Unit Assistant/Monitor Tech- Central Telemetry

Carle Health•Normal, IL

About The Position

Performs constant observation of cardiac monitors for telemetry patients, including observing, interpreting, and documenting cardiac rhythms and notifying appropriate nursing staff of changes. Works as part of the patient care team to support the daily operation of the nursing unit and perform indirect patient care activities, including chart management, ordering supplies, answering phones, and responding to call lights. The role includes preparing monitor data for new telemetry patients, verifying patient identity and monitor placement with floor personnel, obtaining and interpreting ECG tracings, and maintaining ongoing rhythm and alarm monitoring. The technician documents ECG measurements and rhythm changes, checks on patients temporarily off telemetry, communicates signal and equipment issues, supports emergency and cardiac procedures as appropriate, and follows protocols for notification, documentation, and telemetry changes. Additional duties include accurate telephone and call-light response, administrative support, patient-safety reporting, participation in education and meetings, and training new monitor technicians.

Responsibilities

Observe, interpret, and document cardiac rhythms for telemetry patients and promptly notify appropriate nursing staff of changes.
Perform job duties in accordance with designated telemetry protocols and guidelines.
Prepare the monitor data bank for patients newly ordered for telemetry; verify patient identity and monitor placement with floor personnel; and obtain and interpret an ECG tracing for each new patient.
Continually observe and interpret the rhythms of monitored patients.
Obtain, interpret, and document ECG tracings, including rhythm, rate, PR, QRS, QT measurements, ectopy, and other variances, at least every 12 hours, when changes occur, or when requested by staff.
Check the status of patients who are off telemetry for tests or procedures.
Maintain continuous ST-segment monitoring on CVCU and ICU patients unless instructed otherwise by the assigned RN.
Review alarm history each shift, provide a documentation summary, and notify staff as appropriate.
Assist during Rapid Response or Code Blue, cardioversion, arrhythmia medication mediation, and pacemaker reprogramming by running ECG strips from monitors as appropriate.
Follow protocols for notification and documentation of rhythm changes, signal or equipment problems, patient location changes, and removing or reinstating telemetry.
Communicate issues such as low batteries, poor signal, loose or disconnected lead wires, and incorrect lead placement to floor staff promptly and clearly.
Answer and direct telephone calls, take accurate and complete messages, and respond to call lights by locating appropriate staff.
Perform support duties such as typing, filing, and copying as requested.
Label ECG tracings with the patient's last name, room number, medical record number, date and time, and the interpreting technician's initials.
Ensure alarms for life-threatening arrhythmias remain on at all times.
Label the monitor bank with relevant patient procedures, tests, temporary location, treatments, IV drips, DNR status, AICD, and pacemakers as appropriate.
Enter patient data into the central telemetry monitor data bank.
Promptly report situations requiring attention from the registered nurse or department leadership and report potential patient safety issues in a timely manner.
Attend and actively participate in in-services, meetings, and continuing education programs.
Provide training for new monitor technicians.
Adhere to behavioral and procedural patient-safety practices.