Overview:
JOB SUMMARY
Monitors heart rhythm patterns to detect, record, and report normal and abnormal heart rhythm patterns and report alarms and any abnormal interval measurements.
Responsibilities:
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Must be competent in heart rhythms and cardiac conduction system
- Effectively follow the detailed instructions of medical professionals
- Knowledge and use of central telemetry monitoring equipment, observe for any equipment problems or malfunctions and document and report promptly to supervisor
- Monitor patients on telemetry, identify changes in baseline cardiac rhythms, and notify nurse or nursing supervisor of abnormal telemetry alarms
- Immediately identify, interpret and report any abnormal or lethal cardiac changes when they develop
- Document abnormal heart rhythm alarms or variances which indicate ischemia, acute myocardial infarction, or other pathology.
- Reviews patient information to determine normal heart rhythm patterns and prior variances
- Measure rate and intervals of patients’ heart rhythm patterns on a graphic readout, analyze rhythms, and record the information on patients’ telemetry charts
- Help identify patients who may no longer meet criteria for cardiac telemetry monitoring
- Collaborate with appropriate staff members to provide a shift report and review any issues
- Perform system checks at the beginning of each shift to ensure equipment is functioning properly, review individual patient alarms and any arrhythmia/dysrhythmia analysis
- Ensure adequate monitoring supplies are in stock and available each shift, e.g. paper, cables, electrodes. Report any needed supplies to shift supervisor.
- Maintain all required competencies.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Other duties as assigned only if coverage is arranged for telemetry monitoring as directed by employee’s immediate supervisor.
- Assist in the orientation of new employees in the telemetry monitoring process for the hospital.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience:
High School Diploma or GED. Appropriate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of cardiac conduction system. CNA or a higher medical education preferred. Prior Telemetry experience is preferred. ECG interpretation course is required.
Computer Skills:
Knowledge of basic computer skills and word processing.
Certificates and Licenses:
Certification in arrhythmia course required. Must obtain BLS within 30 days of employment. This position requires that you complete a cardiac rhythm interpretation course and pass a written test with a score of at least 80% with remediation to a 100% passing rate and not miss any lethal rhythms. Telemetry certification preferred.