Job Summary:
Under direct supervision of registered nurse or provider, performs variety of duties and services involving cardiac arrhythmia surveillance of telemetry and critical care unit (CCU) patients; observes data generated from central cardiac monitors; retains responsibility and accountability for delegated tasks.

Essential Responsibilities:

Records and mounts rhythm strips of patients on cardiac arrhythmia monitors; measures heart rate, PR interval, QRS complexes and QT intervals per Unit standards as necessary; records heart rates; observes central cardiac monitors constantly for arrhythmias and changes in blood pressure and/or respiration; reports changes in patient to health care provider or nurse.

Observes monitors for arrhythmia during insertion of pacing catheters and hemodynamic catheters; reports changes in patient to health care provider or nurse.

Assists staff in emergencies as directed; notifies appropriate personnel of emergency situations; follows established emergency protocol; remains calm throughout such procedures.

Observes effects of various medications in relationship to arrhythmia; reports effects to health care provider or nurse; observes and documents all pertinent information/data during unit Code 500; reports pertinent information to incoming staff before leaving monitor station.

Answers call lights and notify nurse of patient needs; assists visitors with questions and requests not pertaining to patients condition or care.

Updates telemetry unit patient census board on patient admissions and discharges.

Labels and distributes trend reports on each patient for past eight hours, as required.

Applies safety principles/standards as defined by hospital to patient, environment and employee issues; practices within nursing department and unit-specific standards, policies, procedures, protocol and guidelines.

Maintains confidentiality of patient/hospital information and principles/standards.

Signs off on all arrhythmia sheets; assists in initiation of shift report for nursing staff; prepares report for oncoming cardiac monitor technician; records patient data/events in medical record; completes other forms and documentation according to unit standards and procedures.

Reports incidents, work related injuries, unsafe and/or malfunctioning equipment or environment to supervisor or other appropriate personnel; contacts biomedical for assistance with equipment problems, as needed and according to protocol.

Cleans monitor boxes and corresponding wires; maintains sign out lists for various equipment; maintains and orders necessary supplies.

Refers to department, unit and other reference manuals/books when necessary.

Assists in orientation of newly hired cardiac monitoring techs.

Maintains necessary certification; attends meetings as assigned; participates in nursing research activities, projects, and peer evaluations when requested.

Demonstrates sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of specialization.

Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to age groups served.

Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide culturally sensitive care and/or service.

Performs other duties and accepts responsibility as assigned.

Basic Qualifications: Experience

Six (6) months of cardiac monitor technician experience or successful completion of training program.

Education

High school diploma; or equivalent combination of education (lesser) & experience may be considered in lieu of requirements.
Post high school coursework in electrocardiogram (EKG).

License, Certification, Registration

Basic Life Support from American Heart Association

Additional Requirements:

Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, change management, customer service, oral communication, problem solving, results orientation, teamwork, and written communication.
Talking to co-workers, customers, outside vendors, and on the telephone.
Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English.
Training/giving and receiving instructions.
Mathematical ability, attention to detail (e.g. organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration and alertness.

Preferred Qualifications:

One (1) year EKG monitor reading experience in acute care setting.