Lesson 1: Introduction: EKG Technician Chapter 3: Preparing for Clinical Environments

Hospital Employees; inpatient

Typically work 12-hour shifts (sometimes during the day or at night), three times a week

Clinic Employees; outpatient

Usually work 8-hour day shifts, 5 days a week

order

is a request for a medical test or diagnostic procedure to be performed on or for a patient within a specific time frame.

Pediatric patients

children up to age 12

adolescent patients

persons aged 12-18

adult patients

ages 19-65

older adults or as geriatric patients

ages over 65

signs or symptoms of a cardiac event

• chest pain or discomfort,

• irregular heartbeats,

• heart palpitations,

• rapid heartbeats,

• fainting or lightheadedness, and

  • shortness of breath.

what is the core responsibility of EKG Tech?

to correctly perform screening and diagnostic testing that is based on a clear understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system for patients with cardiovascular problems

Electrocardiography (EKG)

The process by which a graphic pattern is created from the electrical impulses generated within the heart as it pumps

EKG Tech

Performs routine clinical procedures that the health care provider then uses to diagnose and treat many cardiovascular diseases and disorders

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

The organizing body that administers the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam and oversees CET credentialing

Scope of practice

Defines the duties that the EKG technician has been trained to do and is legally allowed to perform

Inpatient

Describes a person who is admitted to the hospital overnight or longer

Outpatient

A person who is seen at a clinic or ambulatory care facility but is not admitted to a hospital overnight

Certification or credentialing

The formal process that recognizes and validates an individual’s qualifications in a specific subject

Continuing Education Unit (CEU)

10 hours of educational coursework approved by a professional organization and is required for the field to maintain certification or licensure