Monitor Technician

Monitor Technician

Under the supervision of an RN, the Monitor Technician provides continuous monitoring of cardiac telemetry for Emergency Room patients and/or patients admitted to inpatient telemetry units.

The Monitor Technician observes the bank of electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, interprets, and documents cardiac rhythms/arrhythmias and reports any changes detected to the appropriate nursing staff. Those changes include patient's rate, rhythm and the occurrence of dysrhythmias. The Monitor Technician is also responsible for ensuring that standards, policies and procedures are met and maintained in a professional manner.

Part time Evening and Night shifts are available.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates proper performance of skills reflected and validated by the Monitor Technician Competency Checklist
• When assigned to inpatient areas, performs various procedures as directed
• Sets-up and operates telemetry and electrocardiogram equipment
• Enters all new patients into telemetry and obtains a rhythm strip immediately
• Reviews and implements cardiac monitoring orders as requested by the nurse
• Assures that all telemetry units/monitors are functioning properly at the beginning of the shift
• Ensures monitor alarms are "on" when patient is on unit
• Monitors and observes multiple telemetry channels of assigned patients continuously
• Obtains clear, readable six second hardwire strips for each patient being monitored once each shift, at any time a significant change of rhythm occurs, and when patient complains of chest pain
• Records and reports significant changes in cardiac status to RN/MD
• Provides nurses with initial rate and rhythm interpretation within 30 minutes of being connected to monitor
• Ensures recorded rhythm strips are reviewed and placed on patient's chart, after review by the nurse
• Participates in the orientation of new telemetry technicians
• Assists in ordering telemetry supplies and maintaining equipment
• Maintains necessary supplies and inventory
• Calls Bio-Medical Engineering/Maintenance, as necessary, for mechanical problems
• Cleans cardiac monitoring equipment per infection control and bioengineering procedures
• Assists with the admissions and discharge processes
• Communicates effectively with Primary and/or Charge Nurse, and other members of the health care team
• Prepares Telemetry Exchange report at end of shift
• Documents in Telemetry log book appropriately documenting: room number, telemetry box number, patient name, baseline rhythm, covering RN, rhythm events (note time), and RN notified of event
• Prepares area/unit with proper equipment for admission, transfer or discharge of patient
• When assigned to the Emergency Department, performs various procedures as directed
• Monitors and observes multiple telemetry channels continuously
• Records and interprets significant changes in cardiac status to RN/MD
• Obtains hardwire strips for each patient being monitored once each shift at any time a significant change of rhythm occurs, and when patient complains of chest pain
• Enters all new patients into telemetry and obtains a rhythm strip immediate
• Assures that all telemetry units/monitors are functioning properly at the beginning of the shift
• Communicates with the attending MD regarding patients on telemetry for more than 48 hours
• Checks and updates log book each shift: enters name, room number, telemetry number and date for each patient
• Assists RN with cardiac support and monitoring; applies cardiac monitor, admin/discharge from monitor and reports basic observations regarding skin color and moisture to the RN
• Assists physician/nurse with treatments, diagnostic procedures (e.g. holds patient)
• Communicates effectively with primary and/or charge nurse and other members of the health care team regarding patients' needs, requests, and/or changes in patient's condition
• Answers all call lights and patients requests in a timely fashion
• Preforms, downloads, and retrieves EKGs from database
• Prepares telemetry exchange report at the end of the shift
• Documents in telemetry log book appropriately
• Preforms hand off communication at the bedside
• Prepares equipment and patient for treatments or diagnostic procedures (e.g., sets up rooms, gathers equipment and trays, applies simple non-sterile dressings)
• Performs related duties, as required
• Keeps work area clean
• Stocks and maintains supplies and equipment in area as directed; reports need to restock to manager and/or designee
• Applies principles of infection control by following proper hand washing techniques, and isolation precautions
• Reports significant unit problems to charge nurse
• Patient care responsibilities are delivered with a knowledge of patient growth and development and are appropriate to the ages of the patients served
• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program safety, environmental, and infection control standards
• Promotes adherence to the Patient's Bill of Rights
• Demonstrates a professional courteous and respectful attitude in dealing with patients, families and significant others
• Displays courtesy, tact patience during interactions with all members of the hospital staff and extended community

Qualifications

Education:

High School graduation or equivalent required

BLS preferred

Experience:

Prior Cardiac Monitoring experience preferred

Proof of successful completion of a basic arrhythmia interpretation class preferred

If experienced, must pass pre-hire monitor technician test with grade of 80% or greater

Skills:

Technical skills required for patient care

Good oral and written communication skills

Good interpersonal skills

Speaks, reads and writes English to the extent required by the position; knowledge of a second language preferred

Pay Range

USD $29.87 - USD $30.41 /Hr.

Maimonides Medical Center (MMC) is an equal opportunity employer.