Becca Schulz enjoys unpredictability and a fast pace, but prefers working in a controlled environment. Telemetry nursing provides all this, plus the satisfaction of catching problems before they become life-threatening.

Interpreting The Rhythm

As clinical supervisor of telemetry at Woodwinds Health Campus, Schulz is one of the nurses who monitor the cardiac function of patients who are relatively stable. Some are recovering after a stay in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). Others have been admitted for observation while doctors decide whether they need a stress test, an angiogram or simply a few days of rest at home.

In the telemetry unit, a portable monitor about the size of a Blackberry is attached to the patient's chest by six electrodes. The monitor records heart rate and rhythm. Blood pressure, breathing rate, temperature and blood oxygen levels may also be recorded.

This information is transmitted to a central monitor at the nursing station. Telemetry nurses watch for abnormal heart rhythms. Every four hours, a nurse prints out the rhythm strip, interprets it and adds it to the chart. Nurses are also alerted when an unexpected rhythm appears.

If a patient experiences shortness of breath or chest pain, the nurse may do an electrocardiogram (EKG), administer medication and, if necessary, alert the cardiologist. Telemetry nurses also teach patients about heart anatomy and function, medication and upcoming tests.

Easing Fears

Many telemetry nurses are certified in cardiac care through the American College of Cardiovascular Nurses (www.cvncertify.org). Others have ICU experience and are certified through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (www.aacn.org).

Successful telemetry nurses are attentive to detail, know how to manage their time and have good critical-thinking skills. Compassion and customer service are also essential. "Patients and families are often scared, and easing their fears is an important part of our work," Schulz says.

Nancy Giguere is a freelance writer from St. Paul who has written about healthcare since 1995.