Telemetry Technician

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

Monitors heart rhythm patterns to detect, record, and report normal and abnormal heart rhythm patterns and report alarms and any abnormal interval measurements.

Responsibilities

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must be competent in heart rhythms and cardiac conduction system
• Effectively follow the detailed instructions of medical professionals
• Knowledge and use of central telemetry monitoring equipment, observe for any equipment problems or malfunctions and document and report promptly to supervisor
• Monitor patients on telemetry, identify changes in baseline cardiac rhythms, and notify nurse or nursing supervisor of abnormal telemetry alarms
• Immediately identify, interpret and report any abnormal or lethal cardiac changes when they develop
• Document abnormal heart rhythm alarms or variances which indicate ischemia, acute myocardial infarction, or other pathology.
• Reviews patient information to determine normal heart rhythm patterns and prior variances
• Measure rate and intervals of patients’ heart rhythm patterns on a graphic readout, analyze rhythms, and record the information on patients’ telemetry charts
• Help identify patients who may no longer meet criteria for cardiac telemetry monitoring
• Collaborate with appropriate staff members to provide a shift report and review any issues
• Perform system checks at the beginning of each shift to ensure equipment is functioning properly, review individual patient alarms and any arrhythmia/dysrhythmia analysis
• Ensure adequate monitoring supplies are in stock and available each shift, . paper, cables, electrodes. Report any needed supplies to shift supervisor.
• Maintain all required competencies.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Other duties as assigned only if coverage is arranged for telemetry monitoring as directed by employee’s immediate supervisor.
• Assist in the orientation of new employees in the telemetry monitoring process for the hospital.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or GED. Appropriate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of cardiac conduction system. CNA or a higher medical education preferred. Prior Telemetry experience is preferred. ECG interpretation course is required.

Computer Skills:
Knowledge of basic computer skills and word processing.

Certificates and Licenses:
Certification in arrhythmia course required. Must obtain BLS within 30 days of employment. This position requires that you complete a cardiac rhythm interpretation course and pass a written test with a score of at least 80% with remediation to a 100% passing rate and not miss any lethal rhythms. Telemetry certification preferred.