Telemetry Nurse

Telemetry Nurses: let us take care of your heart

Nurses are known to function as primary caregivers providing direct patient bedside care.

Nurses may function in an interchanging care environment such as in a home setting, care centers, hospices, or ambulatory clinics where they could efficiently provide interventions even without advanced instruments.

However, in telemetry nursing, you can only see them work in a hospital or telemetry units where they take advantage of the use of technology. Further, the utilization of machines such as the electrocardiogram and other measuring devices provide aid in monitoring vital signs and patient wellness.

The adaptation of nursing field opened the doors for a fast and convenient groundwork for health provision – even in a distance.

Telemetry Nurses are trained to provide care for patients with medical issues that require continuous monitoring. Patients’ conditions include heart diseases and its complications, heart failure, or post-cardiac surgery monitoring. Yet, they may also manage diabetes, gastric diseases and non-emergency conditions as well.

Here are some YouTube videos on Telemetry Nursing:

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Telemetry Nurses carry complex obligations on their shoulders that includes:

Constant assessment of patient condition and vital signs.
Use of advanced equipment to monitor patients’ blood pressure, cardiac activity and condition, respiration and temperature.
Monitor telemetry screens and report changes.
Perform diagnostic tests.
Administer medications, as appropriate.
Keep record medical histories, interventions, observations and treatment outcomes.
Consult with physicians and refer to appropriate facility, as needed.
Educate patients on healthcare practices.

REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

Telemetry Nurses are Registered Nurses practicing a specialization.

Although other states accept a one-year hospital based diploma or a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), some argue that it would not suffice the needed training and education the field of telemetry requires.

Accordingly, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing is the most competent requisite. By passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), it enables one to practice profession.

Further, a requisite to obtain enough hours of experience as a staff nurse or even a more advanced position is vital to get a certification. After 1,750 hours of work experience in a telemetry unit, an RN can apply as Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) by taking the Progressive Care Nurse exam with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Also, continuing education courses such as Master of Science in Nursing will advance one’s profession.

JOB OUTLOOK AND SALARY

The PayScale.com reported that Telemetry Nurses earn a median annual wage of $60,629 ($28.50 per hour).

Sure enough, work experience and education is critical at determining one’s salary.The lowest 10% earners make $49,277 while the top 10% may secure up to $91,032 annual salary.

On the other hand, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics disclosed a projected a 15% growth in demand for Registered Nurses, Telemetry Nurses included. This growth is much higher than the average as compared to other professions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Like many other health care professionals, telemetry nurses also work in shifting schedules. As experts in cardiac health, they may work in a hospital, telemetry units or clinics.

Also, some are already venturing on travelling telemetry nursing.