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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.

Attends required training and demonstrates ongoing competency and the ability to accurate interpret cardiac rhythm tracings.

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.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

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.

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