Medical instrument technicians (EKG) operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing and ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias on patients with a history of or possible risk of cardiovascular diseases. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when needed.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Coordinates patient care. The incumbent will coordinate the delivery of Cardiology's outpatient and inpatient care with other members of the health care team. This includes ensuring that procedures are completed in accordance with appropriate timelines, and working directly with Cardiology faculty and staff to schedule treatments for patients referred from any site. Initiates consultation requests to Cardiology faculty when more comprehensive patient management is required, and gathers follow up data. Incorporates new web-based reporting services to complete patient visits and to put test results on CPRS and Vista imaging. This individual is expected to supervise and instruct other employees in the department regarding use of equipment and compliance with CPRS and Vista issues. The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures and related examinations, such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter disks, event monitor strips and editing EKG, Holter, and treadmill reports. Utilizes MUSE Cardiology information storage system. Operates diagnostic medical equipment as a part of treatment of patient, supports registered nurses and physicians equipment. Includes exercise tolerance testing system(s), Holter Monitoring and Event Monitoring. In carrying out day-to-day tasks, the employee plans and executes procedures and handles problems independently. He/she uses judgment and initiation that includes selection of appropriate instruments and methods. Performs MIT work with stress test specialty. This requires knowledge and experience in operating, supervising the operation of and instructing in the operation of specialized equipment related to the specialization of the position. Performs MIT work with Holter/Event Monitoring specialty. This specialty area requires experience in applying, operating and instructing in Holter and Event Monitoring equipment. Performs quality checks on data, revising reports and completing reports for physician review. Schedules patient for application and removal of monitors. Performs training/instructing in the operation of EKG equipment to nursing staff in patient care and clinic areas. Instructs physicians and cardiology staff in the storage and use of MUSE System and VISTA imaging views. Provides staff development and training including equipment maintenance, computerization, regulatory issues, and JCAHO and HIPPA compliance. Receives request and/or, consults for procedures. Interprets request from physician for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability perform prescribed test. Receives assignment for which clear precedents exist. Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained. Employee understands and carries out the appropriate requests made by practitioners or seeks assistance of the supervision when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is requested. Maintain clinical activity statistics and conduct of quality management studies as indicated by multidisciplinary Cardiology program needs. Develops and writes policies/procedures specific to medical interventions and subject monitoring. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-430pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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: 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 & 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, & 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 & Certification/Registrations". Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) GS-07 Experience. 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.

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 Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Timothy McBrian
• Email: [email protected]