Electrocardiograph Technician; EKG

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Electrocardiographic Technician's primary function is to ensure that high quality electrocardiographic tracings are obtained. This position requires knowledge of the EKG data management system, a multi-component system that requires the technician to understand the workings of each individual part in its entirety.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package:
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The technician recognizes gross abnormalities in EKG pattern and rhythm and, if present, brings them to the attention of the staff cardiologist promptly. The technician uses comprehensive problem-solving skills of electrode placement on amputees, burn cases, bandaged, or cast patients. The technician should be familiar with code carts and defibrillators used in cardiac emergencies.

Should be able to assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and recognize cardiac arrest, calling attention to this when necessary, and instituting basic life support techniques. The technician is responsible for daily quality assurance checks of the cardiac defibrillator. The technician prepares the patient for all ambulatory cardiac event monitoring including 24-48-hour and 14-30-day event monitors.

He or she is responsible for keeping updated on current technical literature and must have the ability to secure cooperation of patients while performing tests in a professional manner. The technician consistently provides courteous service to all veterans and their families, treating them with respect and dignity.

The electrocardiographic technician executes position responsibilities that demonstrate teamwork and creative approaches to obtaining high quality electrocardiographic tracings including:
Performs quality 12-Lead EKG tracing. Applies and educates patients on purpose and operation of cardiac event monitors. Downloads EKG tracing from EKG machines, cardiac event monitors and exercise stress tests for reviewing and can print results for physicians.

Performs daily preventative care maintenance on equipment used in the Heart Station. Troubleshoots minor problems and report significant problems to Bio-Medical Engineering. Knowledge of safety and infection control policies, RME protocols, and able to carry out those standards in patient care. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to peers and work as a team to provide the safe and efficient care possible.

The electrocardiographic technician independently performs all functions of the above tests to include:
Responsible for maintaining GE MAC 5500 EKG machines and GE MUSE patient record system. Downloads EKG results from the EKG machine to MUSE network and download cardiac event monitor tracings using the MARS system. Maintains correct patient records in the MUSE system, including ensuring that orders are correct in CPRS with results attached.

Knowledge of proper electrode placement, skin preparation, and lead placement for event monitors and stress tests. Operates, maintains, and performs minor repairs on the MAC 5500 ECG machines, stress ECG monitor, treadmill exercise machine, and event monitors. Electrocardiographic lab programmatic/administrative:
Uploads EKG data to event capture. Completes and documents reminder call for assigned provider clinics.

Ensures adequate inventory levels of EKG instrumentation and supplies are maintained by submission of procurement requests prior to anticipated needs. Equipment/supplies will be appropriately maintained in accordance with Medical Center infection control guidelines; promptly notifies supervisor of equipment malfunction and/or supply deficiencies. Serves as a liaison with Bio-Medical Services as directed.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus):
Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):
Not Authorized. Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

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). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.…