Monitor Technician

About the role

The Monitor Technician plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety through continuous surveillance of cardiac rhythms at the Central Monitor Station. Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the technician recognizes, records, and reports dysrhythmias or rhythm changes, assists with rhythm interpretation, and troubleshoots technical monitor issues. This position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a commitment to patient satisfaction and safety while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment. The patient population served within the unit varies based on its specialty and may include individuals with acute and chronic medical conditions, post-surgical recovery needs, and complex comorbidities requiring multidisciplinary care. Patients may range in age, acuity, and complexity, necessitating a patient-centered approach to ensure optimal outcomes and high-quality care tailored to their specific needs.

Responsibilities

• Provides continual ECG surveillance at the Central Monitor Station.
• Recognizes dysrhythmias and rhythm changes and reports them to the appropriate RN.
• Accurately documents atrial and ventricular rate, PR interval, QRS, QT, and QTc, and rhythm interpretation.
• Aids others with rhythm interpretation.
• Troubleshoots technical monitor problems.
• Admits and discharges patients in the ECG monitoring system.
• Updates electronic patient reports as patients are admitted, discharged, or as rhythms change.
• Maintains a clean and organized work environment.
• Demonstrates progress and competency in performing required procedures.
• Ensures timely, thorough, and concise documentation reflecting patient care status and rhythm changes.
• Communicates patient response and condition changes effectively.
• Participates in the orientation of new employees and students.
• Obtains instruction in new techniques, procedures, and equipment as needed.
• Adheres to hospital and nursing policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills required for monitoring patient ECGs.
• Works calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Handles interruptions efficiently and accepts altered assignments.
• Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory training and education programs.
• Provides feedback to enhance patient care and satisfaction.
• Acts as a patient advocate and maintains a safe care environment.
• Engages in quality assessment and improvement activities.
• Demonstrates independent decision-making within the scope of practice.
• Safeguards compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Supports attendance and punctuality policies.
• Completes workload within the assigned shift.
• Maintains accurate and legible documentation.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics and supports hospital strategies for improvement.
• Communicates effectively with the healthcare team and patients’ families.
• Develops professional relationships with peers and external healthcare providers.
• Promotes patient satisfaction through compassionate care and communication.

Requirements

• Minimum education required: High school diploma, or equivalent, completion of Reid Health Basic Arrhythmia course upon hire.
• Minimum experience preferred: 1 year experience in health care setting assisting with direct patient care.

Qualifications

• Must be willing to obtain Basic Life Support (BLS).