When people think of nurses, they often imagine ICU or emergency room nurses like the ones seen on TV on shows like Nurses or ER. However, there are several different types of nurses within the field. One of the lesser-known roles is the telemetry nurse. 

In this article, we will dive into an overview of telemetry nursing. 

We will cover: 

• What Is a Telemetry Nurse?
• What Does a Telemetry Nurse Do?
• Where Do Telemetry Nurses Work?
• What Skills Does a Telemetry Nurse Need?
• How Do You Become a Telemetry Nurse?

What is a Telemetry Nurse?

A telemetry nurse is a healthcare worker who specializes in using medical tools to measure a patient’s health. 

This might not sound that different from a typical nurse’s role. Yet, telemetry nurses work with equipment that most nurses and doctors may never use. Their ability to operate this type of medical equipment makes them a vital component to any medical team. 

What Does a Telemetry Nurse Do?

Telemetry nurses work with patients experiencing cardiovascular issues. Specifically, they work with patients who have: 

• Heart conditions
• History of stroke 
• Heart failure
• History of heart attack or chest pain
• High blood pressure 

They record and monitor the output of electrocardiograms (EKGs). The EKG machine transfers the heart’s electrical impulses into a rhythm the telemetry nurse can understand. The telemetry nurse then can tell when rhythmic changes need medical attention and can alert a doctor.

Moreover, the telemetry nurse helps keep track of vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen levels and more. They can also help with cardioversions to restore the heart to a regular rhythm—and other cardiac emergencies. 

What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Telemetry Nurse?

• Conducting diagnostic tests 
• Administers medication as needed
• Tends to patients with cardiac pain 
• Checks vital signs including blood pressure, breathing pattern and oxygen levels 
• Teaches patients and family members about cardiac health
• Helps doctor with procedures and treatments for cardiac issues 
• Perform complete patient history and physical assessments of new patients 

Where Do Telemetry Nurses Work?

Telemetry nurses tend to work in telemetry and ICU of a hospital. However, they can also work in: 

• Home healthcare
• Nursing homes
• Outpatient surgery centers
• Long-term care spaces

Telemetry nurses can work as full-time employees or independent contractors. If the telemetry nurse has all the right qualifications and certifications, they can choose their work capacity. 

What Skills Do Telemetry Nurses Need?

The telemetry nurse provides a specialized role within the nursing field. Accordingly, they must possess a specific skill set to best meet their patient’s needs. Some traits that telemetry nurses may want to possess: 

• Technological Savvy: People who have a knack for technology and interpret data might consider telemetry nursing. Every day, a telemetry nurse works with technology such as EKG machines and other instruments to measure a patient’s health patterns.
• Communication Skills: Telemetry nurses work on a team of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare team members. To achieve success, there must be consistent, effective communication. Also, telemetry nurses have to communicate with patients and family members, often with complex issues.
• Organizational Aptitude: Nurses within this field often have to juggle up more than five patients at any given load. It can prove stressful. Telemetry nurses must prioritize and organize their shifts to best meet all their patients’ needs. 

How Do You Become a Telemetry Nurse?

Becoming certified within telemetry can take a long time. The process includes four important steps. 

Receive a Nursing Degree: 

The first hurdle you have to jump through involves obtaining a degree. This is standard for any nursing specialty. You can choose to earn your associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Many positions only require an associate’s degree, though some require that you enroll in a BSN program. 

Transition to a Registered Nurse: 

In order to become a registered nurse, you need to pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nursing. Passing this exam will grant you eligibility as a registered nurse and allow you to continue on the path toward telemetry. 

Obtain a Nursing License:

After passing the NCLEX, you must apply for a license with your state’s nursing board. The requirements vary by state and may include additional steps, such as a background check.

Gain Relevant Experience: 

To become a telemetry nurse, you need about one to three years of relevant experience working on the telemetric tools and patients who need them. 

Become Telemetry Certified:

Two types of certification exist within telemetry.

• The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course takes about two days to complete and covers topics such as recognizing respiratory arrest and performing basic life support
• The second course is called The Progressive Care Certified Nurse certification (PCCN), which usually requires five years of experience as an RN to obtain. 

After earning the certifications, it’s crucial to keep up with their renewals. The ACLS requires renewal every two years. Next, the PCCN needs renewal every three years. 

To renew your certifications, you will need to complete a certain amount of training hours to stay current with the field’s standards. 

Final Word on Telemetry Nursing 

To conclude, the need for telemetry nurses will always exist. The telemetry nursing field pays competitively. According to the National Telemetry Association, this occupation has an earning potential between $73-$89K. 

If you want to find a job in telemetry nursing, we’ve got you covered. Sign up with Incredible Health to discover the job of your dreams!