The telemetry technician's functions are to monitor the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms in a centralized station and notify the appropriate clinical staff as directed.
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. 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. Appendix E - Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) GS-7. (a) Experience. 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. (c) 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. (d) Assignment. This represents the full performance level. Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level 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 when gross abnormalities appear, when to repeat certain procedures, when to stop test procedures, and when to get the immediate attention of a physician. They evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the examination. They edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing for further interpretation by the physician ***NOTE: EXPERIENCE AND KSA'S MUST REFLECT IN RESUME! NO ASSUMPTIONS WILL BE MADE! References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 APPENDIX G-27 APPENDIX E PART II. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services. This position requires to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test, and other medical related requirements.
Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Monitor electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings and reports abnormal findings to appropriate staff. Interpret a variety of normal and abnormal ECG tracings, waveforms, and numerical values for the purpose of determining the appropriate immediate course of action and communicating the information to the correct level of health care provider. Recognize changes in patients' condition and is astute in identifying the need for intervention. Knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and observable patient responses in cardiovascular disease and rehabilitation and the effects of medical and nursing therapies on the disease processes and observable patient responses. Knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used to perform telemetry and hardwire ECG, central venous pressure, arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation monitoring. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:30pm-8:00am, 11:30pm-8:00am, 1130pm-12:00pm with alternating weekends and holidays. Flexibility to meet patient and program needs. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 04895F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required