Whether you are looking for a new job or are a newly hired RN, there are several skills you should have in mind. One of them is Telemetry nursing. This field requires you to read EKGs and perform other lab work.
EKG Reading
Taking the time to learn how to read an EKG is not only an intelligent move for you as a healthcare provider but can save you from the embarrassment of reading the wrong answer. The best part is that it’s not that hard to master, and it is one of the essential requirements in the telemetry nurse skills checklist.
To start, learn to identify the various leads in the telemetry box. Then, if the patient has a pacemaker, place the pads in the appropriate places.
The EKG reading on the telemetry box aims to get a feel for the patient’s heart rate. A heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute is ideal. Some patients may require continuous cardiac monitoring. They may even need to be monitored for the rest of their lives.
The next step is to learn how to read the various leads. Most portable monitors will monitor 3-5 tips at a time. To get the best view of the heart, use lead II.
The best way to learn to read an EKG is to get a training course. There are numerous courses out there on the market.
Lab Work
Among the many telemetry nurse skills checklist, the ability to perform lab work is vital. This includes performing CT and PET scans, blood tests, and more. It also involves being able to read EKG strips and other types of tests. Telemetry nurses also have to be well-organized and have good communication skills. They need to know how to act when a patient’s condition changes.
A successful telemetry nurse can perform these tasks calmly under pressure. Moreover, they have good communication skills, have a good knowledge of biology and chemistry, and are capable of interacting with patients.
Telemetry nurses provide specialized care to patients with serious health problems. They treat patients who need acute medical attention, such as stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. They also help patients with other medical conditions. They also perform advanced and essential life support.
As a telemetry nurse, you will spend more time with patients than in other areas of nursing. You will have to constantly monitor a patient’s condition and document changes in their behavior. You may need to perform additional tests to confirm their feelings of health.
Bedside Manner
Among the many skills, a nurse can master, bedside manner is one of the more important. This includes balancing efficiency with intimacy.
Bedside manner is not limited to patient-provider interactions but includes interactions with patients’ families. Good bedside manners are a great way to build trust and enhance patient comfort.
To practice the art of bedside manner, nurses need to master the art of patience. They also need to have technical skills. This includes running EKG strips and conducting stress tests. In addition, they need to be aware of the signs of false alarms.
Nurses should also know how to engage patients in conversation. This includes maintaining eye contact and being empathetic. A simple handshake can go a long way.
Another critical skill a nurse should learn is the art of observation. This includes being able to recognize the telltale signs of a heart attack. These signs include hypertrophy and hypertension. It’s also important to know when to give patients exercise.
Among the most important of these skills is good communication. This includes verbal, written, and non-verbal communication.
Job Description
Those looking for a challenging nursing career should consider telemetry nursing. Telemetry nurses are responsible for the critical care of patients who suffer from severe medical conditions. Telemetry nurses can work the morning, afternoon, or evening shifts. Telemetry units are fast-paced work environments. They must be organized, patient, and knowledgeable of physiology. Telemetry units monitor patients’ vital signs continuously. Telemetry nursing plays a crucial role in saving lives.
Telemetry nurses have the skills to care for patients with heart conditions effectively. They use clinical observations and assessment skills to determine the onset of an acute cardiac illness. Telemetry nurses can also detect subtle changes in a patient’s vital signs. Therefore, a Telemetry Nurse must also be well-prepared to intervene when a patient’s condition changes.
Telemetry nurses must be familiar with EKG strips and Holter monitors. They must also know how to administer blood and start IVs. They also must be able to perform stress tests. These tests help to strengthen a patient’s cardiac rhythm.
Telemetry nurses also work as med-surgs. Telemetry nurses may monitor patients at their bedsides or remotely. They are often the first line of defense for declining patients. Telemetry nurses may also be called to conduct lab work, including blood tests, chest x-rays, and PET scans.
