Cardiac Monitor Technician

Under direct supervision of registered nurse or provider, performs variety of duties and services involving cardiac arrhythmia surveillance of telemetry and critical care unit (CCU) patients; observes data generated from central cardiac monitors; retains responsibility and accountability for delegated tasks.

• Records and mounts rhythm strips of patients on cardiac arrhythmia monitors; measures heart rate, PR interval, QRS complexes and QT intervals per Unit standards as necessary; records heart rates; observes central cardiac monitors constantly for arrhythmias and changes in blood pressure and/or respiration; reports changes in patient to health care provider or nurse.


• Observes monitors for arrhythmia during insertion of pacing catheters and hemodynamic catheters; reports changes in patient to health care provider or nurse.


• Assists staff in emergencies as directed; notifies appropriate personnel of emergency situations; follows established emergency protocol; remains calm throughout such procedures.


• Observes effects of various medications in relationship to arrhythmia; reports effects to health care provider or nurse; observes and documents all pertinent information/data during unit Code 500; reports pertinent information to incoming staff before leaving monitor station.


• Answers call lights and notify nurse of patient needs; assists visitors with questions and requests not pertaining to patients condition or care.


• Updates telemetry unit patient census board on patient admissions and discharges.


• Labels and distributes trend reports on each patient for past eight hours, as required.


• Applies safety principles/standards as defined by hospital to patient, environment and employee issues; practices within nursing department and unit-specific standards, policies, procedures, protocol and guidelines.


• Maintains confidentiality of patient/hospital information and principles/standards.


• Signs off on all arrhythmia sheets; assists in initiation of shift report for nursing staff; prepares report for oncoming cardiac monitor technician; records patient data/events in medical record; completes other forms and documentation according to unit standards and procedures.


• Reports incidents, work related injuries, unsafe and/or malfunctioning equipment or environment to supervisor or other appropriate personnel; contacts biomedical for assistance with equipment problems, as needed and according to protocol.


• Cleans monitor boxes and corresponding wires; maintains sign out lists for various equipment; maintains and orders necessary supplies.


• Refers to department, unit and other reference manuals/books when necessary.


• Assists in orientation of newly hired cardiac monitoring techs.


• Maintains necessary certification; attends meetings as assigned; participates in nursing research activities, projects, and peer evaluations when requested.


• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of specialization.


• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to age groups served.


• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide culturally sensitive care and/or service.


• Performs other duties and accepts responsibility as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Six (6) months of cardiac monitor technician experience or successful completion of training program.

• High school diploma; or equivalent combination of education (lesser) & experience may be considered in lieu of requirements.
• Post high school coursework in electrocardiogram (EKG).

• Basic Life Support from American Heart Association
  

• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, change management, customer service, oral communication, problem solving, results orientation, teamwork, and written communication.
• Talking to co-workers, customers, outside vendors, and on the telephone.
• Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English.
• Training/giving and receiving instructions.
• Mathematical ability, attention to detail (e.g. organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration and alertness.

• One (1) year EKG monitor reading experience in acute care setting.