Telemetry Technician - Pulse Center - Per Diem (Big Flats)

Position Summary : This individual is responsible for monitoring the cardiac and / or pulse oximetry monitors to identify record and report normal and abnormal heart rhythm patterns. Assists with organization and completion of simple projects under the supervision of a nurse manager. Demonstrates appropriate communication skills and interactions with other members of the healthcare team.

Education, License & Cert : High school education or GED required. Must be knowledgeable in use of computers and GE monitoring system. Prior experience as a Monitor Technician, EMT or Paramedic is helpful.

Experience : On the job training to acquire knowledge of various policies and procedures. Average typing skills. The individual must successfully demonstrate competency in basic EKG rhythm interpretation. The EKG training is completed followed by testing. Phone etiquette and working with other members of the team required.

Essential Functions :

1. The cardiac monitors is watched continuously.

2. Monitor alarms and volume will be left on.

3. Enters patient information into the monitor system.

4. Monitors the cardiac rhythm and / or oxygen saturation on patients.

5. Maintains individual patient records; calculates and records on the rhythm strip and electronic telemetry flow sheet, the rhythm strip data, vital signs, and patient events, as appropriate.

6. Reports changes in patients status to the RN and to the next shift.

7. Maintains telemetry monitoring equipment. Performs periodic preventative maintenance. Calls work orders to BioMedical Services for equipment malfunctions and ensure nurse manager is informed of repair needs.

8. Routinely collects, evaluates, and documents each patients cardiac rhythm, status once each shift or as ordered. Each rhythm strip is analyzed for the following : PR interval, QRS interval, rate (atrial and ventricular), maintains patient rhythm, ectopic beats, ST segment changes and places strips in patient records.

9. Records and identifies any changes in the patients base line cardiac rhythm, and notifies nursing staff as soon as changes occur.

10. Records cardiac rhythm during the following : decrease in oxygen saturation, cardiac arrests and resuscitation, cardioversion, and during administration of intravenous push medication as appropriate.

11. Communicates with nursing personnel when changes in the monitoring parameters are required for a particular patient, and when changes in electrode placement are required.

12. Changes in the rhythm status, ectopic activity, decrease in oxygen saturation and other pertinent information will be communicated to the primary care nurse and recorded by posting a rhythm strip on the chart.

a. Demonstrates adherence to the Values of Robert Packer Hospital : Patient Centeredness, Excellence and Teamwork

b. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Other Duties :

1. Follows hospital and nursing department policies and procedures during emergency or stressful situations including fire and disaster drills, and emergency situations.

2. Seeks supervision and guidance when appropriate.

3. Supports the philosophy of the hospital and of the department of nursing.

4. Demonstrates willingness to accept nonroutine work assignments as appropriate.

Pay Range $17.51 - $27.74 / hour, DOE