Some telemetry nurses start as Med-Surg nurses who train to become Telemetry nurses while others begin as New Grads.
Telemetry nurses must be both BCLS and ACLS certified and become very skilled at setting up and reading EKGs so that they can intervene immediately to assist the patient.
You can become a Certified Progressive Care Nurse (PCCN), Cardiac Medicine certified (CMC) or CCRN (Adult) after completing at least 1,750 hours of patient care in a critical care setting through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
With work experience, some telemetry nurses branch into ER or Critical Care nursing as well as other areas such as sleep clinics or cardiac home monitoring care.
Alternatively, you may decide to get your MSN degree with a cardiovascular focus or become a Cardio-Vascular Nurse Practitioner (CVNP).