Monitor Technician

Job Title

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Worker Type: Regular

Job Summary:

Performs set up of cardiac telemetry including patient preparation. Monitors patients on telemetry by computer or trans telephonically. Evaluates cardiac rhythms and notifies the appropriate persons about serious or life-threatening arrhythmias. Creates and types over read reports. Processes and maintains appropriate patient and departmental records. Performs ECGs as needed. Hook up Holter and cardiac event monitors as needed. Maintains and promotes Saint Louis University Hospital service standards.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of Time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

1) Performs telemetry monitoring (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 35%

Criteria

A) Completes job duties within a required timeframe, according to established schedules or requirements of workflow.

B) Performs patient preparation, electrode placement, and patient instruction.

C) Corrects problems resulting in poor quality signals.

D) Plans all work steps to ensure success.

E) Considers time, supplies, and support required from other individuals and departments in setting up work plan and completing duties.

F) Keeps department supervisor apprised of departmental problems.

2) Performs real time arrhythmia monitoring (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) 30%

Criteria

A) Performs arrhythmia interpretation with less than 1% errors.

B) Provides full disclosure ECG reports as well as standard tracings on selected segments, as directed by the medical or nursing staff.

C) Provides reports of life-threatening or dangerous arrhythmias to appropriate staff.

D) Prepares over read reports with less than 1% errors.

E) Types over read reports with less than 1% errors.

F) Conducts job duties in accordance with departmental standards.

G) Consistently follows established protocols and procedures.

H) Communicates pertinent information regarding patient's progress and needs to appropriate hospital staff.

I) Prepares accurate and timely documentation during all shifts of duty as requires by guideline protocols.

3) Provides back-up coverage for ECG Department (2, 5, 6, 7, 8) 5%

Criteria

A) Performs STAT electrocardiograms when ECG department is closed, except in those areas which have their own assigned ECG machine.

B) Records ECGs with good quality with less than 1% QC errors.

4) Provides back-up coverage for the Holter Department (2, 5, 6, 7, 8) 5%

Criteria

A) Hooks up Holter monitors and cardiac event monitors as required.

5) Processes reports (5,6) 3%

Criteria

A) Prepares over read reports for the 24 hours that end on their assigned shift.

B) Types over read reports daily with less than 1% errors.

C) Performs report posting on the same day as completion.

D) Posts ECGs when ECG Department coverage is not available.

6) Performs other Heart Station duties (2, 5, 6, 7) 2%

Criteria

A) Maintains the Heart Station in an orderly manner.

B) Handles record keeping.

C) Enters charges.

D) Checks supplies, battery voltages.

E) Cleans equipment between patient use.

7) Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 5%

Criteria

A) Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.

B) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

1. Maintains clutter free environment.

2. Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum

3. Adheres to dress code.

C) Reports risk management concerns to the department director.

D) Assumes responsibility for completing all hospital and department annual mandatory requirements.

E) Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

8) Service: Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 10%

Criteria

A) Demonstrates care and courtesy.

B) Provides prompt, respectful, and courteous service.

C) Responds to patient requests promptly.

D) Apologizes for delays or mix-ups.

E) Communicates effectively and maintains confidentiality.

1. Listens to patient or family concerns and addresses needs.

2. Explains procedures and all education in a manner that the patient and family understand.

3. Allows time for questions.

F) Demonstrates competence and collaboration.

1. Provides quality care in accordance to standards.

2. Shares knowledge with other departments to facilitate workflow and continuity.

G) Provides cost effective service.

1. Uses resources wisely.

2. Recommends changes in practice that increases efficiency and minimizes waste.

9) Performance Improvement (PI): Incorporates Quality Assessment into one's daily work. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 5%

Criteria

A) Assist in developing departmental PI plan.

B) Collects PI data as assigned.

C) Participates in discussion of PI results.

D) Collaborates in developing and implementing action plans.

10) Age Appropriate Care: Provides age-appropriate care to:

__X__Adolescent __X___Adult __X___Geriatric

Criteria

A) Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.

B) Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.

C) Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.

D) Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided as pertinent.

E) Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.

F) Assesses for special needs related to electrodes and equipment used to ensure quality monitoring while assuring adequate skin care.

11) Specialized Care: Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury. (1, 2, 4, 5, 8) <1%

Criteria

A) Restraint Care

1) Is aware of restraint care criteria for Saint Louis University Hospital.

B) Pain Management

1) Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, massage, immobilization, music therapy etc.

2) Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician.

C) Abuse Assessment

1) Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments.

2) Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician & Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.

The following job accountabilities may be reassigned.

1) Completion and typing of all over read reports.

2) Performance of ECGs.