Job Abstract

Under supervision, to perform a full range of duties related to activities of Dysrhythmia detection under the supervision of a registered nurse and the more difficult and complex nursing assistant tasks relating to the care and treatment of patients.

The eligible list may be used for current and future vacancies as they occur and for extra help positions.

• Maintain, adjust, calibrate and operate equipment used to assess cardiac activity, and/or equipment used in the monitoring of cardiac arrhythmia;
  
• Attach monitoring devices to the patient as prescribed by the physician;
  
• Observe, measure and record cardiac conduction intervals following established guidelines;
  
• Interpret and document the cardiac rhythm on the tracing strip;
  
• Notify the registered nurse and/or physician of changes in patient cardiac rhythm;
  
• Observe and download data recorded by equipment and note irregularities;
  
• Maintain records and documentation for monitoring patient dysrhythmia including patient rhythm log and equipment log;
  
• Maintain and request appropriate supplies and equipment used to assess cardiac activity;
  
• Assists in the admission, transfer and discharge of patients;
  
• Report broken and/or non-functioning equipment to Biomed and the charge nurse in a timely manner;
  
• Positions, holds and/or restrains patients during medical procedures;
  
• Performs simple tests (e.g., specify gravity and sugar-acetone) and records the results;
  
• Assists physician or nurse with special procedures;
  
• May perform simple checking and monitoring of health maintenance equipment and machines;
  
• Cleans patient monitors after each use;
  
• Performs other related work and comparable duties as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks and the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are normally acquired through training and experience equivalent to high school graduation or the equivalent and one (1) year of experience equivalent to a Hospital Services Assistant II with Santa Clara County.

Upon appointment, successful completion of a training course in dysrhythmia interpretation within four (4) months of appointment, which consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and orientation training and 8 – 12 weeks of clinical preceptor guidance or vacate the position.

Knowledge of:

• Basic nursing practices and of the various types of materials and equipment relating to patient care and their application;
  
• Principles of patient care and general hospital organization;
  
• Relevant medical terminology;
  
• Basic math including multiplication and division skills;
  
• Isolation techniques;
  
• Basic communication and collaboration skills;
  
• Principles of asepsis;
  
• Patient observation skills.

• Perform a variety of routine and complex patient care services and assist in simple and more difficult treatments;
  
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions;
  
• Notify the appropriate staff member in a timely manner for change in patient findings;
  
• Provide direct patient care;
  
• Communicate effectively orally, and in writing;
  
• Organize and prioritize workload assignments;
  
• Multitask and work quickly and accurately with minimal direct supervision;
  
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions;
  
• Maintain patient and equipment records;
  
• Deal with patients in a patient, understanding and tolerant manner;
  
• Cope with illness, death and other unpleasant aspects of the job;
  
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, and with technical and professional personnel;
  
• Seek help or knowledge when needed and effectively utilize resources;
  
• Stand and walk for long periods of time and exercise a moderate amount of physical exertion and manual dexterity in the handling of patients or equipment;
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of medical, professional, administrative and support personnel contacted in the course of work.

• Various types of instruments, equipment and supplies used in monitoring cardiac dysrhythmia;
  
• Methods and techniques of recording critical data and notifying the appropriate person to assess the data.

• Use cardiac monitoring instruments, equipment, and supplies per established guidelines;
  
• Precept new staff.