Description
Perform and record 12-lead electrocardiograms, rhythm strips, and cardiac stress test tracings. Prepare and position patients, place electrodes, operate EKG and monitoring equipment, ensure quality tracings, monitor patient status, and route results for physician interpretation. Set up and process Holter and event monitors while maintaining equipment, documentation, and infection control.
- • Verify patient identity, orders, and indications before testing.
- • Explain EKG and stress test procedures to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- • Prepare skin and position patients to optimize signal quality.
- • Apply and correctly place electrodes and leads for 12-lead EKGs and rhythm strips.
- • Operate EKG machines to obtain resting and STAT tracings per protocol.
- • Troubleshoot artifact, loose leads, and lead reversal; repeat tracings as needed.
- • Monitor heart rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms during tests; alert providers to abnormalities.
- • Assist with exercise or pharmacologic stress tests, acquiring serial tracings and vitals at each stage.
- • Set up, educate patients on, and remove Holter and event monitors.
- • Download, scan, and prepare Holter and event monitor recordings for interpretation.
- • Place and check telemetry packs; verify lead integrity and battery status.
- • Compare current tracings with prior EKGs when available and flag significant changes.
- • Document patient history, medications, and symptoms; enter and transmit results in the EMR.
- • Follow infection control practices; clean and disinfect equipment and reusable leads.
- • Maintain supplies and ensure EKG equipment is calibrated and functioning.
- • Perform minor equipment maintenance and initiate service requests when needed.
- • Adjust equipment settings according to physician orders or established protocols.
- • Monitor patient comfort and safety; terminate tests and escalate concerns per policy.
- • Schedule exams, prioritize STAT requests, and route finalized reports to providers.
- • Assist in orienting or training new EKG staff or students on procedures and protocols.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
