Unit Asst/Mon Tech - Central Telemetry

About the Role

Performs the functions necessary for constant observation of cardiac monitors for telemetry patients, including observation, interpretation, and documentation of cardiac rhythms and notification of changes to the appropriate nursing staff. Works as a member of the patient care team to facilitate and assist in the daily operation of the nursing unit, providing indirect patient care activities such as chart management, ordering supplies, answering phones, and responding to call lights.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates clinical competency in cardiac monitoring and interpretation of rhythms, effectively communicating changes to the appropriate staff.
• Performs job responsibilities per designated telemetry protocols and guidelines.
• Per admission protocol:
  • Prepares monitor data bank for initial application of telemetry on patients with new telemetry orders.
  • Completes patient verification process with floor personnel.
  • Obtains and interprets an ECG tracing for each new patient.
• Ongoing shift responsibilities:
  • Continually observes and interprets cardiac rhythms of all monitored patients.
  • Obtains, interprets, and documents ECG tracing with rhythm, rate, PR, QRS, QT measurements, ectopy, or other variances of each monitored patient a minimum of every 12 hours, as changes occur, or per staff requests for inclusion in the patient's medical record.
  • Makes routine and timely checks on the status of patients who are off telemetry monitoring for tests or procedures.
  • Maintains continual ST segment monitoring on all CVCU and ICU patients unless instructed otherwise by the assigned RN.
  • Completes review of alarm history each shift, providing documentation summary and staff notification as appropriate.
• Assists in Rapid Response or Code Blue, cardioversion, medication administration for arrhythmias, and reprogramming of pacemakers by running ECG strips from the monitors as appropriate.
• Follows protocols for notification and documentation of rhythm changes, signal or equipment problems, change in patient location, and removing/reinstituting telemetry on patients during routine care/activity or when leaving the floor for procedures.
• Communicates promptly, effectively, and clearly to floor staff regarding issues with low batteries, poor signal, loose/disconnected lead wires, incorrect lead placement, etc.
• Answers the telephone, directs incoming calls, and takes accurate and complete messages.
• Answers call lights and locates appropriate staff to respond.
• Performs other support duties (typing, filing, and copying) as requested.
• Completes patient verification process with floor personnel for patient identification and placement of assigned monitor for every patient placed on telemetry.
• Ensures each ECG tracing is labeled with the patient’s last name, room number, medical record number, date & time, and initials of the monitor technician interpreting the strip.
• Ensures alarms for detecting life-threatening arrhythmias remain on at all times.
• Labels monitor bank regarding specific patient procedures/tests/temporary location, treatments, IV drips, DNR status, AICD, and pacemakers as appropriate.
• Demonstrates competency in entering patient data into the central telemetry monitor data bank.
• Promptly reports any situations that call for the attention of the registered nurse or department leadership.
• Attends and actively participates in in-services, meetings, and continuing education programs.
• Provides training for new monitor technicians.
• Reports potential patient safety issues in a timely fashion.
• Adheres to all behavioral and procedural patient safety practices.

About Us

At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and communities. Our nearly 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include eight award-winning hospitals and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College.

Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center hold Magnet® designations, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $17.91 per hour - $29.01 per hour. The actual compensation offered will be dependent on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked, and compensation model.

Benefits

Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. Learn more.