Telemetry Technician

Description

The Telemetry Technician monitors, records, interprets and documents the electrocardiograph tracings of patients on telemetry monitors. This position recognizes and reports arrhythmias to medical or nursing staff. The purpose of Centralized Telemetry is to provide an extra layer of cardiac monitoring and safety to all patients requiring continuous telemetry monitoring. Trained monitor technicians will provide this surveillance. Notification of any changes in the patient's rhythm will be communicated to the patient's nurse.

The Telemetry Technician works under the supervision of the Director of Med-Surg/ICU and the Med-Surg Charge RN. The Telemetry Technician must possess the physical capabilities to successfully perform the job stated in the physical requirements. The Telemetry Technician must promote, support and adhere to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook and assist the unit management team in achieving quality, patient satisfaction, staff development, business management, teamwork, culture and employee satisfaction.

All Reeves Regional Health (RRH) employees must perform their job responsibilities according to all RRH Hospital policies, as well as to accrediting organizations, federal and state regulation, and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, as applicable.

Job Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience within healthcare. Preferred: Experience in cardiac monitoring
• Excellent communication skills
• Passing score on required telemetry course within six weeks of hire

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operates complex cardiac monitoring systems, including electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm screens, computerized dysrhythmia detection system and rhythm printers.
2. Admission and Discharge of patients into the cardiac monitoring system per physician’s order.
3. Observes and documents ECG monitors according to established guidelines, and reports to appropriate staff the necessary information such as patient name, room number, cardiac rhythm, dysrhythmia, and life-threatening situations.
4. Maintains, monitors, cleans equipment and reports any malfunctions to the appropriate Biomed person.
5. Sets up central station. Monitors alarms, troubleshoots false alarms, and corrects improper lead placement.
6. Helps with rhythm interpretation and dysrhythmia detection. Labels monitor strips to show significant events. Within one hour of admission a strip will be printed with its interpretation. The interpretation will be done by the charge RN or primary nurse.
7. Alarm management - per alarm management protocol notification of rhythm changes to nurse. Alarm configuration will be maintained by monitor tech in collaboration with bedside nurse and per unit policy. Alarms will be on at all times.
8. Every four hours a rhythm strip will be printed and placed in the patient’s chart after an interpretation of the rhythm is done by the charge RN or primary nurse. May be printed more frequently if required.
9. After use the monitor tech will clean the telemetry box with disinfectant per infection control policy.
10. Ability to foster an environment of cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.
11. Demonstrates ability to work with any patient or staff, regardless of race, gender, disease process, life-style, religious or cultural beliefs, or treatment.
12. Documents clearly, completely, and accurately all pertinent information on record.
13. Assists in the establishment and performance of all emergency operational procedures, including the evacuation of patients in the event of a fire and/or disaster.
14. Assists in orientation and training of new and existing staff.
15. Acts as a resource person for staff members within the scope of practice.
16. Assists with educational or quality initiatives or projects with the healthcare team.
17. Communicates effectively with physicians, supervisor, co-workers, patient and families.
18. Maintains positive working relationships with all staff.
19. Actively participates in unit staff meetings and in-services.
20. Cooperates/assists the Charge Nurse or Unit Director in staff scheduling, including rotation, to ensure adequate coverage.
21. Assumes responsibility and utilizes opportunities for personal and professional growth.
22. Ability to remain calm; interpret data and conditions as presented, and to provide solutions under stress.
23. Seeks resources for direction, when necessary.
24. Ability to be flexible and adaptable in the unit and hospital level.
25. Moderately active work involving lifting and carrying, walking and standing for considerable lengths of time.
26. Visual acuity to prepare and read written material accurately.
27. Ability to push, pull, mobilize (with assistance of wheels, carts, and other equipment) up to 50 pounds.
28. Ability to work overtime as needed to complete general responsibilities to meet the needs of the unit.
29. Performs additional duties and is responsible for specific projects that are assigned by the Charge Nurse or Unit Director.