Telemetry Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Observes cardiac monitors and alerts nurses and physicians of changes in heart rate, rhythm, and arrhythmias.
• Performs duties related to cardiac monitoring, EKG interpretation, telemetry equipment management, and patient monitoring communication.

Duties and Responsibilities::

• Obtains baseline strips each shift on all monitored patients.
• Verifies alarm parameters and alarm levels are appropriately set.
• Performs ongoing observation of cardiac monitors.
• Identifies abnormal cardiac rhythms and notifies nurses/physicians of changes.
• Detects and reports changes in cardiac rhythm parameters.
• Measures, interprets, and documents heart rhythms in patient medical records.
• Runs EKG strips every shift and provides initial EKG interpretation including rate, rhythm, PR, QRS, QT, ST segment, and T wave alterations.
• Initiates and discontinues monitoring equipment during admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Troubleshoots monitors with nursing staff and contacts Bio Med as appropriate.
• Applies and removes telemetry and monitoring equipment.
• Provides timely and accurate communication to healthcare team members.
• Serves as a resource for telemetry training and troubleshooting.
• Follows policies related to monitored patient transport.
• Monitors alarms related to cardiac monitoring and takes appropriate action.
• Documents and logs monitored patients each shift and upon admission.
• Reports monitor downtime and patient refusal of monitoring to appropriate staff.
• Prints rhythm strips every three hours for patient charts.
• Gives report to oncoming shift.
• Prioritizes and organizes work assignments based on changing situations.
• Maintains and stocks telemetry equipment.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information.
• Develops collaborative relationships with nursing and clinical staff.
• Performs other duties assigned by AHN and/or Nurse Manager.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• BCLS Certification required.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a hospital setting functioning as a Telemetry Technician required.
  OR successful completion of an Advanced Medical Technician program required.
• Cardiac rhythm monitoring and arrhythmia recognition experience required.
• EKG interpretation experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow written and/or oral instructions.