Monitor Technician - Methodist Cardiac

Monitor Technician

The Monitor Technician's functions include observation, identification, documentation and communication of various cardiac rhythms. The Monitor Technician reports these changes to the patient's assigned nurse and responds to physician inquiries.

Education: High School Diploma

Work Experience: Telemetry, EKG

Responsibilities:

• Continuously observes, evaluates, and recalls cardiac rhythms of telemetry patients.
• Effectively performs video monitoring of seizure patients.
• Assessment of cardiac rhythm
• Accurately interprets cardiac rhythms
• Measures EKG intervals to make accurate cardiac rhythm assessment
• Recognizes dysrhythmias or changes in EKG complex promptly
• Monitors Q waves, ST segment and QT intervals and notes changes
• Responds to all monitoring outcomes
• Investigates the cause of any interruption in reception of the heart rhythm
• Documentation:
• Accurately documents EKG rhythm strip at the beginning of each shift
• Documents all changes in rhythms or EKG complex
• Reporting:
• Gives concise, complete end of shift report
• Gives concise, complete EKG rhythm report to the RN caring for the patient on telemetry
• Reports all changes in rhythm and EKG complex to the RN caring for the patient on telemetry
• Interacts with physicians when inquiries are made
• Reports any interruption in reception of heart rhythm
• Knows process for renewal of telemetry
• Monitoring of seizure patients:
• Continuously observes patient activity via video monitor
• Recognizes changes in patient behavior or activity while on the video monitor
• Manipulates video camera to assure continuous observation via video monitor
• Alerts staff caring for the patient of any changes in behavior or activity
• Ensures proper function of monitoring equipment, maintains adequate supplies, and uses troubleshooting techniques to enhance optimal utilization of equipment.
• Knowledgeable about monitoring systems:
• Able to use the functions of the monitoring system and individualize settings to each patient's need
• Able to maneuver video camera to ensure adequate monitoring of seizure patients
• Correctly enters monitoring changes in the computer
• Troubleshooting:
• Uses problem-solving skills and past experiences to optimize use of monitoring equipment or to address equipment failure
• Seeks assistance from peers, Nurse Manager or Biomedical Engineering to address equipment concerns
• Reports equipment failures immediately
• Maintains supplies:
• Maintains responsibility for controlling equipment and supplies
• Documents and tracks equipment use
• Reports equipment needs to Unit Leader
• Restocks MT supplies as needed
• Maintains current knowledge of cardiac monitoring and participates in continuing education.
• Knowledge and education:
• Successfully completes certification EKG test and ongoing recertifications.
• Attends required in-services
• Interacts with CNS to advance skills
• Participates in unit meetings and in-services
• Shares information with peers
• Integration of individual efforts within unity and performs supportive activities to optimize efficient patient care.
• Supportive activities:
• Politely and promptly answers all telephone lines
• Enters changes as appropriate
• Computer entry for orders including but not limited to: Labs, SPD supplies
• Flexibility and adaptation to changing unit needs
• Accepts, assists with, and supports unit changes with explanation
• Efficient and accurate response in a unit crisis
• Assists in sitting with patients
• Unit involvement:
• Willingness to assist peers in assignment completion
• Maintains open communication
• Assists in achieving department goals and objectives
• Gives and receives peer evaluation constructively
• Knowledgeable of quality assurance indicators and assists in improvement of patient care