Medical Instrument Technician; EKG

Summary

Medical Instrument Technicians (EKG) will operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing and ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and possess knowledge to identify gross abnormalities - when to repeat certain procedures - when to stop test procedures - and when to get the immediate attention of a physician.

• 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
• Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• Grandfathering Provision
• 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
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• 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
• 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-8:
  Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) - which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled - and must fully meet the KSAs at that level
• This would be experience which provided knowledge of advanced specialized procedures - the pharmacology related to this occupation - and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment
• Examples of experience would include
• operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing - ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias - and indirect carotid pulse tracings
• monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and when gross abnormalities appear - when to repeat certain procedures - when to stop test procedures - and when to get the immediate attention of a physician
• evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable results
• edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing for further interpretation by the physician
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience - candidates must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
  Knowledge of pharmacology related to specialized procedures
• Ability to provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff including physicians
• Knowledge of a variety of related acute disorders and diseases - their effects on organs - and methods of treatment
• Ability to perform more complex procedures such as SAECG (Signal Averaged ECG) - Tilt table monitoring - electrophysiology monitoring - and event monitoring
• 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
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Certified EKG Technician Three or more years' experience performing in EKG field or cardiology Currently employed as an EKG Technician or Cardiology Technician Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08
• Physical Requirements:
  
  While performing the duties of this job - the employee is frequently required to stand - walk - sit for extended periods - use hands and fingers - reach with arms - talk - and hear
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop - kneel - crouch - and push or move equipment throughout the hospital
• The position may also involve assisting with patient transfers in and out of beds or wheelchairs - which may require light - moderate - or heavy lifting and carrying ranging from 15 to over 45 pounds
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds - frequently up to 25 pounds - and occasionally up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision - distance vision - color vision - depth perception - and the ability to adjust focus
• The role involves repetitive computer use for extended periods - particularly when scanning or processing EKG studies
• The incumbent may be required to…