Monitor Technician

Overview

Under the supervision of an RN, the Monitor Technician provides continuous monitoring of cardiac telemetry for Emergency Room patients and/or patients admitted to inpatient telemetry units.

The Monitor Technician observes the bank of electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, interprets, and documents cardiac rhythms/arrhythmias and reports any changes detected to the appropriate nursing staff. Those changes include patient’s rate, rhythm and the occurrence of dysrhythmias. The Monitor Technician is also responsible for ensuring that standards, policies and procedures are met and maintained in a professional manner.

Part time Evening and Night shifts are available.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates proper performance of skills reflected and validated by the Monitor Technician Competency Checklist
When assigned to inpatient areas, performs various procedures as directed
Sets-up and operates telemetry and electrocardiogram equipment
Enters all new patients into telemetry and obtains a rhythm strip immediately
Reviews and implements cardiac monitoring orders as requested by the nurse
Assures that all telemetry units/monitors are functioning properly at the beginning of the shift
Ensures monitor alarms are “on” when patient is on unit
Monitors and observes multiple telemetry channels of assigned patients continuously
Obtains clear, readable six second hardwire strips for each patient being monitored once each shift, at any time a significant change of rhythm occurs, and when patient complains of chest pain
Records and reports significant changes in cardiac status to RN/MD
Provides nurses with initial rate and rhythm interpretation within 30 minutes of being connected to monitor
Ensures recorded rhythm strips are reviewed and placed on patient’s chart, after review by the nurse
Participates in the orientation of new telemetry technicians
Assists in ordering telemetry supplies and maintaining equipment
Maintains necessary supplies and inventory
Calls Bio-Medical Engineering/Maintenance, as necessary, for mechanical problems
Cleans cardiac monitoring equipment per infection control and bioengineering procedures
Assists with the admissions and discharge processes
Communicates effectively with Primary and/or Charge Nurse, and other members of the health care team
Prepares Telemetry Exchange report at end of shift
Documents in Telemetry log book appropriately documenting: room number, telemetry box number, patient name, baseline rhythm, covering RN, rhythm events (note time), and RN notified of event
Prepares area/unit with proper equipment for admission, transfer or discharge of patient
When assigned to the Emergency Department, performs various procedures as directed
Monitors and observes multiple telemetry channels continuously
Records and interprets significant changes in cardiac status to RN/MD
Obtains hardwire strips for each patient being monitored once each shift at any time a significant change of rhythm occurs, and when patient complains of chest pain
Enters all new patients into telemetry and obtains a rhythm strip immediate
Assures that all telemetry units/monitors are functioning properly at the beginning of the shift
Communicates with the attending MD regarding patients on telemetry for more than 48 hours
Checks and updates log book each shift: enters name, room number, telemetry number and date for each patient
Assists RN with cardiac support and monitoring; applies cardiac monitor, admin/discharge from monitor and reports basic observations regarding skin color and moisture to the RN
Assists physician/nurse with treatments, diagnostic procedures (e.g. holds patient)
Communicates effectively with primary and/or charge nurse and other members of the health care team regarding patients’ needs, requests, and/or changes in patient’s condition
Answers all call lights and patients requests in a timely fashion
Preforms, downloads, and retrieves EKGs from database
Prepares telemetry exchange report at the end of the shift
Documents in telemetry log book appropriately
Preforms hand off communication at the bedside
Prepares equipment and patient for treatments or diagnostic procedures (e.g., sets up rooms, gathers equipment and trays, applies simple non-sterile dressings)
Performs related duties, as required
Keeps work area clean
Stocks and maintains supplies and equipment in area as directed; reports need to restock to manager and/or designee
Applies principles of infection control by following proper hand washing techniques, and isolation precautions
Reports significant unit problems to charge nurse
Patient care responsibilities are delivered with a knowledge of patient growth and development and are appropriate to the ages of the patients served
Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program safety, environmental, and infection control standards
Promotes adherence to the Patient’s Bill of Rights
Demonstrates a professional courteous and respectful attitude in dealing with patients, families and significant others
Displays courtesy, tact patience during interactions with all members of the hospital staff and extended community

Qualifications

Education:

High School graduation or equivalent required

BLS preferred

Experience:

Prior Cardiac Monitoring experience preferred

Proof of successful completion of a basic arrhythmia interpretation class preferred

If experienced, must pass pre-hire monitor technician test with grade of 80% or greater

Skills:

Technical skills required for patient care

Good oral and written communication skills

Good interpersonal skills

Speaks, reads and writes English to the extent required by the position; knowledge of a second language preferred