The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) is a member of the health care team on the Acute/Critical patient care units in Nursing Service. The incumbent performs cardiac monitoring (halter monitoring, stress test, electrocardiography) on cardiac patients within the Acute Care setting. One year of telemetry and rhythm interpretation is the preferred experience being requested.
Basic Requirements: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grandfathering Provision: 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: Medical Instrument Technician (EKG), GS-6 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 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. Medical Instrument Technician (EKG), GS-7 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 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: 2-3 years of experience preferred. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54, PART II, APPENDIX G27, Dated JUNE 7, 2012 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Major Duties include but are not limited to the following: Observes, gathers, initiates, compiles, and records telemetry data. Reports cardiac rhythm changes and information on monitored patients. Observes central telemetry monitors, records, and identifies all changes in the patients baseline cardiac rhythm and promptly notify nurse caring for patient. Seeks prompt assistance from appropriate staff for cardiac rhythm interpretation beyond expertise. Obtains rhythm strips on admission, every 48 hours or per unit policy or more frequently if ordered by licensed independent provider or nurse. Interprets rhythm strips to include rate (atrial and ventricular), rhythm, PR interval, QRS interval, QT interval, ectopic beats, and ST segment changes. Reports the status of monitored patients to the technician for the next shift. Maintains electronic telemetry log. Identifies life threatening dysrhythmias and takes immediate action. Alerts nursing staff to check patient. Monitors and documents all pertinent information during a cardiac arrest and report ail changes to patient's nurse. Completes and submits required documentation to code team immediately following the cardiac arrest. Records cardiac rhythms during cardiac arrest and resuscitations, cardioversions and during administration of intravenous push indications such as digoxin, verapamil, adenosine, etc., etc. Admits patients to the monitoring system, sets alarms per nursing staff directions or based on protocols, adjust gain, and set proper lead (s). Responds appropriately to all alarms in accordance with unit policies. Work Schedule: Full-Time and Compressed Tour. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required