Monitor Technician

Maimonides Medical Center•New York, NY

59d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of an RN, the Monitor Technician continuously monitors cardiac telemetry for Emergency Room patients and/or patients admitted to inpatient telemetry units. The technician observes ECG monitors, interprets and documents cardiac rhythms and arrhythmias, and reports changes in patient rate, rhythm, or dysrhythmias to appropriate nursing staff. The role also involves maintaining equipment and supplies, following departmental policies and infection-control standards, and providing professional, patient-centered support. Part-time evening and night shifts are available.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Technical skills required for patient care.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to speak, read, and write English to the extent required by the position.

Nice To Haves

BLS certification.
Prior cardiac monitoring experience.
Successful completion of a basic arrhythmia interpretation class.
Knowledge of a second language.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate skills validated by the Monitor Technician Competency Checklist.
Perform procedures as directed when assigned to inpatient areas or the Emergency Department.
Set up and operate telemetry and electrocardiogram equipment.
Enter new patients into telemetry and obtain an immediate rhythm strip.
Review and implement cardiac monitoring orders as requested by the nurse.
Verify that telemetry units and monitors function properly at the beginning of each shift and ensure monitor alarms are on when patients are on the unit.
Continuously observe multiple telemetry channels for assigned patients.
Obtain clear, readable six-second hardwire strips each shift, when significant rhythm changes occur, and when patients report chest pain.
Record and report significant changes in cardiac status to the RN or MD and provide nurses with an initial rate and rhythm interpretation within 30 minutes of monitor connection.
Ensure rhythm strips are reviewed by the nurse and placed in the patient's chart.
Participate in orienting new telemetry technicians.
Assist with ordering telemetry supplies, maintaining equipment and inventory, and contacting Bio-Medical Engineering or Maintenance for mechanical problems.
Clean cardiac monitoring equipment according to infection-control and bioengineering procedures.
Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, including preparing the area or unit with appropriate equipment.
Communicate effectively with primary and charge nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team about patient needs and changes in condition.
Prepare telemetry exchange reports at the end of each shift and perform bedside handoff communication.
Document patient and monitoring information, rhythm events, and nurse notifications accurately in the telemetry log book; check and update the log each shift.
When assigned to the Emergency Department, communicate with the attending MD regarding patients on telemetry for more than 48 hours.
Assist the RN with cardiac support and monitoring, including applying cardiac monitors, managing monitor admission and discharge, and reporting basic observations about skin color and moisture.
Assist physicians and nurses with treatments and diagnostic procedures, including preparing equipment and patients, setting up rooms, gathering equipment and trays, holding patients, and applying simple non-sterile dressings.
Answer call lights and patient requests in a timely manner.
Perform, download, and retrieve EKGs from the database.
Keep the work area clean, stock and maintain supplies and equipment, and report restocking needs.
Follow hand-washing techniques, isolation precautions, and other infection-control standards.
Report significant unit problems to the charge nurse.
Deliver patient care appropriate to the growth, development, and ages of patients served.
Maintain departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection-control standards.
Promote adherence to the Patient's Bill of Rights and treat patients, families, staff, and community members with courtesy, respect, tact, and patience.
Perform related duties as required.