Becoming an electrocardiogram or EKG technician is a noble profession since you’ll be performing many crucial duties in a healthcare facility. Your primary task would be to handle EKG machines, which are complex equipment used to measure a heart’s activity and performance. Knowing the heart’s state in this method helps medical professionals detect irregularities, which often point to underlying conditions that require immediate attention.
It is essential to know all the responsibilities of an EKG technician, particularly when you decide to take EKG tech classes to expand your knowledge. After all, these professionals are expected to know how to operate these machines expertly and ensure the most accurate test results. Here’s what you need to know about an EKG technician’s roles and responsibilities:
Setting Up and Operating the Machine
Besides knowing how to use the machine and understanding its components, EKG technicians must ensure that it works properly. That includes double-checking the machine’s connections and verifying that they are attached correctly. The technician must also know how to maintain the EKG machine and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
The technician is responsible for performing stress tests, operating the treadmill, and connecting it to the EKG. They must also know how to monitor these results to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the technician will have to learn how to operate and monitor portable EKG units, learn how to keep patients’ records, update their charts, and other related clerical tasks.
Printing and Delivering the Results
Once the technician complete’s a patient’s testing, they must print the results so the physician or cardiologist can review them. The technician may also be required to summarize the results and contact the physician if they observe abnormalities that must be addressed right away.
Interacting With Patients
EKG technicians do more than setting up and operating the testing equipment; they also interact with patients, so they must provide a comfortable experience for them. They are also responsible for explaining the testing procedure and the instructions the patients must follow. These professionals also help calm patients and address their anxieties about the procedure, especially if they’re experiencing it for the first time. As such, EKG technicians must be empathetic and know how to establish rapport with patients.
Taking Care of Emergency Situations
Stress tests that aim to measure the heart’s performance lead to an increased risk of fainting or heart attacks. As such, those who take EKG tech classes must also learn how to prepare for emergencies, including the ability to continue performing duties under pressure. They must also remain calm, comfort the patient, and show empathy to help keep the situation under control.
Increasing Your Physical Stamina
Being an EKG technician means being on one’s feet for several hours at once, giving little to no time to sit down and rest. As such, the role requires you to be physically fit, especially if you’ll be expected to move and lift equipment at your healthcare facility. You may also have to adjust to shift work if you choose to work in a hospital setting.
Conclusion
Despite their mastery of the machines, EKG technicians are expected to be a bit like jack-of-all-trades. The profession requires many different skills, from technical knowledge to clerical work to empathy. While it comes with a lot of stress, mainly when working in emergencies, being an EKG technician is incredibly rewarding.
Medical Career Academy offers EKG tech classes and medical training classes in Indiana for those who want to pursue a healthcare industry career. We provide a real-life, hands-on experience for the student, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. Contact us today to find out more about how our classes can help you solidify your medical career!