Telemetry Technician I

Summary

The Telemetry Technician is responsible for cardiac rhythm interpretation via remote systems within the healthcare setting. The Telemetry Technician is responsible for detecting and reporting any cardiac rhythm disturbances through continuous cardiac monitoring of patient populations of all ages. The Telemetry Technician possesses skills to recognize monitoring equipment needs and communicate need for resolution. They respond to all monitor alarms per protocol. Possess knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart in relation to waves, complexes, time and voltage as shown through the conduction system and strip interpretation. Manages phones and other communication systems to communicate effectively and timely with remote care areas. Additional activities to include Safety Sitter activities are based on the unit specific needs and are performed within the scope of education, training, and experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

Telemetry Monitoring Activities

• Initiate timely emergency measures as appropriate according to role responsibilities

• Maintains expert level knowledge of telemetry monitoring system to include remote telemetry boxes; demonstrates ability to record, document, admit, transfer, discharge, add notes, and add charges for services

• Interprets and recognizes cardiac arrhythmias and promptly reports to the nurse assigned to the patient

• Identify and respond to potentially life-threatening rhythm changes

• Run EKG strips and document rhythm interpretation based on time intervals of department

• Provide provider and nurse with a report on the patient's cardiac rhythm as needed

• Maintains/stocks supplies and equipment related to telemetry monitoring

• Follows established routines and utilizes supplies and equipment in a cost effective manner

Communication

• Demonstrate the Peake of Care principles in all communications, actions, and decisions

• Maintain and promote effective relationships and communications with peers, providers, other hospital departments, patients, and families

• Effectively communicate with all patient populations based on their age and developmental needs

• Effectively communicate patient needs with the nurse caring for the patient

Safety and Environment

• Assure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors by following all safety precautions and procedures in the performance of job duties

• Adhere to patient safety and identification policy and procedures

• Identify patients at risk for injury and participate in instituting measures to prevent/reduce the risk

• Adhere to Age Appropriate Protocols in order to ensure patient safety based on development needs

• Contribute to prevention of infectious diseases among employees, patients, and visitors by adhering to Infection Control policies and procedures

• Complete employee accident reports when required

• Respond to patient monitor alarms and call bells in a timely fashion

• Be constantly aware of noise level in the department and keep noise at a minimum to provide a quite area for the patient population

• Provide a calm, reassuring atmosphere for the patient, significant others, and family

People/Human Resources Management

• Demonstrate the ability to ensure compliance with policies and procedures

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate the vision, mission and goals of Chesapeake Regional Healthcare including hospital and unit specific dashboards

• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to a healthy, collaborative, open work environment that is conducive to teamwork and encourages communication

• Demonstrate the ability to follow administrative protocols

• Demonstrate constructive and effective relationships with staff, peers, and customers

• Emphasizes the team approach to work

• Organize and reprioritize work based on patient needs, available resources, and unit requirements

• Support compliance with hospital accreditation, state licensure, and other external accrediting agency requirements

• Respond positively to change; show willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work

• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, hospital/unit level meetings, and in-services

• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Reports to: Nurse Manager

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Minimum Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent and graduate of a monitoring surveillance course or experience with telemetry interpretation and monitoring in an acute care setting

• Experience: Preferred; Six months in an acute care facility or pre-hospital environment with telemetry technician experience and/or formal EKG training

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• BLS Certification within 90 days of hire

• Preferred: Certification of Rhythm Analysis Technician