TECH- MONITOR

Summary of Essential Functions

• Monitors EKG rhythm patterns of patients in the hospital, to detect abnormal pattern variances including pulse oximetry data

Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic Arrhythmia knowledge desirable
• Must complete and pass Basic Arrhythmia class and test upon being hired

Licensure and Certifications

• CPR Certification required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Ability to perform under stress, when confronted with emergency or critical situations in which sustained attention is critical; works under specific instructions.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the heart in relation to waves, complexes, time and voltage as shown through the conduction system and strip interpretation.
• Ability to work cooperatively with members of the healthcare delivery team.
• Exercises good time management skills and maintains productive use of time.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Physical Requirements

• May be expected to lift over twenty five (25) pounds.
• Ability to distinguish between numbers and symbols.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity with substantial movement of wrist and/or fingers.
• Corrected vision and hearing to normal or near normal range.
• Extended periods of sitting and/or walking depending on specific duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews patient information to determine rhythm pattern, and prior variations; accurately measures intervals; correctly interprets basic arrhythmia, including PR, QRS, and QT intervals, gives continuous attention to monitors; troubleshoot monitors as necessary.
• Sets up central station ensuring that all alarms are appropriately set, on, and functioning properly; correctly and promptly answer alarms, assigns qualified substitute to observe monitors during breaks; reports deviations in standards of care to manger.
• Keeps acute care charge nurse informed of routine and unusual events. Reports “stat” to charge nurse on all life threatening dysrhythmia-V-tach, V-fib, asystole, bradycardia <40/minutes, tachycardia >150/minutes. Reports “check patient” to charge/staff nurse when non-life-threatening dysrhythmia is observed (exception only with physician’s order).
• Documents patient’s current status on report sheet, by maintaining daily shift logs. Documents rhythm strips/trends on admission, at least once per shift and PRN with rhythm changes or dysrhythmias. Documents notification of floor personnel and/or physician regarding dysrhythmia.
• Admits/transfers/discharges patient from computer.
• Initiates leads on all patients with remote monitoring; notifies charge nurse on acute care floors when patient’s rhythms have been stable, for appropriate discontinuation of monitors.
• Demonstrates proficiency in cognitive and psychomotor skills required for job performance.
• Successfully completes basic arrhythmia course, and yearly competency testing on arrhythmia identification.
• Performs disinfecting procedures by performing hospital and department isolation and infection control procedures
• Reports changes in pulse oximetry data to the appropriate licensed personnel
• Maintains telemetry monitoring equipment and supply inventory control log
• Educates and collaborates with patient care team as needed to ensure a clear signal
• Maintains proper functioning of monitor equipment, including trouble shooting problems to ensure clear reception of rhythm (lead placement, signal interference, fractured lead wires, tracking equipment in use)
• Orients new staff members to work area
• Assists with peer evaluation process as requested.
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.