Unit Assistant II - Telemetry One Main

Salinas Valley Health•Salinas, CA

17d

About The Position

The Unit Assistant II works in the 1M Telemetry department under the supervision of the Department Manager or Charge Nurse. The position is assigned to one of two primary functions on a given unit, and the employee must maintain competency in both. One function is monitoring telemetry patients at the Central Monitoring Station, recognizing rhythm abnormalities, and escalating concerns according to policy. The other is managing clerical duties associated with preparing, compiling, and monitoring patient records on a clinical nursing unit. Floating within unit groupings or outside the job class is governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The role monitors telemetry patients’ cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, SpO2, and respiratory rate; prints rhythm strips every four hours for Registered Nurse interpretation; and prints strips for RN review following any critical “Red” alarm in accordance with the Cardiac Telemetry Monitoring and Management Policy. The Unit Assistant II also maintains patient records, helps order and maintain department supplies, supports nursing-station organization and operations, and contributes to a safe, clean, and cost-effective care environment. The position requires positive communication, teamwork, flexibility, and participation in departmental goals. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Attend and successfully pass the EKG Rhythm recognition course and test upon hire.
Maintain annual competency by achieving a passing score of 80% on the EKG rhythm recognition test.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills to communicate appropriately with people of all ages served by Salinas Valley Health.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of a Medical Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant program is preferred.
One year of experience in an acute care facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor telemetry patients’ cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, SpO2, and respiratory rate while they are on telemetry or cardiac monitoring.
Recognize rhythm abnormalities and escalate them according to policy.
Print rhythm strips every four hours for Registered Nurse interpretation.
Print strips for RN review for any critical “Red” alarm, following the Cardiac Telemetry Monitoring and Management Policy.
Prepare, compile, monitor, and maintain patient records and perform related clerical duties.
Assist with ordering and maintaining department supplies.
Use positive communication to support conflict resolution and teamwork.
Maintain and improve the organization and operations of nursing stations.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Contribute to cost-effective patient care by monitoring the use of time, equipment, and supplies.
Comply with safety policies and procedures to provide a safe environment for employees, patients, and visitors.
Demonstrate flexibility in response to changes in hospital or department activities.
Actively participate in achieving departmental goals.
Apply knowledge of cardiac monitor guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.