Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing, and ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and react appropriately when gross abnormalities appear. They must know when to repeat certain procedures, when to stop test procedures, and when to get the immediate attention of a physician.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations GS-8 Medical instrument technician (EKG): Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which provided knowledge of advanced specialized procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, 3, and 4 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 5 and 6 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of pharmacology related to specialized procedures. 2. Ability to provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff including physicians. 3. Knowledge of a variety of related acute disorders and diseases, their effects on organs, and methods of treatment. 4. Ability to perform more complex procedures such as SAECG (Signal Averaged ECG), Tilt table monitoring, electrophysiology monitoring, and event monitoring. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. *6. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. Preferred Experience: BLS and ACLS certified , with a minimum of 1 year Cardiac Rehabilitation and EKG experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This position is at full performance level. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to travel to treatment areas with ease. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Radiation is utilized in the Nuclear Medicine Lab. The incumbent will be responsible to comply with all aspects of the Radiation safety program.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include, but are not limited to: Independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures, and related examinations, such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter tracings, event monitor strips and editing EKG, Holter, and treadmill reports. Utilizes the current cardiology storage system. Operates diagnostic medical equipment as a part of treatment of patient, supports register nurses, ECHO technicians, Nuclear Medicine technicians and physicians. Receiving request and/or, consults for procedures. Interprets request from physician for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability perform prescribed test. Most assignments require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained. Some assignments require unfamiliar or poorly defined processes including Research based applications. The employee must use his/her knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and knowledge of similar procedures in order to safely perform the procedure under the guidance of a medical professional. Instructs patient pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures, independently explains various procedures including need for positions on table or treadmill, monitoring equipment, adverse reactions to stressing agents, explains requirements for accurate monitoring and necessity of diary entries and answers question by patient and or family members. Performs Medical Instrument Technician work with stress test specialty. This requires experience in operating and supervising the operation of the specialized equipment related to the procedure. The technician will monitor the patient's continuous ECG and Blood Pressure during specific stress test and make adjustments to the protocols as required. The technician performs the initial exercise tolerance test on each Cardiac Rehabilitation participant. They monitor heart rate, rhythm, rate perceived exertion and symptoms before, during and after each exercise. This specialty requires experience with troubleshooting EKG concerns and ensuring the hemodynamic stability of the patient. This is accomplished by monitoring the EKG, taking vitals, and assessing symptoms with the support of a medical professional. The technician assists the patient with the telemetry boxes to ensure lead placement and assists with the 6- minute walk test. The technician will adjust settings on cardio equipment to ensure proper form, technique, and safety. Performs MI Tech work with Holter/Event Monitoring specialty. This specialty area requires experience in applying, operating, and instructing in Holter and Event Monitoring equipment. The MI Technician is the expert in Cardiology on all monitoring equipment except the bedside monitors. They are responsible for trouble shooting the Stress EKG Carts, 12/15 lead carts, treadmills, Holter monitors and Event monitors. They will educate new employees in the use of the equipment and assist in maintaining competencies of the Cardiology staff in EKG equipment. The MI Technical staff will assist in orientation and internship of students from various universities and training programs for exercise physiology students. They will supervise their day to day operation of the equipment, assuring that the patients are safely and effectively monitored during their procedure. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:92909-0 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized