Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG)

Summary 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. Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEnglish Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this partCertification: No certification is requiredhowever - it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certificationsLicensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupationhowever - it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge - skills - and abilitiesFor certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments - specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under ""Titles and Certification/Registrations""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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidatesGS-06 AssignmentAssignments at this level include but are not limited to: Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level receive and interpret physician's requests for diagnostic procedures and/or treatmentsexplain the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperationdocument the patient's recordindependently perform standardized testing monitoring the patient for adverse reactionsand operate - calibrate - and clean and/or sterilize commonly used equipmentAssignments at this level require knowledge of standard medical terminology as well as common diseases and their specific affectsElectrocardiograph Technician (EKG) - GS-07 ExperienceAt 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 filledThis would be experience which provided knowledge of the equipment - standard tests and procedures - and typical readings including arrhythmias and abnormalitiesIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and AbilitiesIn addition to the experience above - candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize - report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmiasKnowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measuresAbility to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations - Parkinson's disease - structural defects - and scar tissueAbility to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded techniciansAbility to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentationPreferred Experience: NoneReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing - bending - reaching - crouching - stooping - stretching - and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals - record boxes - equipment or assisting patientsSee https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Duties 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 promptlyThe technician uses comprehensive problem-solving skills of electrode placement on amputees - burn cases - bandaged - or cast patientsThe technician should be familiar with code carts and defibrillators used in cardiac emergenciesShould be able to assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and recognize cardiac arrest - calling attention to this when necessary - and instituting basic life support techniquesThe technician prepares the patient for all ambulatory cardiac event monitoring including 24-48-hour and 14-30-day event monitorsHe 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 mannerThe technician consistently provides courteous service to all veterans and their families - treating them with respect and dignityThe electrocardiographic technician executes position responsibilities that demonstrate teamwork and creative approaches to obtaining high quality electrocardiographic tracings including: Performs quality 12-Lead EKG tracingApplies and educates patients on purpose and operation of cardiac event monitorsDownloads EKG tracing from EKG machines - cardiac event monitors and exercise stress tests for reviewing and can print results for physiciansPerforms daily preventative care maintenance on equipment used in the Heart StationTroubleshoots minor problems and report significant problems to Bio-Medical EngineeringKnowledge of safety and infection control policies - RME protocols - and able to carry out those standards in patient careAbility to communicate both verbally and in writing to peers and work as a team to provide the safe and efficient care possibleThe electrocardiographic technician independently performs all functions of the above tests to include: Responsible for maintaining GE MAC VU 360 EKG machines and GE MUSE patient record systemDownloads EKG results from the EKG machine to MUSE network and download cardiac event monitor tracings using the MARS systemMaintains correct patient records in the MUSE system - including ensuring that orders are correct in CPRS with results attachedKnowledge of proper electrode placement - skin preparation - and lead placement for event monitors and stress testsOperates - maintains - and performs minor repairs on the GE MAC VU 360 EKG machines - stress ECG monitor - treadmill exercise machine - and event monitorsAbility to obtain - record - report vital signs - blood glucose levels - and daily weights per established clinical proceduresElectrocardiographic lab programmatic/administrative: Uploads EKG data to event captureCompletes and documents reminder call for assigned provider clinicsEnsures adequate inventory levels of EKG instrumentation and supplies are maintained by submission of procurement requests prior to anticipated needsEquipment/supplies will be appropriately maintained in accordance with Medical Center infection control guidelinespromptly notifies supervisor of equipment malfunction and/or supply deficienciesServes as a liaison with Bio-Medical Services as directedWork Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pmWork Schedule is subject to change based on agency needRecruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not AuthorizedPay: Competitive salary and regular salary increasesWhen 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 experienceParental 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 childChild 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 $416.66Retirement: 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 AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 61176F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.