Telemetry Technician (PRN) - Telemetry, University Hospital

USA Health•Mobile, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Telemetry Technician continuously observes and interprets cardiac rhythms for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. The role monitors patients in nursing and intensive care units using remote telemetry equipment, recognizes basic ECG rhythms and changes from baseline, and promptly communicates clinical alerts and emergencies to assigned nurses and other healthcare staff. The technician programs monitoring equipment, follows physician orders or facility protocols for alarm limits, checks equipment operation, and performs basic troubleshooting. The position also involves coordinating diagnostic procedures and follow-up appointments, maintaining patient logs and timely telemetry charges, entering data and ordering supplies through the Hospital Information System, and maintaining adequate supply levels. The technician follows hospital policies and standards for HIPAA confidentiality, infection control, safety, and resource management; works cooperatively with the unit team; assists with orientation of new personnel; and completes required education, meetings, and other assigned duties. The work requires sustained attention to multiple monitors, communication with patients and healthcare staff, adherence to assigned schedules, and overtime or call rotations as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; a comparable combination of education and experience may substitute.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and clearly with medical staff, patients, families, and visitors.
Ability to hear and respond to auditory system alerts.
Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
Near and far visual clarity.
Excellent customer service orientation and ability to deal effectively with hospital personnel, outside customers, and community groups.
Ability to sit for extended periods while maintaining constant focus on multiple monitors.
Ability to work the assigned schedule, including overtime and call rotations as required.

Responsibilities

Continuously observe and interpret cardiac rhythms for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Monitor remote telemetry equipment for patients in nursing and intensive care units using visual and auditory observation.
Recognize and interpret basic ECG rhythms, identify changes from baseline, and identify potential emergencies.
Initiate emergency protocols promptly when life-threatening situations are identified.
Program computerized monitoring equipment and set alarm limits according to physician orders or facility protocols.
Ensure monitoring equipment is working properly, perform basic troubleshooting, and submit maintenance requests as needed.
Use proper body mechanics when positioning patients for electrode application or moving heavy equipment and supplies.
Verbally report rhythm changes and clinical alerts to the assigned nurse by telephone, microphone, or in person.
Serve as a communication link among physicians, patients, and the healthcare team, providing customer service.
Schedule and coordinate diagnostic procedures and follow-up appointments as required.
Maintain accurate written patient logs and submit telemetry charges promptly.
Use the Hospital Information System and personal terminals for data entry and supply ordering.
Follow hospital policies and standards for HIPAA confidentiality, infection control, and safety.
Work cooperatively with team members to improve unit performance and complete tasks with a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.
Participate in orienting new personnel and attend mandatory educational requirements and committee meetings.
Manage resources cost-effectively and maintain adequate telemetry supply stock.
Adhere to assigned schedules, overtime requirements, call rotations, and attendance expectations.
Perform other duties supporting Performance Improvement (ICARE) activities and general unit health.
Complete mandatory department, educational, and hospital requirements.