Cardiology Device Clinical Specialist

Sutter Health•Oakland, CA

About The Position

Provides technical, clinical, and related contributory services in the area of Electrophysiology and Cardiology relative to Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) in the ambulatory and/or in-patient environments. Must possess the ability to setup, operate, and troubleshoot various CIED programmers and be proficient in deciphering complex Cardiac Device data elements. In concurrence with collaboration among the Electrophysiology and Cardiology team, this role serves to provide quality patient care for accurate CIED management, arrhythmia interpretation, and device utilization for noninvasive arrhythmia termination protocols. Management and interpretation of CIED remote data communicators and comprehensive knowledge of the necessary navigation of remote sites. These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development).

Requirements

Bachelor’s in Healthcare or related field
BLS-Basic Life Support
5 years recent relevant experience.
Extensive working knowledge of cardiac implantable electronic devices of all forms, electrophysiology, electrophysiology procedures, non-invasive pulse stimulation, cardiac anatomy and physiology, and interpreting knowledge of diagnostic and interventional procedures is desired.
Demonstrated proficiency in recognition and interpretation of Intracardiac Electrogram (IEGM), Electrocardiography (ECG), Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR), and associated cardiac electrophysiology data, and CIED anomalies.
Possess superb written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people.
Exceptional time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize assignments and work within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadline.
Prioritize activities and work within defined policies, procedures, and practices to achieve objectives and meet deadlines; help determine appropriate approach for new assignments.
Work independently, as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.

Responsibilities

Interprets CIED values to assess patient condition and Cardiac Device interaction and function.
Identifies correlating elements of a cardiac device regarding the cardiac electrical system and corresponding patient physiology and hemodynamics.
Provides CIED interpretation, measurements, calculations, intra cardiac recordings, data interpretation, and programmed stimulation(s) during the evaluation and management of a CIED in the ambulatory setting.
Analyzes and edits the Cardiac Devices programming’s for accuracy and normalcy after an initial implant procedure, generator replacement, and/or post electrophysiology procedures i.e. radio frequency ablations performed in the Electrophysiology Lab.
Provides CIED programming/re-programming for untraditional and investigational procedures.
Works with a variety of medical and technical instrumentation interrelated to Cardiac Device communications. Adept to identify, analyze and ensure appropriate action is taken when working with such equipment.
Provides technical insight to other ancillary services inquiring of appropriate device programming/reprogramming.
Demonstrates competency in the fundamentals of various Cardiac Device manufacturers and shows appropriate management of those devices. Assists in CIED programmer maintenance, biomedical compliance, software capabilities, and general care.
Recognizes inaccurate data and troubleshoots to the source to minimize disruption of patient care.
Assists Physicians and staff in patient education explicit to CIED’s.
Correctly sets up and operates a variety of equipment, assuring equipment and techniques correspond to current CIED methodology and technological trends while maintaining optimum patient care and safety.
Assists the Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist in maximizing device settings as necessary during CIED evaluations.
Provides and maintains quality technical and diagnostic data from the Cardiac Device Clinic.
Demonstrates effective problem solving and resolution skills to promote positive patient outcomes.
Promptly recognizes the deteriorating patient condition and responds appropriately to the urgency and acuity of the patient need.
Provides correct age-specific CIED settings, therapies, and treatments to patients. Takes into consideration problems common to age specific patients and initiates appropriate device optimization.
Functions as an allied healthcare provider overseeing CIED, fulfilling all job functions in that role, as trained.
Uses standard (universal) precautions and promptly disposes of contaminated fluids when applicable.
Follows infection control guidelines to include personal protective equipment as outlined by OSHA.
Contributes to device clinic patient appointment “turn-around” activities by gathering/setting up equipment preemptively.
Reviews complex CIED interrogations with appropriate team members during device evaluations to ensure optimal device settings and/or follow up is implemented.
Participates in research and evaluation of all new equipment/products brought into the CIED service. Contributes to recommendations for purchase.
Participates in department activities to support change and process improvement including staff meetings, projects, and peer reviews.
Uses positive communication skills to resolve conflicts and solve problems constructively.
Recognizes stress and responds to multiple simultaneous demands from patients, families, physician, co-workers, and ancillary departments in a positive, professional manner.
Collaborates with management to establish goals for professional growth and development.
Pursues and initiates own opportunities to obtain clinical learning experiences relevant to practice.
Maintains educational requirements for renewal of licensure/certification.
Actively takes part in departmental efforts to increase the quality of care. Makes suggestions for improvement and initiates actions to implement changes.
Does self/peer reviews as required by the department.
Defines new, and completes established goals from last performance appraisal.