Cardiac Monitor Technician - Full Time Night

Northeast Georgia Medical Center•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

The Monitor Technician is responsible for ongoing surveillance and advanced ECG interpretation for critical care and telemetry patients. The technician observes cardiac monitors; identifies, calculates, interprets, documents, and communicates cardiac rhythm information to nursing staff and clinicians; and responds to potentially life-threatening rhythm changes. When necessary and in accordance with policy, the technician initiates an emergency response by calling the emergency phone line or initiating a code blue or rapid response. The position provides cardiac and pulse oximetry surveillance via telemetry for patients of all ages except neonates. The role includes monitoring heart rate, rhythm, and electrical conduction; admitting and discharging patients from monitoring; troubleshooting monitoring problems; maintaining accurate electronic health record documentation; and communicating relevant changes and events to the care team. The technician also supports patient-care continuity, customer service, and upkeep of the unit environment and equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to perform the basic skills and procedures designated for Monitor Technicians.
Ability to adapt to changing situations and work assignments.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of an EKG Technician course or certification.
One year of clinical experience.

Responsibilities

Observe cardiac monitors and conduct ongoing surveillance and advanced ECG interpretation for critical care and telemetry patients.
Identify, calculate, interpret, document, and communicate cardiac rhythm information to nursing staff and clinicians.
Recognize potentially life-threatening rhythm changes and initiate emergency response according to policy when needed.
Participate in mock codes and other emergency preparedness drills or events.
Complete EHR training and successfully pass the yearly rhythm strip/monitor technician test.
Recognize dysrhythmias and conduction abnormalities, document findings, and notify the shift primary nurse promptly.
Obtain baseline ECG tracings on admission or initiation of telemetry monitoring.
Monitor lead II and V1, or another lead as directed by the shift primary nurse, and troubleshoot ECG monitoring problems.
Monitor heart rate, rhythm, and electrical conduction for abnormalities.
Admit patients, initiate cardiac and pulse oximetry monitoring, retrieve data, activate standby mode, and discharge patients according to orders.
Assist the provider and shift primary nurse in obtaining monitored documentation of urgent events.
Follow provider orders at the direction of the shift primary nurse and precept monitor technicians as needed.
Recognize and report changes in patient condition in a timely and accurate manner, prioritizing urgent problems.
Collaborate with the shift primary nurse to adjust alarms to meet patient needs.
Maintain complete and concurrent EHR documentation, including patient telemetry information, ECG data, ST-segment measurements, lead-placement changes, telemetry initiation and discontinuation, and notices to nurses about rhythm or transmission issues.
Communicate and collaborate with healthcare team members; provide organized, accurate, thorough, and concise reports; anticipate needs; and use hand-off tools appropriately.
Control unit noise, answer phones courteously and promptly, transfer calls, relay messages, and protect patient confidentiality when giving phone condition reports.
Help maintain adequate supplies, operable equipment, and the appearance of the unit; report and follow through on repair or supply needs.
Operate the printer, copier, and fax machine, maintain them for use, and report equipment problems through Service Now.
Perform other assigned duties, accept assignments at another station when requested by leadership, and participate in performance improvement activities, including monitoring, reporting results, and making recommendations.