Medical Instrument Technician (Ekg)

SummaryThe New Mexico VA Healthcare Network is recruiting for a Medical Instrument Technicians (MIT) Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) assigned to the Heart Station under the Cardiology section of the Medicine Service line. The MIT operates electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing - ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias - and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patients.QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEducationThere are no specific educational requirements for this occupationLicensure or CertificationLicensure 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"For all specialties identified in this standard - Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirableTraining which does not result in official certification does not meet this definitionMay 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: GS-6 Medical Instrument Technicians (Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) 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 filledIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1Ability 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 procedure2Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests3Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment4Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action5Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testingCertificationNo certification is requiredhowever - it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certificationGS-7 Medical Instrument Technicians (Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) 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: 1Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize - report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias2Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures3Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations - Parkinson's disease - structural defects - and scar tissue4Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians5Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentationCertificationNo certification is requiredhowever - it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certificationsPhysical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterityThis position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushingTransferring patients and objects may be requiredMechanical lifts are providedThe MIT may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and will be required to don protective clothing while providing patient care and servicing/cleaning equipmentThe MIT may occasionally experience patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disordersThe MIT must be a mature and sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needsLifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment are requiredReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/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.DutiesDuties include but are not limited to: Instruct patient pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of patient during proceduresOperate electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing - ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias - and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patientsEvaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable resultsOperates medical diagnostic equipment including MAC 5000 ECG machinescardiolite - persantine & dobutamine stress tests and stress echo using CASE 8000 treadmillMUSE 5000 Cardiology Storage Systems - Ambulatory Monitory System (King of Hearts & Holter monitors) - Holter/Event Scanner and GEMS computer systemInterprets request from physician for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability perform prescribed testInstruct in the operation of EKG equipment to nursing and physician staff in patient care and clinic areasWork Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedJ-18808-Ljbffr