Description

Job Summary:

To continually observe the patient electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns and to recognize and report arrhythmias to medical/nursing staff. To document and record information in the patient record. To perform job duties in accordance with the medical center's purpose.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Responsibilities

• Observes ECG monitors and reports to appropriate staff the necessary information, including but not limited to patient name, room number, cardiac rhythm, dysrhythmia, and/or life-threatening situations.
• Operates complex cardiac monitoring systems, including ECG rhythm screens, computerized dysrhythmia detection system, and rhythm printers.
• Records information in patient log and maintains accurate, neat account of patient's cardiac monitoring status during episode of care. Identifies and records patient's rhythm a minimum of every 12 hours or with any significant changes in patient rhythm and/or condition.
• Gives and receives report on pertinent patient/monitor data to/from incoming/outgoing shift personnel and/or remote monitoring units.
• Admits and discharges patients from the telemetry monitor. Maintains accurate census of patients on the unit.
• Answers direct monitor room phone line.
• During code situation, maintains contact with nursing staff/code blue team
• Assists with rhythm interpretation and dysrhythmia detection. Labels monitor strips to indicate significant events including but not limited to defibrillation, electrical-cardioversion, CPR, and/or code medication administration.
• Troubleshoots monitoring equipment for immediately correctable problems such as printer paper changes, low battery/out of range occurrences, and lead wire/electrode placement. Monitors transmitter malfunctions and loss of transmission due to power outage and/or telephone disconnection.
• Ensures adequate inventory of monitoring supplies (lead wire, electrodes, batteries, etc.). Cleans sets and maintains monitoring equipment. Contacts biomedical engineering when appropriate for monitor equipment malfunctions.
• The duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Management retains. 

Physical and Environmental Demands

Requires occasional exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, occasional handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, occasional exposure to biohazardous conditions such as risk of radiation exposure, blood borne pathogens, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations, occasional activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, constant work produced subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, frequent bending, frequent lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, occasional climbing, occasional crawling, occasional crouching/stooping, occasional kneeling, constant reaching, frequent sitting, frequent standing, frequent twisting, and frequent walking. (occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)

Requirements

Education & Experience

High School or GED in addition to one of the following: one (1) year of experience as a Nursing Assistant or completion of first semester of RN or LPN program or degree in health related science or one (1) year of patient care experience in a healthcare setting. Certifications, Licenses or Registration Required: N/A