GIRMC Monitor and Patient Care Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Combines the primary responsibilities of the Monitor Technician position with the primary responsibilities of the Patient Care Technician position. Responsible for the continual monitoring of cardiac rhythms of electrocardiographic central station monitors and remote telemetry patients monitors, interpretation of cardiac rhythms including reporting any changes of the cardiac rhythm to the appropriate nurse and maintaining documentation of patient admissions, transfers and dismissals. Includes direct patient care, maintenance of the patient's medical record on the unit and communicating timely, pertinent information to other members of the health care team.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Performs, communicates and documents cardiac rhythm interpretation.

3. *Performs, communicates and documents dysrhythmia recognition and interpretation.

4. *Provides direct observation of telemetry monitors; distributes monitors to staff for unit/remote monitoring; and maintains monitoring equipment as needed.

5. *Records and prints routine strips for the medical record; maintains documentation of routine strips and any changes in rhythm and rate.

6. *Maintains documentation regarding admissions, transfers and dismissals of all patients on telemetry monitors.

7. *Refers all physician telephone orders to a licensed professional.

8. *Assists with patient care that is consistent with standards of care and clinical priorities determined by the RN with the nature of the area/unit, patient care division policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management and infection control practices.

9. *Performs routine direct nursing care tasks according to identified age-specific patient needs which include, but are not limited to:

* Bathing and other activities of daily living (ADL's)

* Proper distribution of meals and feeding of patients

* Obtaining and recording in the clinical record (flow sheets and/or computerized record), blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, height and weight and reporting to appropriate personnel

* Assisting with ambulation, lifting and positioning according to procedure, including the appropriate use of patient lift devices and use of good body mechanics

* Assisting patient with elimination needs

* Emptying bedpans and catheter bags and taking appropriate measurement

* Giving back rubs and providing range of motion exercises

* Labeling patient care belongings with patient's name

* Assisting with transporting patients, including time of ansfer and/or dismissal

* Charting of diet, intake and output, and bath in patient's medical record

* Measuring of drainage including marking drainage bottles and recording drainage on appropriate forms.

10. *Answers patient's call lights.

11. *Attends to routine needs for the comfort of patients including straightening patient rooms and refilling water pitchers.

12. *Cleans, takes inventory, stocks and cares for supplies and equipment in assigned work area.

13. *Changes infant diapers and records on flow sheet; feeds infant with bottle and burps; records on flow sheet; transfers infant from mother's room to nursery.

14. *Assists in the transportation of patients and/or patient records as needed; assists other interdisciplinary members with patient care as appropriate.

15. Assists with photocopying, filing, maintaining patient logs, generating reports, maintaining unit records and miscellaneous general office duties as needed.

16. *Maintains confidential environment when communicating patient information; promptly reports priority patient information to appropriate caregiver.

17. *Receives, greets, screens and directs patients, physicians, visitors and Medical Center personnel; provides accurate responses in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner; answers the telephone and assigned communication devices in a prompt and professional manner. Refers all physician telephone orders to a licensed professional.

18. Recognizes emergency procedures and reacts appropriately per role and procedure.

19. Assists to enter appropriate telemetry charges.

20. *Recognizes and reacts to emergency procedures per role and policies/procedures.

21. Assists in collecting specific information from patients and contributes to admission, transfer and dismissal processes when delegated by a RN, and with responsibility for patient assessment being performed by a RN; assures timely reporting and recording of patient's Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

22. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

23. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

24. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology.

2. Knowledge of basic cardiac monitoring procedures and methods.

3. Knowledge of general hospital processes and procedures.

4. Knowledge of computer hardware and equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

5. Skill in the operation of cardiac monitoring equipment.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteer and ancillary departments including diverse patient populations.

8. Ability to work as a team member.

9. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

10. Ability to recognize and interpret cardiac monitor information as provided by monitoring equipment.

11. Ability to work with patients' growth and development needs, particularly related to patients who are in crisis, dying and/or undergoing lifestyle changes.

12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

13. Ability to practice proper body mechanics to ensure personal and customer/patient safety.

14. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or equivalency required. Active Nebraska Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential required. Successful completion of an ECG monitoring class and/or competency validation required. Prior telemetry monitoring experience and/or CNA experience preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.