This position is located at the VA Palo Alto Care System. The supervisory medical instrument technician's (MIT) functions are to supervise the staff and provide management for the monitoring of patient's electrocardiogram waveforms in a centralized station and ensure the prompt notification of the appropriate clinical staff as directed. The employee is also responsible for supervising the staff and overseeing the appropriate monitoring of patients qualified for the AvaSys TeleSitter system.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: The Supervisory MIT (ECG & AvaSys) provides leadership and management for the 24/7 centralized telemetry monitoring program and the 24/7 centralized Telesitter monitoring program. The incumbent is responsible for scheduling, training, competency, and supervision of the GS-7 MIT (ECG), GS-8 Lead MIT (ECG), GS-6 Health Technician and GS-7 Lead Health Technician. Individuals in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of subordinate technicians. The incumbent will work closely with the GS-8 Lead MIT (ECG) and GS-7 Lead Health Technician to ensure both Leads are able to provide back-up in the incumbent's absence in overseeing operations and day-to-day functions of the Telemetry ECG monitoring program and AvaSys telemonitoring program, respectively. The MIT (ECG) provides continuous cardiac surveillance, rhythm interpretation, and reporting of monitor tracings of patients to appropriate clinical staff. The technician performs cardiac monitoring activities that include initiating, monitoring, recording, interpreting, documenting, and discontinuing telemetry. Other telemetry technician duties include but are not limited to the following: Continuously monitors electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings, oxygen saturation, central venous pressures, and arterial pressure wave forms and values. Be skilled in interpreting a variety of normal and abnormal ECG tracings, waveforms, and numerical values for the purpose of determining the appropriate immediate course of action and communicating the information to the correct level of health care provider. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and is astute in identifying the need for intervention. Has practical knowledge of intricate examination or treatment procedures. Has knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and observable patient responses in cardiovascular diseases and rehabilitation and the effects of medical and nursing therapies on the disease processes and observable patient responses. Operates and monitors ECG equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving identifying location of myocardium injury and ischemia. Has knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used to perform telemetry and hardwire ECG, central venous pressure, arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation monitoring. Maintains patient cardiac rhythm tracing record and other accompanying documentation. The Health Technician (AvaSys) provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients using the AvaSys Telesitter equipment. Provides a first line of action to verbally redirect patients from engaging in at risk behaviors. When needed, they summon nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. The incumbent also performs the work similar to that lead as they remain knowledgeable and supportive of the patient and institutional confidentiality. In this role they will be responsible for the following duties: Maintains visual observation of all patients on the system, always. Verbally redirects patients over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room. Immediately Summons nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Initiates and discontinues patients on the AvaSys Telesitter program after direction from the RN nursing staff. Documents all admissions, discharges, adverse events, and routine observations as required and outlined by the Telesitter program. Participates in report with on-coming monitor staff when arriving for shift, and upon completion of shift. Reviews pertinent information and behaviors. Provides floor staff with information in a timely fashion when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to appropriate staff members. Remains routinely in contact with floor staff regarding the patient's status, effectiveness of monitoring, need for continual or discontinuation of monitoring, or if patient no longer meets outlined criteria for Telesitter monitoring. Escalates issues in a timely fashion to staff nurse, unit charge nurse, lead AvaSys tech, or nursing supervisor as appropriate. Maintains patient dignity and privacy. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 7:30a-4p, with flexibility to meet department needs Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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". 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: Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) GS-09 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as SAECG, ETT, Tilt table monitoring, electrophysiology monitoring, and event monitoring in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to develop analysis interpretation formats, and to receive inquiries concerning results. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Ability to manage and supervise employees. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

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