Monitor Tech/Assistant

At Houston Methodist, the Monitor Technician/Assistant position is responsible assisting in the delivery of patient care and services and performs key functions that support the interprofessional healthcare team in delivering high quality, cost-effective care. This position maintains competency in electrocardiography (EKG), monitoring/computer skills), pulse oximetry (SpO2), as appropriate. The Monitor Technician/Assistant employs effective, prompt communication throughout the hospital complex. This position oversees multiple priorities and provides direct patient care by performing patient preparation for monitoring. The Monitor Technician/Assistant must be able to perform the duties and functions of a Unit Administrative Assistant.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes to a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear, and professional.

• Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Works well with others to make contributions to the work effort as a whole and facilitates problem resolution.

• Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. Initiates contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides direct patient care by performing patient preparation for monitoring.

• Responds to the nurse call system, contacts nursing personnel as appropriate, and follows through with meeting patient needs.

• Organizes workload, utilizing all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

• Receives information from various sources that is assimilated and communicated in an accurate, timely and effective manner.

• Demonstrates progressive skills through peer-to-peer accountability towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proficiently demonstrates EKG rhythm interpretation. As appropriate, monitors O2 sats and blood pressure, understanding parameters when to call a nurse.

• Promotes quality patient care by vigilant identification of changes or abnormalities in EKG morphology. Takes corrective action or communicates immediately, when appropriate, to proper personnel.

• Provides and accurately processes documents, quality data, and related centralized telemetry monitor (CTM) records.

• Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed as required, is in safe working order prior to use and documents findings accordingly. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.

• Reports ¿near misses¿ and inputs errors promptly into TAPS to improve processes and identify trends. Contributes to identification of corrective action and improvement activities and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects and shared governance activities.

• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• EKG interpretation skills
  

• Two years of secretarial/office or college/vocational training

• Prior healthcare and/or medical terminology experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCI) within 1 year OR
• CET - Certified EKG Technician (NHA) within 1 year OR
• ECG - Certified ECG Technician (ACA) within 1 year OR
• CET - Certified EKG Technician (NPS) within 1 year OR
• CMT-BC - Certified Monitor Technician (ABCM) within 1 year OR
• NRCEKG - Nationally Registered Certified EKG Technician (NAHP) within 1 year OR
• ECG-B - Certified Electrocardiogram - Basic within 1 year OR
• NTA - National Telemetry Technican (NTA) within 1 year AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers

• Successful completion of validated Basic EKG proficiency exam with a score of 80% and correct identification of lethal dysrhythmias during initial and ongoing orientation

• Maintains competency in non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and pulse oximetry (SpO2), as appropriate

• Demonstrates proficiency in the use and maintenance of equipment such as Remote Viewing Station (RVS), transmitters, monitoring equipment, computers, facsimile, and printer

• EKG interpretation skills

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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