Cardiac Monitor Technician

Overview

The Cardiac Monitor Technician is responsible for constant observation of a group of cardiac monitors and for immediately alerting the appropriate nursing staff of changes in tracings. The Monitor Tech will maintain a log of all telemetry patients at their assigned station including patient identifiers, cardiac monitor identification numbers, time and rhythm on a shift to shift basis with appropriate rhythm strip documentation.  The Monitor Tech is responsible for documenting rhythm interpretations for their assigned station during their shift. Additional rhythm strips and interpretations will be documented in the event of any abnormal cardiac events.

Responsibilities

             Coordinates clerical unit functions to provide safe and smooth operations by:

Adhering to cardiac monitor responsibilities:

• Observation of cardiac monitoring status on all patients. For breaks and lunch, makes sure that the monitor station is attended by qualified staff. 
• Validates cardiac alarms have been assigned as ordered by the provider
• Assures that unit staff assignments and related contact information are recorded correctly.
• Notifies staff of alarms, changes in cardiac rhythm, and when there is a leads off alarm.
• Validates the monitoring status (rhythm present on sector, status of stand-by, etc.) of each patient at least every 2 hours, at change of shift and during hand-off communication for breaks and lunch.  Documents validation on the appropriate form.      
• Performs monitor count each shift to assure all monitors are present, as appropriate for area.

Evaluates telemetry patients at the beginning of each tour and on an ongoing basis to collect data concerning rhythm and any changes.

Obtains a rhythm strip at the time of admission, at defined interval as per CMU standards and whenever dysrhythmias occur.

Notifies the RN of all changes in rhythm immediately.

Adheres to the requirement that cardiac monitors must be observed constantly and arranges for relief by qualified personnel prior to leaving assignment for breaks or shift change.

Recognizes possible equipment malfunctions and takes actions immediately by applying the defined escalation processes.

Cleans monitors and lead wires after each patient use.

Summarizes rhythm tracings as per criteria of Cardiac Telemetry Protocol daily and records outcomes of clinical review by the patient’s nurse.

Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement,

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.

• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High school graduate or equivalent (GED) required. 1 year of Patient Care Assistant/Unit Secretary (PCA/US) or LPN experience or similar clinical experience preferred. BLS required or achieved within first 90 days of employment.

Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. 

Upon hire, successful completion of Cardiac Telemetry Monitoring training course and EKG rhythm interpretation.

100% on recognition of life-threatening dysrhythmias, i.e., ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, 3rd heart block, etc. and 80% overall is required to pass the exam.

Expected to attend a yearly refresher cardiac class

Quarterly testing is required with 100% on recognition of life-threatening dysrhythmias and 80% overall is required to pass the exam.

Monthly Rhythm testing will be given and if not passed in the first attempt, you will be required to take the test again. If still not passed after second attempt will be referred to HR system requirements policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

• Communicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussion
• Dealing with unpleasant or verbally aggressive personalities
• Must be able to deal with conflict
• Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately
• Must be able to receive delegation
• Must be able to work in groups
• Must be able to perform structured and unstructured work
• Must be meet time pressure and time lines
• Must be able to perform in exact and accurate manner
• Must be able to use electronic mail, telephone and texting
• Includes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions
• Requires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be able to reach reasonable distances in any direction
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop and lift
• Must be able to run in an emergency
• Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range
• Must possess stamina to work prolonged shift
• Physical presence onsite is essential
• Must possess perceptual speed to quickly recognize changes in monitor patterns
• Must be able to make precise coordinated movements of hands and fingers to use the electronic measuring system