MONITOR TECH - Forrest General Hospital

Job Summary:

The Monitor Technician, working under the direct supervision of RNs and LPNs on the nursing unit, plays a vital role in supporting quality patient care. This role involves participation in the implementation phase of the nursing process, with a primary focus on rhythm strip interpretation and recognizing changes in rhythms. Specialized training and competency validation through the education department are required for this task. Additionally, the Monitor Technician also serves as the unit secretary, providing essential administrative support to the healthcare team. In addition, the tech must be able to perform acute care duties if PCC needs dictate.

Performance Expectations:

• Shift Transition Report: Begin each shift by obtaining a comprehensive report from the outgoing staff to ensure continuity of care.

• Monitor Inventory: Conduct a thorough inventory of available monitors to ensure all necessary equipment is present and operational.

• Rhythm Strip Printing: Print rhythm strips at designated times (7, 11, and 3) following the specified procedure as well as a strip at admit and discharge.

• Rhythm Strip Review and Signing: Read and interpret each printed strip, promptly signing as necessary. Separate strips for individual nurses to sign; ensure each nurse signs their assigned strips.

• Patient Folder Management: After signing, place the signed rhythm strips into the respective patient folders, including the patient's name on each strip.

• Monitor Maintenance: When a patient is discharged, clean and prepare the monitor for reuse. Place cleaned monitors into new monitor bags, which should be stored in the ICU supply room.

• Battery Replacement: Be proactive in monitoring monitor battery levels. You, the nurse, or ACTs can change batteries as needed to ensure uninterrupted monitoring.

• Patient Status Notification: If a patient is taken off telemetry monitoring, promptly notify the appropriate staff in the following order: ACT, Nurse, and Charge Nurse. In cases where no immediate response is obtained, escalate the issue to the House Supervisor.

• Tele Log Maintenance: Maintain an accurate and up-to-date telemetry log throughout the day, documenting patient status changes and updates as necessary.

• Emergency Operations: In the event of emergency operations or events, report to work as required and be prepared to support the healthcare team as needed to ensure patient safety and care continuity.

• Effective Communication: Answer phone calls and respond to call lights promptly. Notify the appropriate staff members of patient needs. If unable to reach the ACT or Nurse for assistance, escalate the issue by notifying the Charge Nurse and, if necessary, the House Supervisor.

• Printer Maintenance: Ensure that paper is stocked in all printers to facilitate continuous printing of essential documents.

• Discharge Notifications: In the absence of the Social Worker (SW) and during weekends, fax discharge notifications to home health agencies and coordinate follow-up appointments for discharged patients.

• Appointment Scheduling: Regularly check the purple folder each morning for follow-up appointments and schedule them as needed. Initiate consults for Cardiology, Neurology, GI, and Speech/Swallow services.

• Consult Oversight: Double-check all consults to ensure they are initiated and completed in a timely manner. Check the purple folder every morning for consults that may have come in during the night shift or holidays.

• Equipment Coordination: Notify Sizewise of any beds that still need to be picked up to ensure efficient bed turnover.

• Document Management: Break down patient folders after discharge and prepare new folders for incoming admissions.

• Reporting Responsibilities: Maintain and email the following reports to the Director, as applicable:
  • Assignment Sheet (every shift)
  • Tele Log (every shift)
  • Admit/DC Log (night shift only)

• Clinical Competencies: Maintains and stays current in skills, ongoing competencies, equipment and certifications to include telemetry monitoring and Basic Life Support certification.

• Patient-Centered Care: Consistently plan patient care in conjunction with other disciplines to meet the goals and individualized needs of the patients.

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Be competent in accessing and utilizing the EMR for the provision of patient care
• Age-Specific Care: Utilize knowledge of age-specific needs of patients, from pediatric to adult, in the performance of duties and responsibilities.

• Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Safely and appropriately fulfill job-specific responsibilities related to safety, security, emergency preparedness, control of hazardous materials, life safety, and utility systems as outlined in the hospital’s environment of care plan.

• Clinical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in patient interventions such as obtaining vital signs, reporting abnormal values, foley care, and assisting patients with activities of daily living.

• Equipment Proficiency: Safely utilize equipment including, but not limited to: Central Monitor System, Portable Telemetry Monitors, Vital Machines, Patient Beds, Printer, Fax, Scanner, and Label Maker.

EKG Strip Interpretation: Be proficient in EKG strip interpretation and recognizing lethal arrhythmias after completing the Telemetry Course. Notify staff of lethal/irregular rhythms and changes in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills:

Diploma/GED required. Proficient in Microsoft Excel/Word and Outlook.

Work Experience:

Prior Nurse Aide, Acute Care Tech or Monitor Tech experience, preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

• Rhythm Strip Interpretation for Techs

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands: Ability to critically think and perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, Demonstrates initiative, and functions under stress.

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PI250727562