ICU Telemetry Tech (Nights, 0.75 FTE)

Status: Full-Time, 0.75 FTE

Shift: Nights

JOB SUMMARY (overview of job): Telemetry Technicians oversee cardiac monitoring of all patients by maintaining the operation of the central monitoring station and monitoring software systems. Telemetry technicians are tasked with preparing, maintaining, and interpreting telemetry waveform data. Telemetry Technicians are responsible for independently observing and interpreting cardiac rhythms and documenting them in patients’ medical records. Other responsibilities include coordinating the availability of transmitters, lead cables, and other monitoring supplies.

Telemetry Technicians must communicate appropriately and clearly with to charge nurse, co-workers, and physicians. Telemetry Technicians are responsible for appropriately responding to all monitor alarms, reporting changes in rate/rhythm to the nurse and/or physician for urgent and/or non-urgent intervention, and documenting changes in rhythm and rate.

Telemetry Technicians are responsible for documenting EKG waveforms in the patient records by recording measurements of heart rate, PR interval, and QRs on rhythm strips, identifying rhythms such as NSR, SB, ST Asytole, SVT, A-Fib, A-Flutter, and VT, and ensuring recorded rhythm strips are mounted and placed on the patient’s chart.

Telemetry technicians set up and operate telemetry equipment for the unit and ensure appropriate monitor alarms are “on” when the patient is on the unit. In addition, telemetry technicians are responsible for cleaning cardiac monitoring equipment per infection control and bioengineering procedures. Telemetry Technicians must possess troubleshooting skills to recognize monitoring problems, identify probable causes, and seek solutions to correct the problem.

The Telemetry Technician provides indirect care in the department setting under the direction of the Director or designee and the Charge Nurse. Additional duties include:

• Follow established policies and procedures for copying patient health information for transport to other medical facilities.
• Follow hospital compliance policy related to patient medical record access, HIPAA regulations, and follow the organization's Behavioral Standards.
• Assist nursing staff in re-stocking of rooms and nurse servers.
• Retrieve blood products and medications from the tube system.
• Order office supplies, complete work orders, and put away department supplies, keeping the department work area clean and organized, being mindful of infection control practices and safety initiatives established by the facility.
• Assist Director, A of the Day, and ICU nursing staff by completing other duties as assigned. See Orientation Competency Inventory (OCI).

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE : 2 years hospital experience preferred. Medical terminology is strongly recommended. Previous experience in clerical or receptionist position preferred. Prior telemetry training preferred.

EDUCATION : High School graduate or equivalent. Completes all mandatory education as required and assigned.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY : BLS certification required within 6 months of hire. Telemetry training/certification required within the first year of hire.

Aptitudes : Ability to achieve cognitive, organizational, and emotional maturity to deal effectively with multiple tasks, stresses, deadlines, being delegated to, difficult situations, and/or customers. Possesses positive interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective, non-judgmental, and empathetic patient care and customer relations. Open to feedback and a quickly changing environment, which requires flexibility in scheduling, equipment, and department assignments. Takes ownership of work completed and instills confidence in themselves and their work contributions. With courtesy and respect, works effectively with internal and external customers, producing positive experiences and encounters. Communicates in an effective, respectful, and appropriate manner, contributing to the team environment. Ability to work collaboratively with charge nurses and the patient care team.