Consistently observes the telemetry monitoring oscilloscopes for significant changes throughout the assigned shift. Identifies an appropriate lead for the monitoring of patients.
- Observes the oscilloscope and answers alarms to the computer.
- Accurately interprets rhythms.
- Identifies interference in monitor pattern and intervenes to correct them.
- Leaves the console area only when someone qualified can attend monitor.
- Identifies leads II, MCL, and MCL6.
- Identifies and ensures placement of electrodes for optional monitoring on admission and prn.
Communicates with physician and nurses about the telemetry patients.
- Reports dysrhythmia or changes to charge nurse and/or nurse assigned to patient (V Tach, V Fib, PVCs greater than 6 per minute, PVCs close to T-Wave, PVCs that are multi-focal, increases or decreases in rate of more than 2 minutes; onset or increase in development of A-V Block; PAT; SVT).
- Presents information to attending physician as requested.
- At completion of shift, gives the oncoming Tech report on the patient's rhythm.
Accurately and consistently documents, records and charges for telemetry service.
- Prints out trend records and posts in the clinical record every 8 hours and rhythm strips as necessary, which include cardiac rate, rhythm, P-R interval, ARS duration, and presence or absence of ectopic activity.
- Documents any rhythms, which were reported to the Charge Nurse or team leader. Notes the name and time nurse notified of rhythm change; documents vital signs when applicable.
- Obtains a 10-second rhythm strip on patients who complain of chest pain; posts the strip and documents the pain in the strip with appropriate measurement of P-R QRS duration.
- Runs continuous strip during cardiopulmonary arrest event until the EKG Tech is running a strip at the bedside.
- Make notes on the trend recording rhythm strips or progress record which reflect alterations in cardiac activity or change in lead.
- Maintains the Log Book on all patients using telemetry, including name, room#, hospital #, date, time on and time off.
Clerical Activities
- Accurately transcribes physician orders in a timely manner.
- Assures complete medical record goes to HIM after patient discharge.
- Receives, documents and properly follows through with telephone inquires.
- Files chart forms, duplicates medical record as needed, orders supplies and initiates follow-through with maintenance requests.
- Completes order requisitions.
- Completes all charges accurately for observation patients.
- Files Lab and Radiology reports in medical records prior to MD making rounds.
Maintains the Telemetry Equipment
- Carefully cleans the telemetry monitoring equipment with disaffection towels with bleach.
- Changes the paper in the recorders and printer as necessary.
- Notifies Biomedical Engineering through the Engineering Department of any equipment malfunctions. Orders (day shift) or communicates needs for stock supplies.
- When time permits, makes the tele paks to hold monitor on patient's gown.
Customer Service
- All interactions are conducted in a professional manner; is supportive and consistently demonstrates the Target 100 standards.
- Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g., answers phone promptly, is courteous and helpful).
- Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or upon requires; offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
- Consistently displays cheerful and positive attitude.
- Responds promptly and pleasantly to all inquiries.
- Maintains quiet work environment in the nursing station.
- As observed by management, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
- Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other customers.
Performance Improvement
- Is aware of and participates in the performance improvement activities of the unit.
Professional Conduct, Growth and Development
- Demonstrates initiative.
- Has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department and on an as-needed basis.
- Follows established hospital and departmental policies.
- Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.
- Participates in group projects and staff meetings with suggestions that enhance the work environment and increase productivity.
- Communicates well with supervisor, reporting problems with equipment, supplies or procedures.
- Requests assistance as appropriate.
- Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities.
- Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
- Consistently projects positive professional image through appearance and behavior.
- Attends 75% of staff meetings or reads and initials minutes.
- Completes assigned work within shift.
- Complies with time and attendance policy (i.e., KRONOS).
- Maintains clean and neat work environment.
- Completes annual safety and ethics updates within established time frames.
- Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
- Attends 75% of in-service programs.
Age-Specific Competencies
- Awareness of age specific needs as related to patient/family interactions.
Unit-Specific Competencies
- Accurately transcribes orders.
- Processing orders.
- Arrhythmia recognition.
Cultural-Specific Competencies
- Exhibits culturally responsive attitude, including flexibility, empathy, respect and awareness of communication needs.