Monitor Technician Unit Secretary Job

Lordday · Oct 4, 2010

A course you would want to take would be EKG technician. Community colleges usually offer it.

orange_dolphin · Oct 4, 2010

Thank you, Lord Day! I'll check it out.

juliaann · Oct 6, 2010

At lot of times hospitals offer them, too, through their education centers. My hospital offers a 4-day basic dysrhythmia course that more than prepares participants to monitor tech. Since I was working at my facility as a CNA when I took the course, it was paid for, but I know non-employees can take it as well (and I've since taken some courses at other hospitals in my city and paid for them)...so maybe try contacting hospitals in your area (or even the facility where the open position is!).

A lot of times they'll be faster/cheaper than a course at a community college.

Also, as far as I know most places don't care where/how you learned your rhythm analysis (although my class did give me a cute little certificate, no one cares that I actually have it or has ever asked for a copy or proof that I attended a class), so you may be able to teach yourself. It's really quite simple once you get a solid grasp on the waveforms and the distinguishing characteristics of each rhythm and type of abnormal beat. And since you're already familiar with the names of dysrhythmias and say you have some knowledge already, it probably wouldn't be too hard. I would get a basic EKG book from the library or bookstore (my local Barnes and Noble has several "EKGs made easy" type books in the nursing section). Also you can use this website to perfect your analysis:

http://www.skillstat.com/Flash/ECGSim531.html

orange_dolphin · Oct 6, 2010

Juliaann,

That's a great site and a great way to learn! Thank you so much!!

juliaann · Oct 6, 2010

Sure thing! I love playing the "game" mode and trying to get as many as possible. :) But I'm a dork.

Also, I would encourage you to go ahead and apply now for that position, whether you plan to take a rhythm course sometime in the future or not. At the interview, just be honest about how comfortable you are in your rhythm recognition -- if you don't feeel like you would be comfortable being reponsible for monitors, just tell them that while you do have rhythm knowledge you do feel like you could use a quick crash course before being reponsible for watching monitors (a lot of facilities will provide this, either with a "real" course or some 1-1 time with a nurse or whoever orients you going over stuff and making sure you're solid). And they're willing to invest time training someone who seems like they'll be competent - and already having some knowledge will show them that you'll be easier to train than a total newbie, and that you have the capacity to understand this stuff, so they'll get a quick "return" on their time/training investment.

I think with your experience you should be a great candidate for this job, regardless of the rhythm analysis at this point...so definitely give it a shot!

Lordday · Oct 7, 2010

Juliaann,
That's a great site and a great way to learn! Thank you so much!!

I still think taking an EKG class is a better option. The class would be more thorough and well-rounded than a four-day class or trying to teach yourself.

juliaann · Oct 7, 2010

The class would be more thorough and well-rounded than a four-day class or trying to teach yourself.

Maybe! All I know is the course my hospital offered was more than sufficient to prepare me to be an awesome monitor tech - I left totally confident in my ability to recognize rhythms, measure waveform intervals, and what changes to be looking for to anticipate a cardiac event. It really isn't hard, and depending on the type of learner someone is, it can easily be thoroughly and safely self-taught. Four 8-hour days is also more than sufficient (it's more than you get in nursing school, that's for sure!).

Sure, taking a full course is a fantastic idea! But if one doesn't have the money to spare and the issue is time-sensitive (like the OP needing to apply for this job soon!), I don't think there's anything wrong with looking at other options.

Also, the OP was a little vague on his/her background with rhythms at this point...only he or she will be able to make the right decision to get him or her ready to take on the responsibility of being a MT.

Lordday · Oct 8, 2010

I absolutely agree that the OP should consider all options, and the website you suggested works great as a supplement, but when a manager is getting dozens, maybe even hundreds of applications for the same job, he or she is going to filter based on prior experience and formal education. It's pretty hard to compete with applicants who've been through a training course when you've gone the quickie route. In healthcare, even if your goal isn't to be an RN or an LPN, it's a good idea to take continuing education classes so you're in a better position to be competitive for the positions you want. It's rough out there.

juliaann · Oct 8, 2010

I absolutely agree that the OP should consider all options, and the website you suggested works great as a supplement, but when a manager is getting dozens, maybe even hundreds of applications for the same job, he or she is going to filter based on prior experience and formal education. It's pretty hard to compete with applicants who've been through a training course when you've gone the quickie route. In healthcare, even if your goal isn't to be an RN or an LPN, it's a good idea to take continuing education classes so you're in a better position to be competitive for the positions you want. It's rough out there.

Absolutely. Being able to put a "date successfully completed" and institution name on the resume under EKG skills would definitely look way better. I was just thinking that putting in an application now regardless would be better than foregoing applying in order to take the time to take a semester-long course, and then miss out on the job all together. Might as well take a shot, and hope the other experience makes him/her stand out enough for the employer to be willing to take a chance!