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The Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) Independently performs routine to moderately complex EKG, stress testing, and holtor monitoring examination procedures.

Responsible to the Chief, Diagnostic Services and supervisor for the quality and quantity of exams
performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of studies.

Positively identifies each patient using two identifiers according to hospital policies.

Performs 12-lead EKG exams, independently taking corrective measures to improve exam outcome by adjusting machine settings, as needed.

Able to interpret EKG tracings to identify arrhythmias and gross abnormalities. Immediately notifies
physician when serious abnormalities or potentially lethal arrhythmias exist.

Gathers EKG discs from all the EKG carts in the medical center and downloads exams into the MUSE for
physician interpretation.

Attaches patients to the cardiac event Holtor-type monitor for continuous 24 hour recording. Explains
procedure and diary-keeping to the patient. Upon return of 24 hour Holtor monitor, responsible for scanning data from monitor into the computer system for physician interpretation.

Responsible for the stress laboratory, assisting the attending physician in his examination and the
conducting of the stress tests in a timely manner. Performs regular exercise stress tests, cardiolite stress tests and Persantine cardiolite stress tests under the guidance of a physician. Preps patient chest with razor, if needed. Orders Persantine from the pharmacy and sets up the IV Persantine for the test.
Responsible for attaching medication results to consults for EKG, Holtor monitor, and stress test
examinations.

Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. The technicians wear film badges to assure compliance to radiation regulations. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

Independent solution of problems or difficulties which arise. Problems of this nature are always discussed with the physician, although action of an independent nature often becomes necessary because of the immediacy of the situation.

Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to biomedical engineer and/or supervisor.

Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
Assists in the scheduling of exams as necessary. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and arranges priorities to accommodate these requests.

Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and/or
adjustments. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to biomedical engineers and/or supervisor.

Supervises and trains rotating EKG students.

Possesses the ability to vary medical conditions, body habitus, and/or physical limitations. Must be able to physically lift, bend, twist, stoop, push, pull, and stand for long periods of time.

Performs routine computer procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved. This requires event capture of exams in the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) system.

Keeps abreast of new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.

Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies.

Gathers related information such as lab values, imaging reports, etc. so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made in the diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders.

Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the work area is clean and sanitary.
Must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center. Must participate in
quality assurance activities as directed.

Follows departmental contingency plan in the event of electrical outage or computer downtime.
Maintains Basic Life Support certification.

Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) Responsible to follow the local Standard Operating Procedure.
SPD and Infection Control should be consulted when clarification of written instructions are needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Rotating day shift 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM as needed, days may vary
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
• 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 GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• 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.
• Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
• Physical Requirements. Pre-employment, random physical and drug testing
• English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English

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-7 Grade Level

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.

GS-6 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. 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.
2. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests.
3. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action.
5. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

GS-7 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias.
2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures.
3. 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.
4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.
5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation.

References: VA Handbook 5005/15 March 17, 2006 Part II Appendix G27 II-G27-32

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: moderate lifting 15-44 pounds, moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (2 hours), both legs required (one leg or foot may be compensated by prosthesis), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), good distant vision in 1 eye and ability to read printed material the size of typewritten characters-glasses permitted.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.