The incumbent performs diagnostic tests in the Electrocardiogram (EKG) unit and throughout the hospital, which includes Medical, Surgical, Intensive Care, Same Day Surgery, Extended Care, Psychiatry and Nursing Home Care Units. The incumbent has responsibility for carrying out administrative duties within Medical Service directly related to patient care and treatment. The incumbent must be familiar with differing operational procedures of various clinics and units.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Major duties: Schedules appointment tests and coordinates all activities and appointments of the clinic area to avoid conflicts in the patient treatment plan. Orders are completed and signed off properly. On tests requiring utilization of other resources, proper forms are executed, and appropriate signature of authorizing official obtained prior to sending patient for procedure. Ensures all manual log and computer entries for validation and workload reporting purposes are correctly entered in a timely manner. Inspects the medical records after the completion of the final evaluation by the physician, for follow-up appointments or for no further action by utilizing knowledge of medical terminology and skill in reading medical charts. Set up, calibrate, and run equipment to complete electrocardiographic records. Will frequently work with patient who is critically ill within the hospital. Essential that the technician be capable of recognizing adverse responses and initiate appropriate emergency procedures such as Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. Responsible for the performance of electrocardiograms, both at the bedside and in the service, the incumbent must be capable of recognizing clinical abnormalities in the electrocardiogram and performing rhythm strips when rhythm is noted as being abnormal. In addition, the technician must be capable of determining which abnormalities should immediately be brought to the attention of the attending physician. Assists patients in contacting members of their treatment team, volunteer or social service as needed. Arranges for Veteran to meet with Social Security Representative or Veterans Benefit Counselor. Furnishes information for insurance claims and physician signature after obtaining proper consent. Perform daily cleaning and routine maintenance of the equipment in the electrocardiographic department following established infection control and departmental policies. It will be the responsibility of the technician to identify basic equipment malfunctions and breaches in infection control policy and initiate corrective action within the scope of the position. Perform related tasks essential to the smooth operation of the electrocardiographic unit. This may include delivery of tracings to requesting physician, filing of completed work, editing of completed EKGs and compilation of departmental statistics. Performs all other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:00am - 4:30pm; 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 613-24039-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at the GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Basic and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certifications are desirable. Electrocardiograph Technicians (EKG) operate instruments used to record electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests, 24-48 hour monitoring and scanning, and pacemaker evaluations. Certification is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) 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. Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) GS-6 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to recognize special patient needs such as disabilities, impaired mobility, and complicating medical conditions in order to prepare and position the patient for the prescribed procedure. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) GS-7 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates that 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: Incumbent may be responsible for lifting up to 30 pounds. Forms and office supplies for the entire unit are ordered and distributed by the incumbent. The physical demands require repetition of sitting/standing/twisting/bending and stretching.

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 Martinsburg VA Medical Center 510 Butler Avenue Martinsburg, WV 25405 US
• Name: Carrie Trenary
• Phone: 304-268-7780
• Email: [email protected]