POSITION PURPOSE
The Pacemaker Nurse functions with a great deal of autonomy in the day-to-day operations of the Arrhythmia Center under the clinical supervision of a Cardiologist. The Pacemaker Nurse will perform follow-up visits of pacemaker and Implantable Defibrillator patients. This includes device evaluation, PaceArt system data entry and reporting, charting documentation, billing data generation, and triaging information to the appropriate follow-up clinician. The Pacemaker Nurse will also assist with pacemaker clinic research.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution. Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places. Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management. Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Perform pacemaker, ICD and loop recorder evaluations per protocol to assure normal device function and safe programmed settings. Make appropriate changes in device programming when symptoms or monitor strips confirm a problem such as PMT, atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, capture or sensing abnormalities. Evaluate rate histograms and patient symptoms to tailor rate response settings. Evaluate device remote downloads for normal and abnormal function. Notify appropriate clinician with new onset of atrial arrhythmias or ventricular arrhythmias. Follow-up with patients who have abnormal results. Evaluate stored electrocardiograms to assure proper sensing and therapy provided by ICD. Utilize resources such as other Cardiac Device colleagues, EP physicians or technical services to assist with assessment and interpretations of ECG’s. Evaluate devices in the hospital and the emergency department per physician request, and documents findings in the patient chart. Share findings with EP or cardiologist for further management. Enter implant data into the computer database, updating with pertinent information, such as complications or device alerts. Inspect implant site of devices and document healing process. Utilize wound care decision tree when applicable and notify EP appropriately. Educate patients and family regarding device, home cardiac monitoring follow-up. Provide phone triage services for device pt's with device related issues. Maintain expertise as new technology becomes available, including use of new programmers and programming of new devices. Coordinate scheduling of elective device replacements including pre-procedure report for EP personnel, pre-op office visit with Electrophysiologist or Nurse Practitioner. Assists in research documentation and device follow-up.| Attends ICD support group activities. Provide patient care to ensure that all Arrhythmia Center services are of high quality. Ensure appropriate quality control functions are being provided on all equipment periodically. Complete accurate billing data and submit to the billing office. Complete clinic reports on a timely basis for physician review and to be scanned into EMR. Comply with FDA guidelines and regulations regarding implantable devices and recalls.
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following is a list of the major responsibilities of the Pacemaker Nurse. It is not intended to be an all inclusive summary and additional responsibilities will be assigned as the need is determined.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE
Education: Graduation from accredited nursing program
Note: New hires as of 1/1/12 must have a BSN degree or must agree in writing to obtain their BSN within the specified time frame.
Licensure: Requires current Michigan Nursing License
Critical Care experience required.Cardiac Cath, EPS lab and or pacemaker clinic experience is preferred.Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, dependable, and motivated individuals required.Must have the ability to work autonomously.WORKING CONDITIONS: Primarily computer work. Must be willing to drive to regional offices regularly to see patient for the day.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sitting, walking and standing. Some lifting.REPORTING: Reports to Arrhythmia Center Nurse Manager
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.