The New Mexico VA Healthcare Network is recruiting for a Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph) works in the Telemetry Unit within the Nursing Service Line, monitoring the patient's electrocardiogram (EKG) waveforms in a centralized station and notify the appropriate clinical staff as directed. The Technician reports to the Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager, but must work in collaboration with all members of the patient care team. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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. For 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". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. 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: Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) GS-05: At least I 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. 2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. 3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. 4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. 5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. GS-06: 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. 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. 2. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests. 3. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action. 5. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing. GS-07: 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. 2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures. 3. 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. 4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. 5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation. Preferred Experience: Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT), Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications, and Telemetry certification. NOTE: You will be required to demonstrate EKG competency via a Telemetry Test, which can only be taken twice. If you fail the official exam twice, you will not be permitted to work in an area requiring telemetry. As appropriate, the agency may also initiate adverse action proceedings, up to and including your removal from Federal employment. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, GS-0649, Veterans Health Administration. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-07. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking; standing; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability; ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. ["The Electrocardiography Technician performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures, and related examinations, such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter tapes/disks, event monitor strips and editing EKG, Holter, and treadmill reports. Echocardiography Technicians operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. The major duties and responsibilities of the Medical Instrument (Electrocardiograph) Technician includes but are not limited to: Operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment. Monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and when gross abnormalities appear, and when to get the immediate attention of a nurse. Evaluate and determine appropriate, correct machine adjustments. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results. Edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing for further interpretation by a nurse and/or further diagnosis by the provider. Provide continuous cardiac rhythm interpretation and reporting of monitor tracing of patients to appropriate clinical staff. Perform cardiac monitoring activities that include initiating, monitoring, recording, interpreting, documenting, and discontinuing telemetry. Interpret a variety of normal and abnormal EKG tracings and communicates the information to appropriate clinical staff. Recognize changes in patients' condition and is astute in identifying the need for intervention. Evaluate the integrity of equipment both prior to placement on patient and during the patient's telemetry monitoring. Maintain and keeps track of telemetry equipment as patients are discharged and transferred. Evaluate patients for discharge from telemetry in collaboration with providers. Perform supplemental downtime duties which may include additional patient care tasks Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday: Rotating 8 hour tours to meet the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
