POSITION TITLE: Telemetry Technician

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: CNO, DON and ED Manager

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-time, or Per Diem

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Telemetry Technician:

1. Monitors the heart rhythm pattern of patients to detect abnormal pattern variances, using telemetry equipment.
2. Reviews patient information to determine normal heart rhythm pattern, current pattern and prior variances.
3. Observes the screen of the cardiac monitor and listens for the alarm to identify abnormal variation in heart rhythm.
4. Informs the Registered Nurse of variances to initiate examination of the patient.
5. Measures length and height of patient’s heart rhythm pattern on graphic tape readout, using calipers,
6. Posts information on patient records.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Demonstrates an understanding of the hospital’s guest relations’ policies and programs by initiating and maintaining positive relations with patients, patient families, visitors, medical staff members and other employees, regardless of age, cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
2. Understands and adheres to hospital requirements for the assessment and provision of care which considers the personal, cultural, spiritual and/or ethnic beliefs of patients.
3. Assures that the rights of all patients are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy, confidentiality, and dignity in the provision of service.
4. Maintains current professional licenses and/or certifications as and when required by the state, regulatory agency, or hospital mandate.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of, and adheres to, all applicable professional/regulatory practice acts, state/federal regulations, and policies and procedures including DNV, Title XXII and requirements of other regulatory agencies, as applicable.
6. Identifies patients at risk for abuse and/or neglect, as well as associated signs and symptoms. Adheres to mandatory reporting requirements for healthcare professionals per Administrative Policy & Procedure.
7. Practices Universal Precautions while providing care and performing other hospital services.
8. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to safely and appropriately fulfill job specific responsibilities related to safety, security, emergency preparedness, control of hazardous materials/waste, life safety, medical equipment, and utility systems as outline in the hospital’s environment of care plan. Observes safety precautions to ensure a safe environment for patients, patient families and guests of all ages.
9. Actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, values and goals. Participates in activities within organization that support performance improvement. 
10. Conducts all hospital business within the highest standard of ethical behavior and adheres to and promotes integrity, in accordance with established Administrative Policy and Procedure. 
11. Meets State of California standards by completing an annual TB test during the established time frame.
12. Demonstrates commitment to providing and maintaining a safe workplace. Reports all unsafe working conditions to supervisor or management team. Corrects unsafe work conditions as directed.
13. Adheres to and promotes EEO, ADA and Sexual and other Unlawful Harassment policies.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to all applicable professional/regulatory practices, state/federal regulations, and CRMC policies and procedures.
2. Monitors cardiac rhythms at central monitor screen. Analyzes/interprets cardiac rhythms for all patients every 2 hours or as defined by unit standard. Provides accurate measurement of PR, QRS, and QT intervals as specified by unit standards.
3. Identifies dysrhythmias and communicates to appropriate nursing staff.
4. Documents cardiac rhythms dysrhythmias and special events (e.g. cardioversion, code blue or special procedures) for inclusion in patient’s permanent record and posts rhythm strips in patients chart per unit protocol. Runs rhythm strips every four (4) hours, or unit routine. Identifies and reports to nursing staff rhythm changes as they occur.
5. Protects hospital resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
6. Performs clerical duties related to admissions, transfers, discharges, and deaths.
7. Receives and handles phone calls appropriately. Records and communicates messages accurately and in a timely manner.
8. Practices Standard Precautions when providing patient and hospital services.
9. Responds promptly and appropriately to patient call lights or requests, referring patient needs to appropriate staff. 
10. Demonstrates the ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations and follows established emergency procedures and practices. 
11. Assures that the rights of all patients are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy confidentiality and dignity in the provision of service. 
12. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to safely and appropriately fulfill job specific responsibilities related to safety, security, emergency preparedness, control of hazardous materials/waste, life safety, medical equipment and utility systems as outline in the hospital’s environment of care plan. 
13. Demonstrates knowledge of equipment capabilities, limitations and appropriate/special applications. 
14. Demonstrates the ability to access and use hospital computer systems according to established guidelines. Follows the hospital’s policy and procedures as they pertain to all hospital information systems. 
15. Complies with the hospital’s policies and procedures, including timekeeping, dress code, attendance, and the Standards of Conduct. 
16. Maintains required applicable education and in-service requirements and participates in departmental staff meetings (through attendance or reading meeting minutes). 
17. Attends mandatory ethics program. Conducts all hospital business with the highest standard of ethical behavior. 
18. Communicates with physicians, administrative staff, co-workers and patients/families in a respectful, confidential and collaborative manner. 
19. Communicates and follows the organizational chain of command for notification of patient care/service issues, when appropriate. 
20. Demonstrates a positive image and performs responsibilities in a professional manner. Demonstrates flexibility in the provision of patient care and service. 
21. Demonstrates the ability to organize workload, set priorities, and use time efficiently to completer work in an organized manner. Maintains a clean and uncluttered environment. 
22. Expresses and accepts feedback in a professional manner. 
23. Assists with unity projects and takes initiative during downtime. 
24. Assists in orientation of new staff.

UNIT-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Demonstrates knowledge of adult (18 t o70 years), and geriatric (71+ years) age specific differences when communication with patients and family, as evidenced by age-appropriate language, inflection, and volume. Refers all communication problems and/or clinical-related questions from patients/families to nursing staff.
2. Maintains cardiac monitoring equipment. Ensures transmitters and central monitoring equipment is in proper working condition.
3. Reports equipment malfunctions to Shift Manager and Engineering/Maintenance.
4. Maintains adequate inventory supply of telemetry related equipment and supplies, and communicates to Shift Manager need to replenish.
5. Removes batteries from transmitter between patient use to prolong battery life. 
6. Keeps charge nurse informed of pertinent information related to patient care.
7. Assures continuous coverage of responsibilities when activities require absence from desk.
8. Performs all other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

The Telemetry Technician identifies cardiac rhythm and efficiently communicates any dysrhythmia to Nurses and Physicians.

• Telemetry Certification 
• There will be an in-hospital competency test.
• BLS (AHA) Certification upon Hire 

Ability to maintain assigned work hours: Requires endurance to perform assigned

tasks over long periods during working hours.

DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK

ENVIRONMENT

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME

• Standing/Walking -67-100%
• Sitting -1-33%
• Twisting -1-33%
• Lifting/Carrying -1-33%
• Pushing/Pulling -1-33%
• Climbing (Ascending/descending) -1-33%
• Bending/Stooping -1-33%
• Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods -1-33%
• Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods -1-33%
• Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods -1-33%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS – Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift a patient with or without assistance.

2-10 Pounds -34-66%

• 11-20 Pounds -34-66%
• 21-30 Pounds -1-33%
• 31-40 Pounds -1-33%
• 41-50 Pounds -1-33%
• 51 Pounds or More -1-33%

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings -1-33%
• Working outdoors -1-33%
• Working with or near chemicals -1-33%
• Working near radiation sources -1-33%
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases -1-33%
• Working with hazardous waste materials -1-33%
• Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require -1-33%
• Using hand tools -1-33%
• Operating vehicle -34-66%
• Potential for cuts and bruises -1-33%

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS

• Ability to express or exchange ideas -67-100%
• Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices -67-100%
• Ability to perform basic math -67-100%
• Ability to read at an elementary level -67-100%

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS

I. RESULTS ORIENTATION – Meets current objectives and positions the organization

for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large

volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.

II. SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect for others.

Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with

peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.

III. QUALITY OUTCOMES – Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external

customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of

performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality.

Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.

IV. SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT – Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence

to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on

maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the facility.

A. Accident/Injury Reporting – Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe

equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any

pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.

B. Unsafe Conditions – Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe

conditions or equipment.

C. Workplace Standards – Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and

policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.)

D. Safety Techniques – Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the

facility’s safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated upon

hire and thereafter as required by facility.

E. Modified Work – Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the

physician’s release to return to work following an accident/ injury.

F. Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment – Follows the

prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an

accident/injury.

V. EDUCATION – Participates in required in-services and educational programs on an

ongoing basis.

VI. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY – Follows all facility guidelines outlining

standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing

work at assigned times.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other

potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the status. The category shown below is designed to communicate the risk of exposure for this particular position.

Category I

Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Department procedures define and require use of minimum protective measures to perform the task.

Category II

Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes; however, employment may require performing unplanned Category I task. Appropriate protective measures are readily available.

Category III

Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, non-intact skin or mucous membranes.