Beacon Hospital
Job Title: Basic Grade Cardiac Physiologist
Department: Cardiology Department
Reports to: Chief Cardiac Physiologist
Date: 2023
Overall Purpose of Job
To provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the centre of all we do.
Provide leadership in the performance of diagnostic tests of the cardiovascular systems to patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the heart and blood vessel disorders and participate in the invasive and non-invasive cardiac procedures.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
The Cardiac Physiologist should be familiar with the techniques and range of equipment used in current medical practice for the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients.
§ Performs electrocardiogram, Holter monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, event monitoring exercise stress testing, tilt table testing, pacemaker and ICD follow-up and programming, and echocardiography in compliance with departmental and hospital policy and procedure.
§ Conducts a full range of invasive cardiac diagnostic tests including angiography and angioplasty procedures, right heart catheterisation, pacemaker and ICD implants, IVUS, FFR/iFR.
§ Possesses knowledge of diagnostic Cardiac procedures appropriate to the grade.
§ Has a complete understanding of all such procedures and an ability to make accurate measurements is essential.
§ Ability to effectively communicate with Consultants, GP’s and hospital staff regarding patients’ needs.
§ Ensures the timely production and delivery of patient procedures.
§ Maintains required departmental records. Corrects and reports delinquent medical records.
§ Assures that equipment is maintained according to manufacturers’ specifications.
§ Reports any malfunctions as they occur per hospital policy.
§ Maintains and develops the Cardiology Policy and procedure manual.
§ Participates in department process improvement projects.
§ Maintains infection control procedures to protect patients and staff.
§ Maintains a safe working environment.
§ Maintains a professional and courteous relationship with all hospital departments.
§ Orders and stores adequate supplies in compliance with company policy.
§ Evaluates equipment and makes suggestions regarding purchase, use or rental.
§ Keeps abreast in understanding and knowledge of all new developments in the field of cardiology.
§ As medical procedures change and new developments are introduced the Cardiac Physiologist must update his/her knowledge and training. Study leave for appropriate in-service training will be supported where possible.
§ Have an appreciation of electrical safety requirements within the department.
§ Attends meetings as required.
§ Reports accidents and incidents. Participates in the investigation and remedial action.
§ Maintains throughout the Hospital an awareness of the privacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
§ Provides appropriate continuity of care for all patients.
§ This is not an exhaustive listing and the Cardiac Physiologist will perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned to him/her from time to time.
Personal and Professional Responsibilities:
The post holder is expected to
§ Attend in a timely manner all mandatory education sessions.
§ Arrive to work in a punctual manner.
§ Maintain a professional portfolio.
§ Ensure their professional and personal persona positively reflects the profession of physiologists and Beacon Hospital.
§ Attend appropriate study days and courses.
§ Be a preceptor and supervisor to students and newly appointed staff.
§ Participate in their performance review with their Chief Physiologist.
Educational Requirements:
§ Contribute to the identification of training needs pertinent to the clinical area.
§ Identify and contribute to the continual enhancement of learning opportunities in the clinical area.
§ Participate in the clinical induction of all new staff.
§ Assume responsibility for own learning and development needs.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
§ Utilises effective time management skills.
§ Maintains professional appearance and dress code.
§ Complies with guidelines for absence or tardiness.
§ Attends staff meetings, reads email and other postings.
§ Attends all required in-services.
§ Wears identification badge when working.
§ All employees are expected to remain flexible to meet the needs of the department and hospital including overtime work and shift start/end times.
Essential Statutory Qualifications & Experience:
Possess the BSc in Clinical Measurement from Technology University Dublin or Dublin Institute of Technology.
OR
Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification (Level 8) as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurements Physiology (IICMP).
OR, if qualified in or prior to 2005;
(a) Possess the Certificate in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurement (MPPM) from Dublin Institute of Technology
OR
(b) Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology (IICMP).
Experience
§ Have not less than one year’s post qualification experience in a Cardiac Department.
§ Possess Advanced Life Support.
§ Good general knowledge of cardiology.
§ Ability to utilise research in clinical practice, applying evidence based practice approach.
§ Good organisational and time management skills.
§ Proactive approach to quality control and service improvements.
Job Specific
Competencies and Knowledge
Teamwork
§ Demonstrate ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
§ Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.
Professional Knowledge
§ Demonstrate clinical competence and relevant experience in a Cardiology Department.
§ Demonstrate an ability to contribute to overall service development.
§ Demonstrate knowledge of new developments in specialised area.
Planning & Organisational Skills
§ Demonstrate organisational skills including effective time management.
§ Demonstrate the ability to manage deadlines and effectively manage multiple tasks.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
§ Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.
§ Demonstrate excellent communication skills especially the ability to communicate clear and concise instructions to patients in an understandable fashion.
§ Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
Customer Focus
§ Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the service user.
§ Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
Leadership & Team Working Skills
§ Demonstrate good leadership skills.
§ Demonstrate the capacity to work with other professionals in planning teams and working groups.
Personal Competencies
All posts in Beacon Hospital require a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager or hospital management.
This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of its writing. As the hospital and the post holder develop this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the hospital.