Telemetry Tech-Unit Secretary

ECU Health Medical Center•Washington, NC

7d•$18 - $21

About The Position

The Telemetry Technician/Unit Secretary monitors cardiac rhythms, documents findings, and notifies the primary nurse of abnormal rhythms. The role also performs unit desk functions, answers telephone calls and patient call systems, and replenishes charts. If certified as a Nursing Assistant, the employee may work in that capacity when the telemetry census is two or less and no Nursing Assistant is scheduled. Care-related duties are modified for patients’ age, growth, and developmental level, including adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. The Unit Secretary supports nursing-unit operations and patient-care documentation. Although not directly responsible for patient care, the secretary helps ensure that care is accomplished, performs general duties, and serves as a central point for communication. The position is accountable to and evaluated by the Nurse Manager. The role requires professional, respectful, confidential, and safety-conscious conduct; effective communication and teamwork; adherence to hospital policies and procedures; participation in quality improvement, unit activities, staff meetings, and required education; and support for new team members. The employee may be asked to relieve or float to other units as assigned by the Nurse Manager or Nursing Supervisor.

Requirements

Medical terminology course or demonstrated competency.
Completion of an EKG Interpretation course.
High school diploma or equivalent GED.
Current CPR certification.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Responsibilities

Monitor cardiac rhythms, document them, and notify the primary nurse of abnormal rhythms.
Perform unit desk functions, answer telephone calls and patient call systems, and replenish charts.
When certified as a Nursing Assistant, perform in that capacity when the telemetry census is two or less and no Nursing Assistant is scheduled.
Modify care-related work to address the age, growth, and developmental level of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Support nursing-unit operations and patient-care documentation, help ensure patient care is accomplished, perform general duties, and serve as a central point for communications.
Meet and exceed patient/customer expectations, address problems, and make suggestions through appropriate forums.
Collaborate with the healthcare team, contribute to team objectives, and seek or provide assistance as appropriate.
Protect patient privacy and confidentiality; provide support and encouragement to families and support persons.
Communicate interpersonal or customer-service problems to the supervisor or Department Manager.
Follow scheduling, attendance, work rules, hospital policies, and procedures; use time and resources efficiently and prioritize work.
Maintain a clean, orderly work area; use and document supplies and equipment judiciously; keep equipment clean and properly stored.
Contact physicians’ offices promptly to relay information, arrange discharge appointments, or help the nurse obtain orders.
Use personal protective equipment and infection-control measures, follow safe working procedures, and report patient-care or safety hazards.
Recognize and report inappropriate use of abbreviations and drug dose ranges to a licensed nurse; complete Event Reports with supervisor guidance.
Participate in quality improvement, unit and hospital activities, in-service education, and required annual education and competency activities.
Assist with orientation of new employees under RN guidance and contribute to a positive learning environment.
Attend 75% of unit staff meetings and read and initial the remaining 25% of meeting minutes.
Maintain required licenses and certifications and demonstrate continued professional growth and willingness to learn new procedures.
Relieve and float to other units when assigned by the Nurse Manager or Nursing Supervisor.