Telemetry Technician I (NIGHTS)

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare•Chesapeake, VA

About The Position

The Telemetry Technician interprets cardiac rhythms through remote monitoring systems in a healthcare setting and continuously monitors patients of all ages to detect and report cardiac rhythm disturbances. The technician recognizes monitoring equipment needs, communicates requests for resolution, and responds to monitor alarms according to protocol. The role requires knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology, including waves, complexes, intervals, voltage, the cardiac conduction system, and rhythm-strip interpretation. The technician also uses phones and other communication systems to communicate promptly and effectively with remote care areas. Safety Sitter activities may be performed when needed by the unit, within the technician’s education, training, and experience. The position reports to the Nurse Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities. The technician attends required hospital orientations, unit meetings, and in-services, and demonstrates flexibility in work scheduling when necessary to support patient care.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduation from a monitoring surveillance course, or experience interpreting and monitoring telemetry in an acute care setting.
BLS certification within 90 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Preferably six months of Telemetry Technician experience and/or formal EKG training, preferably in an acute care setting.
Rhythm Analysis Technician certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Initiate timely emergency measures as appropriate to the role.
Maintain expert knowledge of the telemetry monitoring system and remote telemetry boxes; record, document, admit, transfer, and discharge patients, add notes, and add service charges.
Interpret and recognize cardiac arrhythmias and promptly report them to the assigned nurse.
Identify and respond to potentially life-threatening rhythm changes.
Run EKG strips and document rhythm interpretations within department time intervals.
Provide nurses and providers with reports on patient cardiac rhythms as needed.
Maintain and stock telemetry monitoring supplies and equipment; follow established routines and use resources cost-effectively.
Demonstrate the “Peak of Care” principles in communications, actions, and decisions.
Maintain effective relationships and communication with peers, providers, hospital departments, patients, and families, adapting communication to patients’ ages and developmental needs.
Communicate patient needs effectively to the nurse caring for the patient.
Promote a safe environment by following safety precautions, patient identification procedures, age-appropriate protocols, and infection-control policies.
Identify patients at risk for injury and participate in measures to prevent or reduce that risk.
Complete employee accident reports when required.
Respond promptly to patient monitor alarms and call bells; keep departmental noise to a minimum and help provide a calm, reassuring atmosphere.
Follow policies, procedures, and administrative protocols; support compliance with hospital accreditation, state licensure, and other external requirements.
Contribute to a healthy, collaborative work environment and constructive relationships with staff, peers, and customers; emphasize teamwork.
Organize and reprioritize work according to patient needs, available resources, and unit requirements.
Respond positively to change and show willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work.
Attend required hospital-wide orientations, hospital or unit meetings, and in-services.
Demonstrate flexibility in work scheduling when needed to ensure patient care.