Incumbents are assigned under general supervision, Cardiac Monitor Technicians are responsible for independently observing cardiac monitors throughout a medical facility unit and perform related duties as assigned; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This class is characterized by responsibility to interpret and document patients' rhythm, rate, trends, and other pertinent clinical information using cardiac telemetry and central monitoring and to communicate that information to licensed staff. Positions report to the appropriate supervisor/healthcare team member typically a registered nurse. Positions in the Cardiac Monitor Technician class perform full journey-level responsibilities.
The Cardiac Monitor Technician classification differs from the Nursing Assistant classification in that Cardiac Monitor Technicians perform a full range of duties related to activities of Dysrhythmia detection typically under the supervision of a registered nurse.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Observes cardiac rhythms continuously and communicates changes in patients' rhythm, rate, and trends to licensed staff, such as nurses and physicians.
Documents on rhythm strip notification of arrhythmia with initials and posts to chart.
Recognizes lethal arrhythmias immediately and reacts quickly and efficiently in emergency situations by notifying licensed staff and maintaining appropriate communication during critical situations.
Ensures alarm limits are appropriately turned on and verify alarm limits to ensure accurate correlation with current rhythm.
Ensures and adjusts size and limit of heart rate on monitoring parameters.
Documents in telemetry logbook accurately and maintain count of telemetry boxes and batteries.
Troubleshoots monitor alarms and artifacts appropriately and discard artifacts from alarms each shift.
Performs basic care of monitoring equipment as required and interacts with the biomedical technician regarding maintenance and repair.
Changes and maintains batteries for telemetry boxes.
Gives and receives report on all patient rhythms.
Ensures adequate supplies of telemetry paper & batteries for both stations: Observes cardiac monitors which have pre-set parameters at a central monitoring station.
Greets the public, answers phones, takes messages, opens patient’s charts to verify telemetry order. Assists in maintaining medical records.
Measures, analyzes, and prints rhythm strips every 4 hours and/or any arrythmia alarms during the shift.
Responsible to perform tasks within scope of educational preparation, knowledge and facility procedures and guidelines.
Accesses assignment manager. Prints out the assignment for the assigned telemetry units only at beginning of each shift and adheres to all HIPAA rules and regulations.
Reviews assignment manager every 2 hours for updates (i.e. new admissions, discharges, and any staffing changes).
Reviews and correlates the correct assigned telemetry box/number to patient that is documented on assignment manager and notify charge nurse for any discrepancy.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: One (1) year experience equivalent to Nursing Assistant with San Joaquin
County.
AND
Special Requirement: Successful completion of a Cardiac Rhythm Recognition course
(12 hours or more class duration) as assigned by Nursing Education. Proof of completion is required. Applicants must submit proof of completion by the application filing deadline.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic nursing practices and of the various types of materials and equipment relating to patient care and their application; Principles of patient care and general hospital organization; Relevant medical terminology; Basic math including multiplication and division skills; Isolation techniques; Basic communication and collaboration skills; Principles of asepsis; Patient observation skills.
ABILITY
Perform a variety of routine and complex patient care services and assist in
simple and more difficult treatments; Understand and follow written and oral instructions; Notify the appropriate staff member in a timely manner for change in patient findings; Provide direct patient care; Communicate effectively orally, and in writing; Organize and prioritize workload assignments; Multitask and work quickly and accurately with minimal direct supervision; Understand and follow written and oral instructions; Maintain patient and equipment records; Deal with patients in a patient, understanding and tolerant manner; Cope with illness, death and other unpleasant aspects of the job; Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, and with technical and professional personnel; Seek help or knowledge when needed and effectively utilize resources; Stand and walk for long periods of time and exercise a moderate amount of physical exertion and manual dexterity in the handling of patients or equipment; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of medical, professional, administrative and support personnel contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Operation of a data entry device; constant
walking required; frequent pushing/pulling; constant bending/squatting; occasional stair climbing; Lifting-Constant lifting duties required of 5-70+ lbs.; constant restraining, lifting/turning of heavy objects and/or people; Vision-Constant reading and close-up work; Dexterity-Constant holding, reaching, grasping and writing; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing and talking in person and on the telephone; Emotional/Psychological-Occasional exposure to grief and trauma; constant public contract; Special Requirements-May require working nights, weekends, and overtime; Environmental-Frequent contact with hazardous materials.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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