At Houston Methodist, the Lead Cardiology Diagnostic Technician position functions as the lead person for a specific area generally for an assigned shift and in this capacity performs lead job duties and/or regularly leads projects or performs specialized responsibilities as a regular part of their normal job responsibilities. In addition to the lead responsibilities, this position also functions at a Cardiology Diagnostic Tech II level and serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters as the primary point of contact for resolving questions and issues for tech I and II jobs as well as support staff, resulting in the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties the Lead Cardiology Diagnostic Technician position may be varied and may include many of the following: organize work schedules, make work assignments, review and edit time cards for accuracy, conduct quality assurance audits of staff performance, develop and implement quality improvement activities, train and mentor staff, provide feedback on staff performance and developmental needs, participate in the development of skills and performance of staff, lead and regularly perform special projects, collect/analyze/report on data, prepare reports on performance and metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level. The Cardiology Diagnostic Technician II position is an experienced technician who performs a variety of routine to complex electrocardiograms (12 lead EKGs), Holter monitor applications and exercise/treadmill, including pharmacological and echo stress tests for both inpatient and outpatient exams. This position processes and transmits EKG, Holter monitor and stress test data to designated software applications and ensures exams are available for physician interpretation for completion of exam, including paperwork and reconciliation of exams and collaborates with all members of the patient care team.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Orients, guides and mentors Cardiology Diagnostic Tech I's and II's and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

• Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Provides input to management on staff performance.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs diagnostic electrocardiograms (12 lead EKGs) and Holter monitor exams that requires precise placement of electrodes to the assigned area for accurate EKG data. Proactively identifies issues and how to address them for optimum results.

• Performs exercise/treadmill Stress Tests including documentation of patient vital signs, symptoms and tolerance of exam. Executes exercise/treadmill Stress Tests protocol proficiently as directed by the Cardiologist.

• Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift/modality. Interacts with vendors for supplies and equipment needed.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies changes or abnormalities in EKG morphology when performing exams or processing data. Takes corrective action or communicates immediately, when appropriate, to proper personnel for the best results.

• Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. Reports ¿near misses¿ and inputs errors promptly to improve processes and identify trends.

• Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.

• Assists with implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives and standards of practice; testing and evaluating new products or processes. Oversees documentation and communication of any new protocols established by medical director.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered.

• Responsible for ordering of supplies; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Accurately reviews team member's timecards for management approval, if applicable.

• Appropriately handles scheduling to accommodate patients' needs and ensuring adequate staffing for operations is maintained. Monitors and adjusts activities to ensure optimum patient throughput and patient experience.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads department projects and participates in shared governance activities.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

• Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two years' experience as a technician performing a variety of electrocardiograms (12 lead EKGs), Holter monitor applications and stress tests, prior lead experience; may consider HM employee who demonstrates leadership skills

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• CET - Certified EKG Technician (NHA) OR
• CET - Certified EKG Technician (NPS) OR
• CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCI) OR
• CET - Certified EKG Technician (ACA) AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills and competency assessments

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiology/ Cardiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow and actively participating in problem solving

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nation’s leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation’s leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients.  As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow.  This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care.  Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.