Telemetry

Services/Responsibilities

The Telemetry Unit is a medical/surgical unit that cares for the acutely ill cardiac patient. Common diagnoses include CHF, chest pain, angina, AMI, and COPD .

Technology

All beds are monitored via wireless remote monitoring. A Monitor Tech with clinical supervisor oversight continuously watches heart monitors. Procedural patients include but are not limited to: cardiac catheterization, stents, angioplasty, electrophysiology, and implantable pacemakers. Invasive arterial monitoring and cardiac drips are included in patient acuity. All documentation is on-line with computerized “old records” available. Omnicell cabinets are used for both medications and patient supplies.  

Staffing

We have 30 private rooms for patients. Our average daily census is 25 patients with a 4:1 - 5:1 patient per nurse ratio. Daily staffing includes census plus acuity assigned by the nurse caregiver. Average turnover of patients is high due to volume of cardiac diagnostics. A team approach is used for assignments utilizing RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s with assistance from a ward clerk and monitor tech. Clinical Supervisors are available daily and do not take a patient care assignment but work on the unit along side staff. The Department Manager’s office is located within the unit. Self-scheduling has been utilized since 2005 with manager oversight. Schedules are published 4-6 weeks in advance. 

Training/Education

All staff nurses attend acute care classes including EKG and dysrhythmia recognition. All RN’s are ACLS certified (available on site) with PCCN encouraged and supported. A unit-based educator provides for monthly educational offerings and in-service education. Orientation for new RN’s generally is from 8-12 weeks using a primary preceptor for both the day shift and night shift. Experienced nurse orientation is individual and most often is 6-8 weeks.

Continuous Quality Improvement

Telemetry participates in all organizational and nursing quality improvement initiatives including but not limited to: CHF committee, Nursing Strategic Planning teams; the Professional Nurse, and Safe Effective Timely Care.