Cardiac Device Tech – RN

Overview

JOB SUMMARY 

Under general supervision, perform a variety of cardiac arrhythmia monitoring duties to recognize abnormalities.  This includes trans-telephonic pacemaker follow-up, scheduling, downloading, analyzing, and distributing cardiac monitoring transmissions.  Collaborates with multi-disciplinary team members to carry out age/developmentally appropriate care in accordance with standards of care.  Coordinates services throughout the region to ensure delivery of quality care to patients in a team approach.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:  

Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.  BSN preferred.  Minimum two years’ nursing experience in cardiac care.  Current pacemaker and defibrillator experience.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: 

Registered Nurse licensure from the State of North Carolina.  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required.  IBHRE Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Prioritize communication and collaboration of patient care based on diagnostic evaluation of implantable devices and patient symptoms with mid-level practitioners, nurses, and physicians. Facilitates continuity of care using the nursing process, multidisciplinary collaboration, and coordination of appropriate health care services. Interacts with patients during face-to-face encounters or through a variety of telecommunication strategies, often establishing long-term relationships.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in operating multiple manufacturers’ programs and remote websites.  Evaluate specific manufacturers’ algorithms and device functionality.
3. Provide independent direct patient care by performing interrogations and reprogramming of pacemakers, defibrillators, implantable loop recorders and other devices.
4. Manage the device work queue to provide care for remote and on-site patients.
5. Develop and maintain a computer database of all pacemaker and defibrillator patients in the region to ensure appropriate management of all studies.
6. Conduct specialized ambulatory cardiac diagnostic studies.
7. Review and interpret applicable diagnostic information for all device alerts including, but not limited to, echo results (ejection fractions, left atrial size, and valve abnormalities), anticoagulation status, and antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Provide MD with alerts. 
8. Document patient care and physician orders related to devices within WakeOne.  Also enter data into external device database.
9. Communicate a teaching plan to the patient and family for each implantable device, would care, and remote monitoring.
10. Communicate information and instructions between patient and EP physician.
11. Responsible for correct charge capture and review billing.
12. Educate and track patients involved in device recalls, assuring they receive the FDA and industry recommendation for care and follow-up.  Coordinate care plan with Electrophysiologist.
13. Assist with clinical trials as requested and provide accurate documentation of device settings, specific tests, diagnostics, and any other information required for study protocols.
14. Travel to all Wake Forest Baptist Health Cardiology EP locations.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias
Proficient computer skills and electronic management of medical records
Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills)
Ability to provide direct and indirect patient care
Flexibility with work schedule; possible work from home to maintain scheduled patient follow-up during inclement weather
Time management
Knowledge of Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) vendors and devices

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work with numerous computer systems to retrieve and report data
Contact with patients who may be suffering or have serious heart conditions
May be exposed to infectious conditions, body fluids, illnesses, and cleaning chemicals
Subject to highly stressful conditions and interruptions
Subject to irregular hours