Status: Full Time

Shift: varies

Exempt: No

Summary:

JOB OBJECTIVE:

Aids in assessment of in-house patients by providing EKG monitoring to patients not physically present on a Unit with Central Monitors noting changes in rhythms and notifying appropriate persons as necessary. Also monitors SpO2 readings for ED and makes notifications to appropriate staff when indicated such as less than or equal to 92% unless parameters are changed by the district nurse. Works cooperatively with other team personnel while maintaining standards of professionalism. Utilizes effective communication between nursing personnel, physicians, other hospital departments, patients and families.

FACTORS RELATING TO THE JOB

A. Experience, Knowledge and Skill

1. Previous Experience Required:

The monitor technician II will:

a.) Be a graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing Program and hold a current license from the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.

b.) Successful completion of basic EKG course is required, within 2 months of employment.

c.) One year experience in a health related field is preferred.

2. Manual or Physical Skill Required:

Walking and sitting most of the time. Good speech, hearing and sight (visual and color perception) are essential. Must pass hospital employment physical. Must possess good physical health.

3. PHYSICAL EFFORT REQUIRED:

Strength: Light Push: Occasionally Pull: Occasionally

Carry: Occasionally Lift: Occasionally Sit: Frequently

Stand: Frequently Walk: Frequently

B. Work Complexities

1. Complexity and Difficulty of Work:

2. Seriousness of Errors- Understands that errors in notifying nursing units about changes in patient rhythm can lead to serious safety events including death.

C. Contacts

1. Contacts with Customers, the General Public or Other Companies- SpaceLabs/ Clinical Access Representatives

2. Contacts with Other Departments: Nurses, Secretaries, Physicians, Managers

Must be able to communicate effectively with others

D. Responsibilities:

1. Responsibility for the safety of others

2. Responsibility for Company Funds or Property

3. Responsibility for Confidential Information

4. Responsibility for Performance of Work without immediate supervisor

Responsibilities:

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

1. Cardiac/SpO2 Monitoring of Patients:

A. Once nursing staff receives order for cardiac monitoring and or SpO2 monitoring (in designated area) the monitor tech II enters the CSN number and verifies with

the nurse patient location and name. Observes the cardiac monitors on a

continuous basis, noting changes in patients' rhythms and notifying the

appropriate personnel as necessary via Red/White Phone

B. Utilizes the “ECG REPORTABLE DYSRHYTHMIAS” sheet to report changes.

Alarms are set per established protocol and should be adjusted per patient after

receiving parameters from the nurse. Monitor technician should call the nurse when alarms need adjusting for parameters.

C. Utilizes Clinical Access to save admission strips, ectopy strips, etc.

D. Maintains visual check on all monitors unless relieved by qualified personnel (one who has successfully completed a basic EKG course).

E. Identifies differences between normal sinus rhythm and various dysrhythmias including, but not limited to, the following: supra‑ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, first, second and third degree heart block, asystole, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, and paced rhythms.

F. Maintains ECG monitor recall flow sheet.

G. Assist in educating patients regarding cardiac monitoring including but not limited to reason why they are being monitored, importance of monitoring, changing leads as needed, and helping to encourage non-compliant patients.

2. Assist in maintaining the safety of patients.

A. Emergency

i. Functions appropriately in an emergency situation,

ii. Recognizes arrhythmias and follows through appropriately ‑‑ ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation. Notifies nurse closest to patient; activates Code Blue if instructed. For Medicine and Surgery Unit, also notifies Telemetry Charge Nurse. Saves event in Clinical Access in 2 leads V1 and lead 2.

B. Admissions, Discharges, Procedures

i. Places CSN number in the monitor as called by the station and verifies the correct patient matches the CSN number with the nurse in charge of the patient.

ii. Selects appropriate “color coding” for each patient’s rhythm as per policy.

iii. Ensures that cardiac monitoring is started as soon as notification from the unit by giving the CSN. Ensures a dominant, clear rhythm is established.

iv. Upon initiating the telemetry monitor, the Monitor Tech II will verify with the Admit Nurse patient’s rate, rhythm and channel number. Admit Nurse documents this information in EPIC.

v. Sets the alarms per specific guidelines and adjusts alarms specific to each patient after receiving confirmation from the nurse. This is documented in the logs.

vi. Maintains whereabouts of all patients from nursing unit/transport calls and documents the patient location on the log and places sticker on the screen.

C. Equipment Safety

i. Ensures that the equipment is maintained and functioning properly.

ii. In the event of Clinical Access downtime alarm strips are sent to the printer in the room. Monitor techs will be responsible for sending these strips to the receiving unit for scanning into media manager. In event of Monitor outage or Clinical Access downtime, monitor tech will be responsible for notifying Bio-Med, Nursing Coordinator, Nursing Supervisor and Nursing Units so that appropriate downtime response can occur.

iii. Assists in maintaining supply inventory (e.g. EKG paper, lead wires, batteries).

iv. Reports problems in writing to the Charge Nurse, Coordinator or the Director.

v. Completes Inventory Log. Searches for monitors and reports any lost monitors immediately to the unit responsible for location. Also reports to Coordinator of the Monitor Room and the responsible unit Charge Nurse.

D. Employee Safety

i. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of infection control and isolation procedures.

ii. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of safety policy and procedures.

iii. Attends annual fire and safety training.

iv. Applies universal precautions and infection control policies in performance of work.

v. Observes proper body mechanics in performing duties.

3. Performs Clerical Duties/Quality Assurance

A. Unit census log is completed each shift and updated for ED patients.

B. Clinical Access is reviewed by monitor techs. Notification to specific

nursing unit should occur when asterisks or noted due to patient not

discharged when transfer occurs to the unit or CSN numbers not evident.

C. Responsible for faxing assignment sheets to each unit at the start of each

shift.

D. Responsible for faxing recall sheets to the appropriate units every 4 hours

For Tele, Surgery, Medicine, ICA and ED boarder patients.

E. Performs QA checks for the unit.

4. Performs Participates in Education Programs

A. Attends in-service programs as provided.

B. Attends Unit Meetings as directed.

C. Satisfactory completion of competency lab each year.

5. Maintains Satisfactory Communications

A. Demonstrates clear and accurate lines of communication.

B. Demonstrates listening and understanding with verbal and non-verbal responses.

C. Demonstrates accuracy in verbal communication.

D. Maintains confidentiality of patient and hospital.

E. Extends courtesy and consideration for others in interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships.

F. Offers assistance to patients, physicians, families and co-workers in a courteous and attentive manner.

6. Maintains an Employment Record in Accordance with Hospital Policies.

A. Demonstrates professional manner in the work setting.

B. Complies with attendance policies.

C. Adheres to acceptable dress codes.

7. Follows North Oaks Health System’s Compliance Programs and all Federal and State regulatory guidelines.

8. Is able to demonstrate competency in age specific criteria as applicable to job scope.