TELEMETRY TECHNICIAN (PRN, NIGHTS)

Under the direction of the Director of Nursing and in collaboration with the licensed nursing staff, the Telemetry Technician at Phoenix Specialty Hospital identifies and interprets cardiac rhythms, notifies the appropriate nurse of changes in cardiac rhythm, documents rhythm interpretation, and uses a thorough knowledge of the monitoring system to support the proper care of patients, in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 10 (Health Care Institutions: Licensing), CMS Conditions of Participation, The Joint Commission standards, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position is also known as Monitor Technician.

This position supports the care of adult and geriatric patients through continuous cardiac monitoring and, when applicable, unit clerical support. Cardiac monitoring takes priority over all other assigned duties, and the Telemetry Technician may not leave the monitors unattended without a qualified relief.

Must be able to perform in all patient care and operational areas, with or without reasonable accommodation, and use all mandatory safety devices, procedures, and required Personal Protective Equipment. Must also participate in the Respiratory Protection Program, which may include wearing a respirator.

1. Continuously observes the cardiac monitors of all assigned telemetry patients; does not leave the monitors unattended at any time without hand-off to a qualified, competency-validated relief person.
2. Identifies and interprets arrhythmias and dysrhythmias and immediately notifies the assigned Nurse or Charge Nurse of significant changes in cardiac rhythm or vital signs, supplying rhythm strips to document the change.
3. Runs, labels (patient name, date, and time), interprets, and files a rhythm strip on each patient at least every four (4) hours, and more often as instructed by the nurse.
4. During a Code Blue, documents the initiation, termination, and every rhythm change, as directed by the nurse, and responds appropriately in all emergency situations.
5. Responds promptly to all monitor alarms, including lead-off, low-battery, and signal-loss alarms, and notifies nursing staff so the issue is corrected without delay.
6. Admits, transfers, and discharges patients in the central monitoring system, verifying patient identity with the ID bracelet system and transmitter assignment, and maintains an accurate monitoring log and hand-off.
7. Performs the skills on the ICU/Telemetry Tech competency checklist, demonstrates knowledge of the monitoring system as outlined by the manufacturer, and maintains equipment, promptly reporting malfunctions.
8. When applicable and without compromising monitoring, prepares and maintains patient records, records orders, dietary requirements, medication information, and vital signs, and enters orders accurately in the electronic health record.
9. When applicable, answers call lights and telephones promptly, directs information to the appropriate staff, and prepares discharge notices, daily lab, and charge forms for the business office and discharge planner.
10. When applicable, coordinates patient transfers and discharges with the case manager and Charge Nurse, prepares charts and transport documents, notifies Environmental Services, and safely transports patients within the hospital.
11. Communicates in a courteous, professional manner with patients, families, visitors, and staff, uses the appropriate chain of command, maintains composure in stressful situations, and follows standard precautions.
12. Completes all annual mandatory training, rhythm interpretation competency validation, and certification requirements, and maintains current certifications without lapse.
13. Pursues continuing education appropriate to the position and responsibilities.
14. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (
15. Participates actively in the orientation and on-the-job training of assigned personnel.
16. Adheres to all Phoenix Specialty Hospital policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, safety rules, The Joint Commission standards, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) health care institution licensing rules, CMS Conditions of Participation, HIPAA, and the requirements of any other regulatory agency.
17. Works collaboratively with all departments, demonstrates flexibility with changes in census, staffing, and scheduling, and provides service excellence to patients, families, and fellow staff.
18. Demonstrates, supports, and models the mission, vision, values, and code of conduct of Phoenix Specialty Hospital.
19. CQI), infection prevention, and patient safety activities; works safely, uses supplies cost-effectively, and promptly reports hazards and injuries.
20. Willingly performs other duties as assigned or requested by the Director of Nursing.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of experience in cardiac monitoring

Licenses/Certificates:

• Certificate of completion of an approved arrhythmia course; rhythm interpretation certification, such as CRAT (CCI) or CET (NHA), preferred
• Successful completion of the hospital's cardiac rhythm interpretation competency exam prior to independent monitoring
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA)