Education Is Key for Diane
Diane Brown, R.N. Cardiac telemetry nursing is a challenge, even for this seasoned nurse of 30+ years. Diane Brown's tenure at Montgomery Hospital Medical Center spans almost her entire nursing career.
The telemetry unit is a step-down unit in which patients' vital signs and other health indicators are closely monitored to allow for immediate intervention if needed. Diane has been witness to significant improvements in both medical technology and medicines during the course of her career.
"Education is a big component of being a telemetry nurse," she says. "It's always important for me to keep up with new technology and treatments."
She's grateful that the hospital provides the support needed to maintain the specialty expertise required on the telemetry floors. Montgomery Hospital nurses teach other nurses.
Publications about new technologies and treatments are always available. Telemetry nurses also attend medical conferences, and some nurses conduct studies and present educational materials during inservices.
Patients on the telemetry floors often have just had surgery or require specially administered medications. Telemetry nurses must have the ability to understand cardiac arrhythmia. Diane also stresses the importance of having intimate knowledge of patients' medical history; some patients may have suffered previous heart attacks or had open-heart surgery.
"It's important for telemetry nurses to get to know their patients," says Diane. "Then you know what to expect."
Telemetry nurses educate patients and family members about their medications, diet, exercise, activity restrictions and more. Nurses are also ACLS (Advanced Critical Life Support) certified every two years. The training helps telemetry nurses understand what their patients had experienced on the intensive care unit or emergency department before coming to the telemetry floor.
Nursing is a rewarding career
"Telemetry Nursing is rewarding because you can see the results of what you're doing. ... Patients really depend on your knowledge," she emphasizes.
Diane also enjoys the collaborative nurse and physician relationship. "If I don't feel a patient is progressing, I can talk to the doctor about it."
Diane works the nightshift, so she gets to know the physician residents. "We learn a lot from one another. You become close," she says.
Finally, Diane is happy to be working at Montgomery Hospital — the hospital where she was born. " I think I have a special connection with this place," she says. "It's like a second home. Second family."
She also enjoys the flexibility of working night shifts. It allows her the extra time to spend with her six children and grandchild.
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