Unit Assistant/Monitor Tech- Central Telemetry

Carle Health•Normal, IL

1d•$18 - $29

About The Position

Performs the functions necessary for constant observation of cardiac monitors for telemetry patients including: observation, interpretation, and documentation of cardiac rhythms and notification of changes to the appropriate nursing staff . Works as a member of the patient care team to facilitate and assist in the daily operation of the nursing unit. To perform indirect patient care activities such as chart management, ordering of supplies, answering phones, and answering call lights.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates clinical competency in cardiac monitoring and interpretation of rhythms and effectively communicates changes in rhythm to the appropriate staff.
Performs job responsibilities per designated telemetry protocols and guidelines.
Per admission protocol: a) Prepares monitor data bank for initial application of telemetry on patients with new telemetry orders. b) Completes patient verification process with floor personnel c) Obtains and interprets an ECG tracing for each new patient.
Ongoing shift responsibilities a) Continually observes and interprets cardiac rhythms of all monitored patients. b) Obtains, interprets, and documents ECG tracing with rhythm, rate, PR, QRS, QT measurements, ectopy or other variances of each monitored patient a minimum of every 12 hours, as changes occur, or per staff requests for inclusion in the patient's medical record c) Makes routine and timely checks on the status of patients who are off telemetry monitoring for tests or procedures. d) Maintains continual ST segment monitoring on all CVCU and ICU patients unless receives instructions to the contrary from the assigned RN. e) Completes review of alarm history each shift. Provides documentation summary and staff notification as appropriate.
Assists in Rapid Response or Code Blue, cardioversion, medication mediation for arrythmias, and reprogramming of pacemakers by running ECG strips from the monitors as appropriate.
Follows protocols for notification and documentation of rhythm changes, signal or equipment problems, change in pt location, and removing/reinstituting telemetry on patients during routine care/activity or when leaving the floor for procedures.
Communicates promptly, effectively, and clearly to floor staff regarding issues with low batteries, poor signal, loose/disconnected lead wires, incorrect lead placement, etc.
Answers the telephone, directs incoming calls and takes messages that are accurate and complete.
Answers call lights and locates appropriate staff to respond.
Performs other support duties (typing, filing and copying) as requested.
Completes patient verification process with floor personnel for 1) pt identification and 2) placement of assigned monitor for every patient placed on telemetry.
Ensures each ECG tracing is labeled with the patient’s last name, room number, medical record number, date & time, initials of monitor technician interpreting strip.
Ensures alarms for detecting lifethreatening arrythmia remain on at all times.
Labels monitor bank regarding specific pt procedures/tests/temporary location, treatments, IV drips, DNR status, AICD and pacemakers as appropriate.
Demonstrates competency in entering patient data into the central telemetry monitor data bank.
Promptly reports any situations that call for the attention of the registered nurse or department leadership.
Attends & actively participates in inservices, meetings & continuing education programs
Provides training for new monitor techs.
Reports potential patient safety issues in timely fashion.
Adheres to all behavioral and procedural patient safety practices.