Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

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Summary:

• The MST is responsible for continuous observation of cardiac rhythms in the Central Monitoring Room. The MST interprets cardiac rhythms and distinguishes between normal and abnormal rhythms. The MST reports cardiac rhythm information in an accurate, timely manner to nursing staff.

Responsibilities:

• Cardiac Monitoring and Rhythm Analysis:

• Admits patient into system and enters all applicable patient information into the system.

• Verifies that the patient is on the correct telemetry transmitter upon admission and every shift. Completes the verification with the Surveillance Admission Monitor (SAM) nurse or appropriate RN.

• Completes all necessary paperwork and files appropriately.

• Obtains report information to include history of cardiac rhythm, code status, anything that affects cardiac rhythms, and applicable medications or therapies.

• Analyzes and documents each patient’s rhythm strips upon admission, and at least every 8 hours.

• Notifies patient’s nurse and Surveillance Admission Monitor (SAM) nurse of rhythm.

• Demonstrates accuracy with cardiac rhythm analysis.

• Requests assistance as needed from the SAM RN for rhythm analysis.

• Recognizes conditions that mimic dysrhythmias and alter clarity of rhythm analysis, such as artifact, 60 cycle interference, wandering baseline, loose electrode, etc.

• Maintains vigilance at all times, gives 100% of attention to the cardiac monitors.

• Recognizes situations that require Rapid Response or Code Blue, takes appropriate action.

• Disinfects telemetry transmitters after each patient use.

• Performs appropriate transfers, and discharges from the monitoring system.

• Dusts monitoring equipment and keeps it clean.

• Maintains the Telemetry Monitoring System, effectively troubleshoots within job scope.

• Notifies Biomedical Dept., Management, SAM RN, and other personnel of equipment malfunction, need for repair in a timely manner.

• Documentation:

• Documents lead, regularity, atrial rate, P wave integrity, PRI & QRS interval measurement, final interpretation of cardiac rhythm, and action or response required.

• Completes this documentation for every patient at least every 8 hours.

• Documents rhythm strip analysis immediately pre-code, intra-code/resuscitation and immediately post code.

• Tests “hot line” and Spectralink response time daily and documents outcomes.

• Communication:

• Notifies appropriate nursing staff of a benign rhythm change upon its discovery.

• Notifies appropriate nursing staff of lethal or malignant rhythms immediately.

• Maintains regular communication with the SAM RN.

• Notifies nursing assistant or other nursing personnel of leads off situation.

• Maintains communication with patient care areas regarding quality of telemetry transmissions, patient activity, transport, admission, discharge, transfer, to ensure continuous and accurate monitoring of patients’ cardiac rhythm.

• Communicates patient and unit information to the RN and interdisciplinary care team in a timely manner.

• Seeks help from RN or SAM RN when needed.

• Receives report and clarifies information as needed.

• Never leaves the Monitoring Room unattended. Arranges meal or break times with SAM RN or other qualified personnel to assure adequate coverage when needed.

• Accepts assignments and performs as a team member.

• Introduces self to patient and explains procedures to patient and family.

• Role Development:

• Develops own knowledge via practice, observation, and attending continuing education programs when available. Performs annual rhythm strip interpretation competency.

• Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care.

• Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.

• Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.

• Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.

• Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.

• Adheres to the Department of Nursing Dress Code.

• Department of Nursing and Organization Support:

• Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.

• Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.

• Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet®, iCare Values, Joint Commission Disease

• Specific Certification, and Nursing Councils. Performs job duties in accordance with these standards.

• Contributes to data collection for unit and hospital based studies.

• Maintains attendance/lateness standards in accordance with Hospital policy.

• Departmental Support:

• Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, follows Department policies for equipment and supply use, cleaning and maintenance.

• Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives.

• Performs assigned duties such as keeping work area stocked, storing equipment in appropriate areas.

• Adheres to unit programs to support patient care such as maintaining a quiet environment, customer service, etc.

• Attends staff meetings on a regular basis.

• Keeps patient care area and work environment neat and organized.

Credentials:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)

• 1+ years ExperienceCCH Dysrhythmia Course and MST OrientationComplete annual competency assessment for cardiac rhythm interpretation

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.

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