Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias (Holter), exercise stress testing (ETT), electrocardiograms and related procedures.

Duties

The incumbent works in Cardiology. Representative duties include performance of and associated administrative duties related to Holter monitoring, electrocardiography, exercise stress testing, tilt table testing, and ambulatory heart monitors of all brands and purposes. Major Duties include, but are not limited to: The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiography procedures, and related examinations, such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter tapes/disks, event monitor strips EKG, Holter, and exercise stress testing. The incumbent can effectively utilize the MUSE cardiology storage system and operates it for diagnostic medical uses effectively. They keep and maintain access to other specialized ECG and related software. The incumbent receives requests and consults for procedures and can also place requests for VA providers. They are able to effectively review requests from providers including physicians for appropriateness of the requested procedure and also ascertain the patient's ability to perform the prescribed test. The employee understands and carries out the appropriate requests made by practitioners or seeks assistance of their supervisor when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is requested. The incumbent can effectively complete facility and related administrative documents related to all of these procedures. The incumbent instructs patients pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of the patient and family during the procedure. They will independently explain various procedures including the need for positions on an exam table or treadmill, monitoring equipment, possible adverse reactions and so forth. Answers questions posed by the patient and/ or their family members. For all procedures the appropriate facility administrative duties will be completed (i.e., scheduling, consult completion, report generation, etc.). The incumbent works flexibly with coworkers in a variety of physical settings (i.e., ECG /EKG lab, Holter lab, stress test lab, PACER center, EP/CATH suite) as dictated by Cardiology Section clinical needs. Functions as an active part of the team providing input, attending required meetings, and assisting with mentorship and teaching of students, nurses, house staff and coworkers. The incumbent assists furthering the academic mission of the VA including approved research studies. ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS: The incumbent is responsible for performing ECGs and staffing the HEART station. HOLTER MONITOR: The incumbent will be responsible for applying Holter Monitor studies and all related administrative items. EXERCISE STRESS TESTING: The incumbent will prepare patients, set up equipment, and perform basic stress tests as needed, in conjunction with a Cardiology provider. RELATED RECORDING MODALITIES: The incumbent will independently perform related diagnostic tests that are needed and dictated by patient care (i.e., SAECG, event recorders) and adapt flexibly to know technology after appropriate in service and instruction. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): May be approved. This occupation is being considered for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive (CSI). Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI. The amount of lump sum CSI is determined based on appointment date and may be pro-rated as determined by the end date of the CSI. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI.

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. 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". NOTE: 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiovascular ECG) (EKG)GS-7: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the equipment, standard tests and procedures, and typical readings including arrhythmias and abnormalities. (GS-06 experience: Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level receive and interpret physician's requests for diagnostic procedures and/or treatments; explain the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperation; document the patient's record; independently perform standardized testing monitoring the patient for adverse reactions; and operate, calibrate, and clean and/or sterilize commonly used equipment. Assignments at this level require knowledge of standard medical terminology as well as common diseases and their specific affects.) In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs: Do you demonstrate the following GS-07 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, and scar tissue. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation. Preferred Experience: Specialized experience that is necessary to operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias (Holter), exercise stress testing (ETT),electrocardiograms and related procedures. Incumbent will obtain and monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and when gross abnormalities appear, know when to repeat certain procedures, when to stop test procedures and when to get the immediate attention of a physician or other cardiology provider. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to or over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Washington VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20422 US
• Name: Miranda Walker
• Phone: 404-321-6111
• Email: [email protected]