Unit Secretary / Monitor Tech

Overview

The Monitor Tech/Unit Secretary, reporting to the Nursing Unit Director, with assignment and direction from the Charge Nurse or Registered Nurse, is responsible for assisting in the planning, implementing and evaluating the activities occurring in the nursing station by performance of clerical/ receptionist &/or Cardiac Monitoring duties.  This position is responsible for maintaining the physical environment of the nursing unit. The MT/US supports the hospital mission and vision with emphasis on customer relations. The MT/US utilizes knowledge of patient’s age, spiritual and cultural diversity into unit communication & organization. The US is a non-licensed position whose training & skills enables him/her to interpret basic cardiac rhythms, recognize & alert the RN to significant rhythm changes or common dysrhythmias. The position contributes to the provision of safety and quality care that result in positive outcomes in patient care. 

Responsibilities

Consistently observes the telemetry monitoring oscilloscopes for significant changes throughout the assigned shift. Identifies an appropriate lead for the monitoring of patients.

• Observes the oscilloscope and answers alarms to the computer.
• Accurately interprets rhythms.
• Identifies interference in monitor pattern and intervenes to correct them.
• Leaves the console area only when someone qualified can attend monitor.
• Identifies leads II, MCL, and MCL6.
• Identifies and ensures placement of electrodes for optional monitoring on admission and prn.

Communicates with physician and nurses about the telemetry patients.

• Reports dysrhythmia or changes to charge nurse and/or nurse assigned to patient (V Tach, V Fib, PVCs greater than 6 per minute, PVCs close to T-Wave, PVCs that are multi-focal, increases or decreases in rate of more than 2 minutes; onset or increase in development of A-V Block; PAT; SVT).
• Presents information to attending physician as requested.
• At completion of shift, gives the oncoming Tech report on the patient's rhythm.

Accurately and consistently documents, records and charges for telemetry service.

• Prints out trend records and posts in the clinical record every 8 hours and rhythm strips as necessary, which include cardiac rate, rhythm, P-R interval, ARS duration, and presence or absence of ectopic activity.
• Documents any rhythms, which were reported to the Charge Nurse or team leader. Notes the name and time nurse notified of rhythm change; documents vital signs when applicable.
• Obtains a 10-second rhythm strip on patients who complain of chest pain; posts the strip and documents the pain in the strip with appropriate measurement of P-R QRS duration.
• Runs continuous strip during cardiopulmonary arrest event until the EKG Tech is running a strip at the bedside.
• Make notes on the trend recording rhythm strips or progress record which reflect alterations in cardiac activity or change in lead.
• Maintains the Log Book on all patients using telemetry, including name, room#, hospital #, date, time on and time off.

Clerical Activities

• Accurately transcribes physician orders in a timely manner.
• Assures complete medical record goes to HIM after patient discharge.
• Receives, documents and properly follows through with telephone inquires.
• Files chart forms, duplicates medical record as needed, orders supplies and initiates follow-through with maintenance requests.
• Completes order requisitions.
• Completes all charges accurately for observation patients.
• Files Lab and Radiology reports in medical records prior to MD making rounds.

Maintains the Telemetry Equipment

• Carefully cleans the telemetry monitoring equipment with disaffection towels with bleach.
• Changes the paper in the recorders and printer as necessary.
• Notifies Biomedical Engineering through the Engineering Department of any equipment malfunctions. Orders (day shift) or communicates needs for stock supplies.
• When time permits, makes the tele paks to hold monitor on patient's gown.

Customer Service

• All interactions are conducted in a professional manner; is supportive and consistently demonstrates the Target 100 standards.
• Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g., answers phone promptly, is courteous and helpful).
• Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or upon requires; offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
• Consistently displays cheerful and positive attitude.
• Responds promptly and pleasantly to all inquiries.
• Maintains quiet work environment in the nursing station.
• As observed by management, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
• Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other customers.

Performance Improvement

• Is aware of and participates in the performance improvement activities of the unit.

Professional Conduct, Growth and Development

• Demonstrates initiative.
• Has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department and on an as-needed basis.
• Follows established hospital and departmental policies.
• Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.
• Participates in group projects and staff meetings with suggestions that enhance the work environment and increase productivity.
• Communicates well with supervisor, reporting problems with equipment, supplies or procedures.
• Requests assistance as appropriate.
• Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities.
• Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
• Consistently projects positive professional image through appearance and behavior.
• Attends 75% of staff meetings or reads and initials minutes.
• Completes assigned work within shift.
• Complies with time and attendance policy (i.e., KRONOS).
• Maintains clean and neat work environment.
• Completes annual safety and ethics updates within established time frames.
• Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
• Attends 75% of in-service programs.

Age-Specific Competencies

• Awareness of age specific needs as related to patient/family interactions.

Unit-Specific Competencies

• Accurately transcribes orders.
• Processing orders.
• Arrhythmia recognition.

Cultural-Specific Competencies

• Exhibits culturally responsive attitude, including flexibility, empathy, respect and awareness of communication needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: High school graduate or equivalent preferred
• Minimum Experience: One year acute care experience as a Monitor Technician preferred
• Required Certification/Registration: Current BLS and demonstrated competency/successful completion of Monitor Technician course required.