tachyarrhythmias and treatment of atrial and ventricular tachycardias.
• Describe the theory and practice of radiofrequency ablation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how the CARTO navigational systems work to assist with an ablation procedure.
• Ability to read, write, hear, speak and comprehend the English language.
• Performs under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual or dangerous situations; or situations in which work speed and sustained attention are required aspects of the job.
• Ability to achieve homeostasis from puncture sites using continuous manual pressure for a minimum of 30 minutes. Requires strong fingers, hands, and wrist. 
• Ability to participate in critical thinking that promotes desired positive outcomes. 
• Requires fine finger movements with above average dexterity. 
• Requires sustained, long periods of standing. 

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Receives and records verbal orders from licensed independent practitioners for orders that are specific to the services provided by their department.
2. Recognizes and interprets arrhythmias and heart block abnormalities.
3. Demonstrates understanding of programmed electrical stimulation.
4. Identify and explain atrial and ventricular study components, programmed electrical stimulation, sinus node recovery time, measurement of intervals and catheter location.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of specific tachyarrhythmias and treatment of atrial and ventricular tachycardias.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of how the CARTO navigational systems work to assist with an ablation procedure.
7. Demonstrate simple pacing/ICD programming functions.
8. Performs duties demonstrating the understanding of electrophysiology techniques, procedures, and equipment.
9. Prepares patients and assembles and operates hemodynamic equipment during interventional cardiac procedures for diagnosis of heart disease.
10. Assists physician in performing invasive electrophysiology and other interventional procedures and performs related radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging such as administering contrast to demonstrate catheter location and position, and documents results.
11. Assists with diagnostic, interventional, and surgical procedures as a scrub assistant with competent knowledge of equipment and supply options.
12. Enters patient and study information into the radiology information system and documents billing codes of procedures performed to ensure accurate patient charges.
13. Safely and effectively utilize a wide variety of electrophysiology equipment.
14. Participates in activities associated with quality assurance, performance improvement, Data base recording and reporting, maintaining compliance with all associated accreditation programs including but not limited to Heartbase, STS registry and others when added.
15. Recognizes the occurrence of life-threatening situations and emergencies and takes the appropriate actions in a timely manner.
16. Actively participates in the implementation and monitoring of unit-based Quality Assurance standards of care.
17. Supports department and System policies and procedures.