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Discussion

Telemetry Nursing

Hi everyone.

I've noticed there are many jobs around in "Telemetry nursing." I have an idea of what telemetry is, however I was wondering how do the two come together in the healthcare setting. I'd really appreciate if someone can explain it to me. Thanks.

Toni

Featured Replies

Telemetry nursing can vary from institution to institution. Many telemetry units are progressive cardiac units with complex patients with drips, chest pain, etc.

I work on a Medical Telemetry Unit. Which basically is for persons who need heart monitoring but aren't necessarily cardiac patients. For instance a GI bleeder that needs tele, or a respiratory patient that needs tele. Our nursing care isn't much different than your average med-surg unit. Our ratio is about 6:1 with cna's.

Good luck.

  • Author

Thanks for the quick reply. So far, what I'm getting from it is, in addition to monitoring the patient's status (with actual human contact), you are monitoring the patient's status via machines, whether it be cardiac or otherwise. Let me know if I 'm heading in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

Toni

  • Expert

Telemetry means that you are monitoring their heart rhythm, and possibly blood pressure if the unit allows patients with arterial lines on it. But you must always remember that you are caring for the patient first, the monitors don't always tell you everything.

You can have a rhythm on the monitor but the patient may not have any pulse, so again, the most important thing is check your patient first.

  • Author

Thank you Suzanne, you've really cleared things up for me. I always see jobs for Telemetry nurses and was wondering if I should consider them once I graduate from school, but I never knew what it was.

Thanks again.

Toni

Yes, your in the right direction. Telemetry monitors the heart rhythm 24/7. There is an art and skill to interpreting heart rhythms, that's relatively easy to learn and put into practice. I've taken telemetry courses three times, as it's always nice to take a refresher. I'm lucky our local college has a course online that our hospital pays for.

Good luck!

  • Author
Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy

Yes, your in the right direction. Telemetry monitors the heart rhythm 24/7. There is an art and skill to interpreting heart rhythms, that's relatively easy to learn and put into practice. I've taken telemetry courses three times, as it's always nice to take a refresher. I'm lucky our local college has a course online that our hospital pays for.

Good luck!

Thanks 3rdShift. After your description and then getting more from Suzanne, I definitely got it now. I guess I would have to look into Telemetry courses. I don't think my school offers them and I don't think I'll be taking any between now and the time I graduate in May 2005. Then again, you never know. It seems interesting though. I will definitely look into it.

Thanks again!

Toni

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