JOB DESCRIPTION

Cardiac Monitor Technician is responsible for watching patients’ heart rates and reporting important changes to the nursing staff; they will often use equipment that tracks several patients simultaneously. The Cardiac Monitor Technician observes the screen of the cardiac monitor and listens for alarms to identify abnormal variation in heart rhythm.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or equivalent required

EXPERIENCE

Experience in basic arrhythmia recognition preferred

QUALIFICATIONS

Specialized training in telemetry equipment required within orientation period.
Ability to be a team player, take direction well, and have a positive attitude to work with the patients, nursing staff and physicians on a daily basis.
Organizational skills and the ability to multi-task to keep track of a large number of patients.

Interprets the cardiac rhythms of patients being monitored on telemetry.
Assures all patients being monitored have their names entered into the monitor
Observes telemetry screen continuously when assigned to this responsibility and leaves only when relieved by another technician.
Documents patient is receiving an anti-arrhythmia medication on the screen and logbook.
Maintains a clear rhythm on all patients by replacing electrodes, leads and batteries.
Trend, edit and archive every four (4) hours and posts a six (6) rhythm strip on each patient.
Timely documentation and notification to nursing staff of changes in monitored rhythms at WMC and offsite facilities.
Checks alarm settings at beginning of each shift.
Patient and family: Explains telemetry equipment and procedure to patient/family; Maintains a calm and pleasant demeanor when interacting with patient/family; Assists visitors/family as needed and refers them to the appropriate person; Maintains confidentiality of all patients/employee’s information; Professional communication via phone system, paging system and networked computer systems with nursing personnel, physicians and ancillary departments.
Staff/Health care team members: Seeks assistance from staff in identifying unusual rhythms; Notifies responsible nurse of patients’ needs or change in condition; Interacts effectively with medical personnel, nursing staff and members of other departments.
Demonstrates professional behavior at all times.
Assist nursing staff with utilization of the remote viewing stations and the interpretation of cardiac rhythms.
Assists in training and orienting of individuals in the use of telemetry equipment and rhythm interpretation.
Notifies appropriate department of equipment failure.
Troubleshoots telemetry components as necessary for optimal cardiac monitoring.