TELEMETRY TCHN PD

Responsible for maintaining the knowledge and skills essential to the performance of behaviors described in this job description, and is accountable to the charge nurse on duty as well as the administrative nurse.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

60

Computer Aided Telemetry System

• Assures auditory contact with the central monitors is maintained at all times.  Remains within view range of central monitor screen at all times.

  • Sets and maintains alarms on all channels according to physician orders.

  • Monitors ongoing alarms and alerts RN of any increases in ectopy, changes in underlying rhythm and/or life-threatening arrhythmias that may develop.

  • Runs and analyzes rhythm strips at specified times as per telemetry policy and enters rhythm strips into the patient's medical record.

  • Documents pertinent information on telemetry sheet when patient rhythm significantly changes.

  • Reviews computer alarms to verify interpretation of data and storage into alarm trends.

  • Documents on the telemetry sheet when and why the patient has been off monitoring.

  • Analyzes alarm print-outs for rate and rhythm changes.  Enters strips and their interpretation into the permanent record if judged to be significant.

  • Documents a patient summary at the end of a shift based on routine strips and observations of the day. 

  • Gives shift report to oncoming telemetry/charge nurse regarding the status of each patient as pertains to EKG monitoring.

10

Clerical

• Completes admission/discharge/transfers in IDX as assigned.
  • Files telemetry sheets in charts upon patient's discharge.
  • Performs and documents equipment checks as assigned.
  • Maintains adequate quantity of administrative forms and supplies at nursing station.
  • Operates nursing unit equipment.
  • Labels, assembles, and maintains all patient charts in functional order, to include filing reports of procedures, studies, and tests. Thins charts as necessary.  Keeps charts in proper location.
  • Dismantles patient chart and prepares for delivery to Medical Records in a timely manner.  Ensures completion of medical record.
  • Accurately transcribes orders, consulting with RN or MD when orders are unclear.
  • Completes all forms and requisitions related to charges/billing.
  • Schedules procedures, tests and x-rays.
  • Receives and records patient information and admitting orders from physician’s office or clinic for same day admissions.
  • Ensures that patient’s valuables are secured according to established procedures.
  • Copies necessary elements of chart as directed.
  • Utilizes Medical Center automated systems to access and maintain patient information.
  • Orders patient medications, equipment, and supplies as requested.
  • Performs other unit clerical duties as assigned.

10

Applies basic verbal and non-verbal skills to achieve intended outcomes from interactions.

• Listens to ideas, opinions and feelings of others.
  • Demonstrates respect, tact and diplomacy in interactions.
  • Expresses and accepts constructive feedback with a focus on positive outcomes.
  • Informs appropriate individuals of actual or potential problems in a calm manner.
  • Initiates appropriate procedures for all emergencies.
  • Receives and relays messages from patients, families and staff to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
  • Maintains unit-based flow board of patient bed assignments, transfers, discharges, and off-unit procedures.
  • Notifies appropriate nurse and physician when patient arrives on unit.
  • Contacts physician and other appropriate staff when required.
  • Communicates physicians’ orders to nursing staff in a timely manner.
  • Participates in one to one and group discussions to resolve conflicts that inhibit effective working relationships.

10

Utilizes and supports established information systems.

• Gives current, accurate and complete report to oncoming staff, relaying pertinent information about rhythms.
  • Utilizes unit communications systems such as staff meetings and/or minutes and communication book to obtain current information.

5

Assumes responsibility for own development.

• Seeks supervision of own actions.
  • Participates in routine performance evaluation process.
  • Maintains other skills as appropriate.

5

Complies with work related policies.

• Starts work at scheduled time and completes work on time.
  • Follows guidelines on use of sick leave.
  • Complies with dress code, including appropriate identification.
  • Orients new personnel as appropriate.
  • Maintains a clean, safe and functional work environment.
  • Maintains annual employee requirements.
  • Maintains confidentiality in matters related to patients and/or staff.
  • Maintains flexibility in relation to work schedule.
  • Maintains House and Telephone Standards as established by the Medical Center.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.

LIVING PRIDE STANDARDS

Service Excellence

• Demonstrates service excellence by following the Everyday PRIDE Guide with the UCSF Medical Center standards and expectations for communication and behavior.  These standards and expectations convey specific behavior associated with the Medical Center’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence, and provide guidance on how we communicate with patients, visitors, faculty, staff, and students, virtually everyone, every day and with every encounter. These standards include, but are not limited to: personal appearance, acknowledging and greeting all patients and families, introductions using AIDET, managing up, service recovery, managing delays and expectations, phone standards, electronic communication, team work, cultural sensitivity and competency.   

• Uses effective communication skills with patients and staff; demonstrates proper telephone techniques and etiquette; acts as an escort to any patient or family member needing directions; shows sensitivity to differences of culture; demonstrates a positive and supportive manner in which patients / families/ colleagues perceive interactions as positive and supportive. Exhibits team work skills to positively acknowledge and recognize other colleagues, and uses personal experiences to model and teach Living PRIDE standards. 

• Exhibits tact and professionalism in difficult situations according to PRIDE Values and Practices

• Demonstrates an understanding of and adheres to privacy, confidentiality, and security policies and procedures related to Protected Health Information (PHI) or other sensitive and personal information.

• Demonstrates an understanding of and adheres to safety and infection control policies and procedures.

• Assumes accountability for improving quality metrics associated with department/unit and meeting organizational/departmental targets. 

Work Environment

• Keeps working areas neat, orderly and clutter-free, including the hallways.  Adheres to cleaning processes and puts things back where they belong. Removes and reports broken equipment and furniture.

• Picks up and disposes of any litter found throughout entire facility. 

• Posts flyers and posters in designated areas only; does not post on walls, doors or windows.

• Knows where the Environment of Care Manual is kept in department; corrects or reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate departments. 

• Protects the physical environment and equipment from damage and theft.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties listed in this section are not essential or intrinsic to the job but are performed at times.

 Included in this section should be a general statement such as. “Perform other duties as assigned.” 

This phrase allows the supervisor to assign sporadic or one-time tasks as needed.

Please list:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

POPULATIONS SERVED

Employees who routinely provide direct patient care require a statement concerning Populations Served Competencies. Typically, a statement such as “Demonstrated ability to provide appropriate care based on the needs of a specific individual, including the patient’s age.” is sufficient. Select from the following patient age categories.

Infant              

Child                  

Adolescent      

Adult               

Geriatric               

MEDICATION ACCESS AND STORAGE 

The “Medication and Auxiliary Staff Competency” must be successfully completed for Level I, Level II or Level III staff PRIOR to performing duties requiring medication access (including access, transport, and/or stocking activities OR access to medication storage areas for cleaning).   

LEVEL 1: Access Med Storage Areas for Cleaning

LEVEL 2: Access & Transport

LEVEL 3: Access, Transport & Stocking 

Drivers  

Anesthesia Technicians

Patient Support Assistants (PSAs)

Hospital Assistants (depending on specific duties; ask HR if unsure)

Hospital Unit Service Coordinators

Material Services Personnel

Volunteers

Medical Assistants

Nuclear Medicine Technologists 

Ophthalmology Technician 

Patient Care Assistants (PCAs)

Pharmacy Storekeepers

Radiology Technologists (all modalities, Ultrasound, Mammo, etc.)

Instructions: After employee successfully completes the level-appropriate competency, please check the corresponding box below. Obtain the employee’s and manager’s signatures to attest that the competency was completed and send the signed job description to HR for the employee’s personnel file. 

_____ Level 1      As a part of his/her daily activities, employees may have access to medication storage areas for cleaning only.  These activities must be in compliance with the Medications and Auxiliary Staff competency for Level 1. 

_____ Level 2:     As part of his/her daily activities, employee may access and transport medications. These activities must be in compliance with the Medications and Auxiliary Staff competency for Level 2

_____ Level 3:      As part of his/her daily activities, employee may access, transport and stock medications. These activities must be in compliance with the Medications and Auxiliary Staff competency for Level 3.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from High School or equivalent. 

• Completion of an EKG Interpretation course.

• Minimum 6 months of recent inpatient telemetry monitoring experience

• Excellent verbal and written skills. 

• Must be well organized and detail oriented with the ability to work independently and under pressure.

• Demonstrated skill in EKG interpretation.

• Basic computer keyboard skills and general PC knowledge.

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

• For Per Diem, Min. one (1) year of experience as a Telemetry Technician 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Experience in medical telemetry setting.

• 1 year or above recent inpatient telemetry monitoring experience. 

• Knowledge and experience working with Philips, GE and/ or Masimo physiological monitors