Medical Instrument Technician- Electrocardiograph (EKG)

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. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

01Basic Requirements

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 and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, 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.

02Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-04 Medical Instrument Technician- (EKG)- (Trainee) 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 position to be filled.

6 months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining 6 months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. OR Education.

Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation. GS- 04 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the education or experience requirement above for the GS-04 level, the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.

Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. Ability to communicate orally and in writing GS- 05 Medical Instrument Technician-EKG (Trainee) 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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. OR Education.

Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. GS-05 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the education or experience requirement above for the GS-05 level, the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met.

Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.

Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. GS-06 Medical Instruction Technician - Electrocardiograph (EKG) 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.

GS-06 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the experience requirement above for the GS-06 level, the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met. 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. GS-07 Medical Instruction Technician - Electrocardiograph (EKG)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-07 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the experience requirement above for the GS-07 level, the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met. 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.

03Preferred Experience

1-2 years of experience as a Monitor Tech. Experience watching cardiac monitors. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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-04 to GS-07.

04Physical Requirements

The employee usually sits or stand for the majority of a shift while performing duties. Tension and stress are induced by the critical nature of producing work results on a pre-established time frame as well as in emergent situations. Employee must be able to read, write, and organize written material. Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 inches to a Jaeger 1 to 4. Far vision correctable in one eye 20/20 and 20/40 in the other. Full spectrum of color vision. Bilateral dexterity with the use of both hands.

Reaching above shoulders, bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling and unencumbered ambulation are required of this position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Operating and monitoring electrocardiographic equipment for continuous telemetry rhythm evaluation and interpretation. They are responsible for monitoring and interpreting cardiac rhythms and identifying lethal arrhythmias 24hrs/day, and immediately notifying RN/Charge RN or other Emergency Response Teams of the urgency and requesting further assessment of the patient. They are responsible for performing 12 Lead EKGs on patients.

They will have basic knowledge of pharmacology and the effects on cardiac rhythm that require customized adjustments to alarm parameters and monitoring functions. They are responsible for the proper storage and cleaning of the equipment. MITs are expected to show initiative by assuming responsibility for unassigned work and utilize duty time constructively. Flexibility in schedules to meet the needs of the varying patient priorities is required.

The MIT will maintain a clean, safe work environment by utilizing basic safety and infection control procedures. Will be assigned to the acute care setting (ICU), working a rotating tour of duty. In this capacity they will observe the patients on the monitor. Analyze the ECG strips document finding and report any unusual findings immediately to the RN. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.

Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.

When not assigned to the technical duty of the monitors, the MIT will perform the following functions under the direction of the RN: obtain vital signs as assigned, perform 12 lead EKG's, remove and apply remote telemetry, help maintain a safe environment of care, and other duties as assigned. Equipment Maintenance/Repair: tracks and maintains records of repair histories.

Inputs patient data into the telemetry monitoring system and assures patients are placed appropriately in assigned bed and on the correct monitoring equipment. Assists with the communication in the acute care setting by answering calls and making them asappropriate. Reports every shift to the manager or designee any patient care issues or abnormal rates and cardiac rhythms. Works with the acute care team and follows the work assignment accordingly and takes direction from the RN regarding patient care.

The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all telemetry supplies and maintaining equipment at the station. Documents rhythm interpretation every 8 hours and with any rhythm change. Recognizes lethal rhythms/arrhythmias (including acute myocardial infarction, STEMI, NSTEMI) and immediately notifies appropriate staff.

Provides centralized monitoring, prints, and interprets all elements of telemetry rhythm strip and informs nursing staff of any changes in rhythm. Provides companionship (sitter) as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Day Shift; 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; 12 hour shifts Compressed/Flexible:Available Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52576-A; 50539-A; 50540-A; 50541-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized