POSITION SUMMARY

Under direct supervision of Director, Manager, or Clinical Supervisor on duty, performs a variety of duties and services involving cardiac arrhythmia surveillance of patients. Observes data generated from central cardiac monitors.

Not responsible for hands on patient care. Performs monitor surveillance and clerical duties only.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High school diploma
2. Successful completion of MNHS course in dysrhythmia recognition
3. Previous coursework in electrocardiogram (ECG) preferred

Experience:

1. Six months of cardiac monitor experience or successful completion of training program.
2. One year of EKG monitor reading experience in acute care setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, change management, customer service, oral communication, problem solving, results orientation, teamwork, and written communication.
2. Ability to train and give and receive instructions
3. Mathematical ability, attention to detail (e.g. organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration, and alertness.
4. Knowledge of medical terminology and computer skills desirable.
5. Proficiency in spelling and accurate attention to details.
6. Maintains composure in dealing with a variety of personalities and a sometimes high pressure environment.
7. Relates to staff, physicians, patients/family, visitors, outside agency personnel.

License/Certification/Registration:

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direct supervision from the Clinical Supervisors and Registered Nurses.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Records and mounts rhythm strips of patients on cardiac arrhythmia monitors; measures heart rate, PR interval, QRS complexes & QT intervals per unit standards as necessary; records heart rates; observes central cardiac monitors constantly for arrhythmias & changes in blood pressure &/or respiration; report SaO2 alarms, reports changes in patient to health care provider or nurse.
2. Observes central monitors for arrhythmia during insertion of pacing catheters & hemodynamic catheters; reports changes in patient to health care provider or nurse.
3. Assists staff in emergencies as directed; entering orders such as stat ECG orders notifies appropriate personnel of emergency situations; follows established emergency protocol; remains calm throughout such procedures.
4. Observes effects of various medications in relationship to arrhythmia; reports effects to health care provider or nurse; observes and documents all pertinent information/data during unit code. Reports pertinent information to incoming staff before leaving monitor station.
5. Answers Med radio and phones, assists visitors with questions and requests not pertaining to patient's condition or care.
6. Updates telemetry unit patient census board on patient admissions and discharges. Make sure in telemetry 2 nurses sign off strips on admitted patients.
7. Labels & distributes trend reports on each patient for past eight hours, as required.
8. Applies safety principles/standards as defined by hospital to patient, environment and employee issues; practices w/in nursing department & unit-specific standards, policies, procedures, protocol & guidelines.
9. Maintains confidentiality of patient/hospital information & principles/standards.
10. Signs off on all arrhythmia sheets; assists in initiation of shift report for nursing staff; Validate code status at the beginning of every shift, prepares report for oncoming cardiac monitor technician; records patient data/events in medical record; completes other forms & documentation according to unit standards & procedures.
11. Reports incidents, work related injuries, unsafe &/or malfunctioning equipment or environment to supervisor or other appropriate personnel; contacts biomedical for assistance w/ equipment problems, as needed and according to protocol.
12. Admits patients to central station, and completes EDM EMS reception routine to get ambulance.
13. Cleans monitor boxes and corresponding wires; maintains sign out lists for various equipment; maintains & orders necessary supplies
14. Refers to department, unit and other reference manuals/books when necessary.
15. Assists in orientation of newly hired monitor surveillance clerks.
16. Maintains necessary certification; attends meetings as assigned; participates in nursing research activities, projects, & peer evaluations when requested.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.