Nurses in this field provide care by comfortably connecting patients to machines that measure heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate, as well as blood-oxygen level and electrocardiogram information. Nurses then monitor the data sent from these machines to computer screens. The duty of the telemetry nurse is to read and interpret the data to better determine patient care. The telemetry nurse may work cooperatively with ancillary nursing and other patient team personnel in maintaining standards for professional and safe nursing practice in the clinical setting.

Telemetry nursing allows graduates to exercise technical skills as well as interpersonal communications skills. The combination of compassion and expertise required for telemetry nursing makes it the ideal career for many men and women around the country.

Duties of a Telemetry Nurse

The telemetry nurse’s duties can include, but are not limited to, planning and implementation of individualized nursing treatment programs for patients and their families, assessing a patient’s conditions and nursing needs, including cardiac rhythm, and the development, implementation and communication of individualized nursing care plans and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to appropriate personnel. Some telemetry nurses may administer prescribed medications, perform treatments for patients as prescribed in according to a client facility policy and collaborate with physicians regarding patient care and family needs.

Telemetry nurses also are involved with developing teaching plans for individualized patients and family members, and participates in education and/or training programs regarding technical updates and compliance issues as required. Many times, the telemetry nurse assists with or institutes emergency measures for adverse patient conditions. In all cases, the telemetry nurse usually is required to document all patient concerns during a shift.

Most employers demand that the telemetry nurse shows evidence of having graduated from an accredited school of nursing and that current, legal license in good standing is held in the state of practice. Some employers also require at least one year of experience in telemetry nursing, and to pass at least at eighty percent in any competency tests. CPR certifications usually are required, preferably ACLS. Finally, although telemetry nursing involves technology, many nurses in this field also are asked to demonstrate the ability to lift and position patients with the use of appropriate assistive devices or with additional assistance from other staff members. Other physical requirements involve moving heavy equipment and the ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time during the average working day.

Related Types of Nurses

Telemetry nurses, with required skills in technology and focus on cardiology, would make this nurse a fit with cardiac nursing in many ways. Telemetry nurses, like cardiac nurses, are fascinated by cardiac anatomy and physiology, as well as the ever-changing nature of her patients’ needs.

Telemetry Nursing Degrees

Nurses who seek a telemetry nursing position must complete orientation and competency requirements, obtain/maintain a CPR certification and possible ACLS, PALS and/or NRP certifications based on specific work units. You will need an advanced nursing degree, such as an RN to BSN degree or LPN or LVN to BSN degree.

Online Programs in Telemetry Nursing

  • Colorado Technical University: RN to BSN
  • Drexel University: RN to BSN
  • Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences: RN to BSN
  • Indiana State University: LPN to BSN
  • Kaplan University: RN to BSN
  • Liberty University: RN to BSN
  • South University: RN to BSN
  • University of Phoenix: RN to BSN