ICU Telemetry Tech - PRN

JOB SUMMARY (overview of job): Telemetry Technician’s oversee cardiac monitoring of all patients by maintaining operation of the central monitoring station and monitoring software systems. Telemetry technicians are tasked with preparing, maintaining, and interpreting telemetry waveform data. Telemetry Technicians are responsible to independently observe and interpret cardiac rhythms and document them in patient’s medical records. Other responsibilities include coordinating availability of transmitters, lead cables and other monitoring supplies.

Telemetry Technician’s must communicate appropriately and clearly to charge nurse, co-workers and physicians. Telemetry Technicians are responsible to appropriately respond to all monitor alarms, report changes in rate/rhythm to nurse and/or physician for urgent and/or non-urgent intervention, and document changes in rhythm and rate.

Telemetry Technicians are responsible to document EKG waveforms in the patient records by recording measurements of heart rate, PR interval and QRs on rhythm strips, identifying rhythms such as NSR, SB, ST Asytole, SVT, A-Fib, A-Flutter, and VT, and ensuring recorded rhythm strips are mounted and placed on patient’s chart.

Telemetry technician’s set-up and operates telemetry equipment for the unit and ensures appropriate monitor alarms are “on” when patient is on unit. In addition, telemetry technicians are responsible to clean cardiac monitoring equipment per infection control and bioengineering procedures. Telemetry Technicians must possess troubleshooting skills to recognize monitoring problems, identify probable causes, and seek solutions to correct the problem.

The Telemetry Technician provides indirect care in the department setting under the direction of the Director or designee, and the Charge Nurse. Additional duties include:
•    Follow established policies and procedures for copying patient health information for transport to other medical facilities.
•    Follow hospital compliance policy related to patient medical record access, HIPPA regulations, and follows organization Behavioral Standards.
•    Assist nursing staff in re-stocking of rooms and nurse servers.
•    Retrieve blood products and medications from tube system.
•    Order office supplies, completes work orders, and puts away department supplies, keeping the department work area clean and organized, being mindful of infection control practices and safety initiatives established by the facility.
•    Assist Director, A of the Day and ICU nursing staff by completing other duties as assigned.  See Orientation Competency Inventory (OCI).

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: 2 years hospital experience preferred. Medical terminology is strongly recommended.  Previous experience in clerical or receptionist position preferred. Prior telemetry training preferred.

EDUCATION: High School graduate or equivalent.  Completes all mandatory education as required and assigned.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: BLS certification required within 6 months of hire.  Telemetry training/certification required within the first year of hire.

APTITUDES: Ability to achieve cognitive, organization and emotional maturity to deal effectively with multiple tasks, stresses, deadlines, being delegated to, difficult situations and/or customers. Possesses positive interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective, non-judgmental, and empathetic patient care and customer relations. Open to feedback and a quickly changing environment, which requires flexibility in scheduling, equipment, and department assignments.  Takes ownership for work completed and instills confidence in themselves and their work contributions.  With courtesy and respect, works effectively with internal and external customers producing positive experiences and encounters. Communicates in an effective, respectful and appropriate manner contributing to the team environment.  Ability to work collaboratively with charge nurses and the patient care team.