Lead Telemetry Technician - Flagstaff Medical Center

Overview

The Lead Telemetry Monitor Technician, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, Director, and Clinical Manager, is responsible for conducting and documenting on-going observations of patient cardiac rhythms. S/he is the supervisory liaison between the Telemetry Monitor Techs and the Clinical Manager and/or Director.

Responsibilities

Telemetry Monitoring * Preliminary review and interpretation of patient’s cardiac rhythm patterns.

• Continuous observation of cardiac rhythms while at rest, and/or physical activity, and/or in while receiving medication or other interventions that may affect cardiac function.
• Measures and interprets cardiac rhythms every six hours and records data.
• Q2 hour checks on patient’s rate and rhythm with proper documentation
• Monitors heart rhythm patterns to detect, record, and report normal and abnormal heart rhythm patterns.
• Communicates with floor staff for any cardiac events, cardiac changes, SP02 Lows, and blood pressure high or low.
• Assesses interval measurements and proper and improper pacemaker/implantable defibrillator function utilizing the telemetry monitoring equipment.
• Practical understanding of different monitoring and testing devices and systems, with the ability to identify and troubleshoot equipment failures.
• Telemetry Technicians collaborate with a multi-disciplinary care team by communicating abnormalities, changes and significant events in cardiac rhythms.

EKG Operations * Responsible for preparing medical record information, printing labels and face-sheets, making copies of rhythm sheets, and stocking supplies.

• Assesses for telemetry lead failures and replaces leads while collaborating with nursing staff to correct these failures.
• Reviews and obtains orders for 12 lead EKGs, ensuring the order is correctly entered and loaded into EMR.
• Ensures all telemetry packs have new/working batteries when utilized by patients.
• Responsible for lead placement and monitor set up for telemetry admissions.

Communication * Obtains a list of nurses assigned to monitored patients at the beginning of each shift.

• Communicates via telephone with the assigned Registered Nurse regarding admission and discharge of patients.
• Communicates an admission rhythm and any changes to monitored rhythm; any dysrhythmias; and/or vital signs displayed on the monitor that is outside of normal range.
• Communicates with Registered Nurse to discuss any alarm setting changes.
• Overhead pages the floor staff when critical event happens
• Documents communication with Registered Nurse.

Administrative * Communicates information from leadership to the telemetry staff members.

• Communicates staff needs to Clinical Manager and/or Director.
• Provides feedback to Clinical Manager regarding staff evaluations and assists in providing those evaluations.
• Develops schedule for Telemetry Technician staff; assists staff with schedule requests.
• Matches preceptors with newly hired Telemetry Technicians with experienced staff during the training period.
• Develops training schedule for new staff members.
• Addresses work flow issues, ensures incidents are appropriately documented and corrective steps are taken.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NAH and department policies and procedures. Works to ensure compliance of best practice amongst each staff member.

Education * Communicates educational needs of new and existing staff with Clinical Manager and or Educational Department Representative.

• Participates in the evaluation of new employees with precepting Technician, education, and the Clinical Manager.
• Partners with the Education Department and or manger teaching the Telemetry Technician Training Program. Coaching and Development * Ensures staff accountability, monitors staff performance, and provides real time constructive feedback whenever possible.
• Identifies performance opportunities for improvement and provides resources and education as needed.
• Regularly recognizes employee's for strong performance and improvements.
• Collaborates with clinical manager on employees performance evaluations.
• Collaborates and communicates with the clinical manager regarding staff performance.
• Provides coaching to nursing staff.
• Provides input to nursing manager regarding employment actions including performance evaluation, promotion, corrective action and termination on a regular basis.

Compliance/Safety * Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety-related training programs, performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.

• Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.
• If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.
• Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation of rhythm measurements and communication.

Qualifications

Education High School Diploma or GED- RequiredMust complete CDA Level 1 during the three month probation period, with support provided by the organization.- Required

Certification & Licensures Basic Life Support (American Heart Association)- RequiredCCT, CET, NCET, NRCEKG, or CRAT- Preferred

Experience Minimum 2 years experience telemetry monitoring- Required

Previous healthcare/patient care experience- Preferred

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.

CALL REQUIRED:No