Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph Technician-EKG)

Summary Medical Instrument Technicians (Electrocardiograph Technician) (EKG) operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias, and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patients. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and determine when to repeat procedures, when to stop test procedures, and when a Physician's attention is required. Qualifications Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience or Education: At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant or practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six 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 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. Candidates must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 recognize signs of distress. Ability to learn standard positions for the procedure being conducted. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. English Language Proficiency; spoken and written English proficiency is required. 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. Grade Determinations: GS‑7 – Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) Experience: At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS‑6) that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position. 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, standardized procedures, and common errors with corrective measures. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain correct results with patients who have complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, or scar tissue. Ability to act as a mentor to lower graded technicians. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment. Physical Requirements: Ability to help move equipment, transfer and position patients, and perform delicate manipulations needed to obtain accurate studies. Duties Stress Test Assist in performance of exercise treadmill and pharmacologic stress tests. Inform patients about the protocol for exercise or pharmacologic stress testing. Carefully prepare the patient's skin and apply electrodes to eliminate interference. Monitor blood pressure accurately before, during, and after exercise or pharmacologic stress, and observe the ECG for changes that require protocol modifications or discontinuation. Operate computerized ECG acquisition equipment. Monitor patients for exercise tolerance and assist in determining when exercise must be terminated. Be prepared to take appropriate action in the event of an emergency and initiate basic cardio‑pulmonary resuscitation if needed. Holter Monitor Prepare patients for Holter monitoring, including patient teaching, skin preparation, electrode application, and acquisition of a standardized baseline. Scan (read) Holter tapes using an automated digital reading station and prepare standardized arrhythmia summaries for physician review. Recognize significant arrhythmias and take immediate action to inform the reading physician and the physician in charge of the patient's care. Cardiac Event Monitor Instruct patients on the use and application of cardiac event monitors. Instruct patients on methods of telephone transmission and receive transmission of arrhythmia recordings. Recognize significant arrhythmias and inform the reading physician and the physician in charge of the patient's care. Recognize malignant arrhythmias and significant abnormalities such as ischemia and infarction patterns. EKG Record routine and emergent 12‑lead electrocardiograms on outpatients and hospitalized patients. Select appropriate lead placements, including Lewis leads for atrial activity, as appropriate. Download recorded ECGs to a computerized ECG data management system (e.g., GE MUSE). Assist in EKG monitoring during tilt testing and pharmacological interventions, and warn the physician immediately of any untoward drug effects. Other Duties Instruct residents, fellows, and medical students in non‑invasive procedures and basic interpretation of tests. Maintain all equipment in good working order, make minor repairs and adjustments as needed, and report malfunctions to biomedical engineering. Support the EKG Administrator for data, training, and reports, and act as backup administrator as needed. Benefits Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Authorized and may be offered to selected applicants. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time off 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 or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement. 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 eligible childcare costs, capped at $416.66 per month. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution. Health/Vision/Dental/Term Life/Long‑Term Care: Included under VA Insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement. Telework: Not available. #J-18808-Ljbffr