The incumbent is responsible for full evaluation and assessment of patients with pacemakers, ICD’s, CRT devices and ILR’s. Reprograms devices as required. Troubleshoots problems with all devices. Works closly with the Cardiology medical team to coordinate care. Performs initial evaluation and assessment of TTM’s for review by a Cardiologist. Initial evaluation of remote ICD and pacemaker checks for review by a Cardiologist. Assist the Cardiologists in managing device recalls and alerts. Works with cardiologists and Echo Techs in the AV optimization clinic by performing full device check and reprogramming as directed by the cardiologist. Performs telephone triage for cardiac patients and device question phone calls. Performs cardiac stress testing if needed under the supervision of physician. Assists in the coordination and implementation of education. Works closely with Outpatient Clinical Director and the Device Clinic staff on device issues. Liaison with cardiac device company representatives regarding device upgrades, recalls and alerts. Resource for Northeast Cardiology staff regarding devices and device clinic issues.
The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or Mercy proprietary information, and must handle & protect the information in accordance with hospital & system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Mercy Hospital.Responsibilities:
- Responds to all patient calls as assigned.
- Available to providers, clinical and clerical staff to assess any unstable patient needs.
- Collects, reviews and documents patient’s device status according to standard. Counsels patients to care for or cope with his/her condition. Provides instruction for self-care management of acute or chronic medical conditions.
- Provide effective assessment of patient’s needs, identifying and addressing needs as indicated.
- Assists patients/families to understand and comply with their established plan of care.
- Accepts telephone orders within scope of practice or delegates when appropriate and documents and reads back the order.
- Demonstrates dedication to the pursuit of excellence in improving the health care of the patient.
- Initiates care management referrals for patients meeting care management criteria as indicated.
- Demonstrates the ability to organize and carry out duties without direct supervision.
- Demonstrates the ability to problem solve using clinical and critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrates the ability to identify the community needs of the patient and refer as indicated.
- Seeks and maintains knowledge of community services/resources, support programs, different levels of care services to include, but not limited to home health services, long-term care, skilled level of care, free/reduced drug programs and state and federal programs.
- STAT orders are handled first.
- Checks completion of all orders at the end of shift or delegates.
- Appropriate patient teaching (explanation of test results, medication side effects, medication reactions and dosages.
- Follow up visits are scheduled at time of discharge per protocol and Patient/Family, etc. is notified of next appointment.
- Admissions: Call Registration, call report to the Unit, photocopy all practice documentation to go with the patient, arrange transport. Completes nursing assessment form and sends with patient.
- Assists with minor surgical procedures.
- Recognizes and responds appropriately to emergency situations including making appropriate calls, directing traffic and obtaining equipment.
- Utilizes skill in identifying processes that enhance delivery of service excellence to customers and appropriate disseminates that information.
- Assist with updating practice policies and procedures.
- Provides patient education appropriate to age and literacy level. Provide patients and/or family, etc., with education appropriate to identified needs according to standard and documents into the patient’s record. Educational handouts are given in advance of the visit as requested by the provider (i.e.., well child packets).
- Documents patient readiness to learn and barriers to learning.
Counsels patients to care for or cope with his/her condition:Other information:
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with providers, patients and/or employees of the organization as well as referring offices and providers. Must have complex arrhythmia recognition.
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot all cardiac device programmers. Ability to recognize and appropriately treat cardiac device problems under the supervision of a cardiologist. Must have basic computer skills.
- Performs additional duties as required or assigned.
Competencies and skills:
Essential:
* Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences’ level.
* Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
* Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
Certifications: Basic Life Support for healthcare providers certification required.
Education: Graduate of Cardiac Device training school
Experience: Three years in device related field with extensive knowledge of implantable cardiac devices and cardiac arrhythmias or graduate of cardiac training school.
Denison University