cardiac telemetry

Categories: Telemetry Nursing

Are you new to the field of health care, or are you a nurse who wants to gain more skills? 

Either way, you might be interested in getting certified in cardiac telemetry.

Cardiac telemetry monitoring is an essential aspect of patient medical care. Telemetry monitors are portable devices that monitor the electrical activity of a patient’s heart for an extended time while they are in hospital.  

Telemetry nursing is an in-demand career as heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death for both American men and women. 

Learn more about the duties of a telemetry nurse and how you can get certified. 

What Is Cardiac Telemetry Monitoring?

Cardiac telemetry is a way to monitor the activity of a patient’s heart for an extended period. A cardiac telemetry unit involves several patient rooms with vital sign monitors. These telemetry monitors will provide data such as the patient’s heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT), also known as ambulatory cardiac monitors, are relatively new technology and one of the most effective methods of outpatient cardiac monitoring. Once the patient is registered with their cardiac monitoring provider, professionally trained staff can monitor and look for any abnormalities.  

Nurses trained in telemetry interpretation can monitor the vital signs and respond to any changes that point to a problem with the patient’s health status. There are many benefits of cardiac telemetry monitoring, including early detection, reduced staffing needs, and providing patients with peace of mind. 

What Duties Does It Involve?

A cardiac telemetry nurse works with patients who suffer from cardiac conditions. They may also work with those recovering from recent cardiac procedures. 

They are required to perform a variety of skills to succeed as a telemetry nurse. Common duties include: 

  • Monitor EKG output 
  • Respond to patients experiencing cardiac pain
  • Inform the doctor of any changes 
  • Accurate telemetry lead placement 
  • Perform various diagnostic tests 
  • Monitor vital signs 
  • Administer medication as needed
  • Assist the doctor with various procedures and treatments
  • Educate patients on cardiac health 

Telemetry nurses also complete basic care tasks like performing routine wellness checkups and monitoring patients’ symptoms. With the current shortage of nurses, there is a high demand for telemetry nurses because of their specialized training and niche area of registered nursing. If you’re looking for a stable career within the health care industry, you will find it in telemetry nursing. 

Benefits of Becoming a Telemetry Nurse 

Now that you know what a telemetry nurse is and what duties are involved, are you wondering about the benefits? 

The good news is there are many amazing benefits of being a telemetry unit nurse. Here are seven benefits of working in telemetry and how it can change your life: 

  1. Develop close relationships with cardiac patients and their families 
  2. Work collaboratively with cardiac team physicians 
  3. Became an expert in detecting cardiovascular treatments
  4. Enjoy a rewarding career that provides help to vulnerable people
  5. Be trained in emergency response preparation
  6. Get a rewarding compensation package 
  7. Advance in your field 

Once you are certified in telemetry, you will become a valuable addition to any health care team. 

How to Get Certified in Cardiac Telemetry Monitoring

To become a cardiac telemetry nurse, you will need first to obtain a degree in nursing. Then, you must obtain your RN certification and gain work experience, although the latter depends on which certification you choose. 

After that, you will need to earn a certification in the telemetry field. The National Telemetry Certification is designed for nurses and medical professionals who want to gain additional experience, knowledge, or training in telemetry. 

You can get your telemetry certification online or in person at any approved training program. As online learning becomes the norm, many seek to get their telemetry certification online. The content is the same as that taught in a physical location, and you also have access to an instructor who can assist you when you need it. 

The National Telemetry Association (NTA) also offers licensed nurses many learning resources. This will ensure that you are ready to take and pass the exam. When you get a certification through the NTA, you can rest assured you are receiving an internationally recognized qualification. 

The exam consists of around 300 questions that you have 3 hours to complete. To pass, you must score 85% or above. You will have three attempts to pass within three months. 

The best part about the NTA certification is that you don’t need prior telemetry experience. The National Telemetry Certification is designed for students with little to no experience. Once you pass this certification, you can plan to take the national exam. 

Tips for Studying the National Telemetry Certification

The NTA provides those interested in taking online telemetry courses and certification with a comprehensive study package. The study package includes: 

  • Certification Study Guide
  • Cardiac Meds Study Guide
  • EKG Basics Study Guide
  • Cardiac Arrhythmia Study Guide 

NTA’s study guides are designed to present detailed information regarding the content associated with the national exam. Study guides have been proven to enhance students’ understanding of course material and allow them to think about main terms and concepts critically. 

You can also utilize some study tips and tricks alongside the study guides to help you prepare for the final exam. They include:

  • Interval studying
  • Rewrite what you’ve learned
  • Sleep well after studying
  • Take breaks 
  • Avoid reading the content over and over
  • Use active recall
  • Self-quiz 
  • Paraphrase and reflect 

Adopting suitable study methods can help you retain maximum information in half the time. As long as you put in the hard work, minimize distractions, and avoid late-night cramming, you will do well on the telemetry exam. 

Become Certified in Cardiac Telemetry

A certification in cardiac telemetry is ideal for nurses and medical professionals looking to gain more experience, knowledge, or training in telemetry. 

Are you ready to enjoy a fulfilling career as a cardiac telemetry nurse? 

The good news is the NTA offers online prep courses, study guides, and practice tests to help you get ready to take and pass the exam for Telemetry Certification. 

Register now and get certified in cardiac telemetry today.