Telemetry Technician

Telemetry Technician

Location: Miami, FL On Call/Pool Centralized Telemetry

Summary: Telemetry Technician provides advanced ECG monitoring while concentrating on observation of patient status through assessment of ECG strips and arrhythmia interpretation. The Technician recognizes problems through continuous EKG monitoring with accurate interpretation of cardiac rhythms and dysrhythmias and interval measurements; identifies probable causes, and seeks solutions to correct the problem according to established standards. The incumbent also appropriately identifies, responds and communicates to direct patient care givers any potentially life-threatening rhythm changes, initiates codes, records rhythms during code and appropriately responds to all monitor alarms.

Responsibilities

• Monitors patient cardiac rhythms via telemetry.
• Immediately relays pertinent changes in monitored patient's rhythms to nursing staff and direct providers.
• Maintains patient monitoring log and documents rhythms in the medical record.
• Labels telemetry strips with rhythm, apical rate, ventricular rate, QT interval and PR interval.
• Mounts and or uploads patient's monitored strips every shift and PRN; as appropriate based on assigned unit.
• Maintains alarm setting on monitoring unit at all times.
• Answers telephone/intercom in a polite manner and communicates information clearly and effectively to the appropriate staff.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and provides explanations and verbal reassurance as necessary.
• Manage and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains proper stock levels of supplies and/or forms as needed.
• Inputs patient information into the monitoring equipment immediately upon patient's arrival to the nursing unit.
• Deletes patient's information from the monitoring equipment upon patients' discharge from units.
• Assists in the orientation of new staff as assigned. Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• May perform tasks associated with patient observation as assigned, which includes but not limited to: perform continuous monitoring of the safety patients via a monitor to ensure patients are in bed and or kept safe; notify the nurse or rounding observer of an imminent at risk behavior; obtain handoff report from previous shift observer; obtain each patient's PCT and nurse phone numbers at the beginning of the shift; monitor patient and verbally redirect patient to modify at risk behaviors via monitor communication; notify rounder and nursing staff as applicable; complete log when discontinuing video monitoring.
• Demonstrates behaviors of service excellence and CARE values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Expertise).
• Performs all other related job duties as assigned.

Experience

Generally requires 1 to 3 years of related experience (strongly preferred). Experience in identifying cardiac arrhythmias is strongly preferred.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Selected candidates must complete Level 1 and Level 2 EKG classes and pass an EKG Interpretation and Cardiac Arrhythmia Recognition Examination within the first three months of employment in the classification.

Skill

Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with critical thinking and professional composure. Ability to understand and follow instructions. Knowledge and skill in use of job appropriate technology and software applications. Must meet and maintain current all unit specific and organizational skills/competencies, certifications/licensures, as required by the nursing area. Must promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the heart in relation to waves, complexes, time and voltage as shown through the conduction system and strip interpretation. Must treat patients and families with respect and dignity.

Credentials

Must have one of the following: EKG certification, Certified Patient Care Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant or Foreign Medical Graduate. Telemetry Certification is strongly preferred. American Heart Association and any additional applicable life support certification for Healthcare Providers may be required at the unit level upon hire with at least 6 months validity and maintenance at JHS for the duration of employment.

Unit Specific Credential

AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) with 6 months validity

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements - Job function requires extended standing or walking. Must be able to carry objects weighing 21 to 50 pounds. Able to lift or move objects weighing 51 to 100 pounds with the use of appropriate devices. Jobs in this group require frequent visual acuity to perform activities related to extended use of computers.

Environmental Conditions - Jobs in this group are required to function in a fast paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent and stressful situations. Frequent interaction with a diverse population including team members, providers, patients, insurance companies and other members of the public. Function is subject to inside environmental conditions, with occasional outdoor exposures. Exposure to various environments such as: communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a hospital and medical office environment. May also be exposed to needle sticks, airborne infections, medical gases, X-Ray, chemical exposures and other potential hazards. Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to infectious/clinical hospital environment. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.