Telemetry Nurse Salary, Job Description, Duties

In search of information about Telemetry nursing? Here's a quick overview of average telemetry nurse salaries and telemetry nursing job descriptions.

Working with the critically ill is a challenge to some and a goal for others. Telemetry nurses are integral parts of the medical community, because these healthcare professionals focus on assisting patients in need of critical care.

Working in and outside of hospitals and clinical facilities, telemetry nurses monitor the vital signs of patients, including those released from an intensive care unit. Travel nurses who specialize in telemetry are skilled in the operation of life-sign measuring devices, like the electrocardiogram. Typically, they assist patients with acute diagnoses in diabetes, heart failure and gastrointestinal ailments by giving medications, reviewing equipment output, and finding symptoms of distress.

Tele nurses fulfill a wide range of duties, but in general, telemetry RNs must be skilled in using high-tech equipment that tracks patient progress, especially when complications may develop following release from the ICU. Patients with serious conditions, such as cancer, neurological problems, renal failure and epilepsy, depend on the care of many RNs, including telemetry travel nurses, who work long hard hours to provide round-the-clock monitoring.

Proficiency in using technology and data interpretation are required because telemetry nurses, unlike some other nursing disciplines, must constantly monitor equipment on their rounds. Nurses in the telemetry unit must be vigilant regarding patient status changes, as many of their patients can develop problems quickly. Patient assessments include measuring blood pressure, respiration, and level of consciousness.

They may also use heart monitoring equipment and perform diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms. RNs in this specialty must know the protocols for treating chest pain. Other responsibilities include administering medication and starting IV lines. Interpersonal skills and communication abilities are assets for this profession, as they enable telemetry nurses to educate patients about their post-hospitalization care, such as diet and exercise recommendations.

Recently updated in 2024, Salary.com reports that on-staff medsurg/telemetry nurses are typically earning between $99K and $122K per year . Glassdoor reports that staff Telemetry RNs make between 87K and $140K. Annual pay varies by region, facility, and experience levels.

There are two routes to obtaining a registered nursing degree that will lead to a position on staff in a lucrative nursing career.

BSNs are most likely to get hired, but they must still earn Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and a BLS (Basic Life Support Certification). The BLS needs to be through American Heart Association (for travel nursing only American Heart Association certifications for BLS, ACLS, and PALS are accepted). Many Tele RNs start out in general Med/Surg positions, and --as they gain more technical experience on the job or through continuing education-- they focus their practice in Telemetry units.

Any travel nurse recruiter will admit that the daily life of a telemetry RN is structured, but hectic. A hospital’s Telemetry unit provides 24 hour bedside care, as RNs see patients in need of consistent monitoring of vital signs. RNs in this specialty also fulfill the duties of traditional nurses by administering medications and speaking with patients and their families regarding their conditions. Above all, these RNs must be able to recognize the need for cardiac monitoring and be able to assess the patient in order to provide input to the physician on an accurate unit placement.

Being a telemetry nurse requires training, skill and compassion. As much-needed healthcare professionals in a growing field, these nurses provide a valuable service to their medical facilities and their communities. RNs have the reputation for being skilled and competent workers who help to prolong the life of their patients. For those who have an interest in cardiac functioning, being a telemetry nurse will be a good career fit.