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Basic description
Telemetry nurses assess acute changes in patients and work in a fast-paced environment. These nurses monitor the heart rhythm of patients in special care units of hospitals and analyze heart rhythms, interpret ECGs, note arrhythmias, and intervene in emergency situations.
Educational requirements
Registered nurse preparation is required. Certification as Progressive Care Certified Nurse is available from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation.
Core competencies/skills needed
■ Excellent clinical skills
■ Critical thinking ability
■ Cardiovascular knowledge, including anatomy and physiology and cardiac disease processes
■ Skill in patient teaching about medications, dietary changes, and post-myocardial infarction activity restrictions
■ Flexibility given the unpredictability of the patient status
■ Ability to use technology available for patient monitoring
Related Web site and professional organization
■ American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation (www.cetcorp.org)